Jo Staffelbach Heinz

Much has been written lately about how work as we know it and the office are changing. That’s the latest discussion point: From new ways of working, to mobile means for working to the elimination of offices and the “work anywhere, anytime,” philosophy.

“Our personal and professional lives are meshed now, and people need spaces where they can flourish whatever way they’re working.” —360steelcase.com

But in the end, the old adage, “form follows function” is paramount. How you work, how you want to work, and the environment and surroundings that help you work best determine how well you work.

Productivity comes about when tasks are understood, when mission statements are lived and when individuals are engaged and able to achieve their tasks. Think about this.

The Olympic teams traveled to London to new surroundings, a new climate, a new venue, and still, many managed to achieve excellence and break world records. With them it was about their preparation, their discipline, their teamwork, and their determination.

Are our office spaces and work environments any different? It’s still about coming together at the right time in the best way to achieve the best possible result. And it’s about knowing that what we do is supported adequately by the equipment, the ergonomics, the acoustics, the privacy, and the communication to get it done in the best possible way.

With all of the choices out there, it’s sometimes confusing to determine what office configuration or planning style is best. Yet if we allow our functions to dictate the form the office takes, we’ll remain true to the purpose at hand. After all, we all want to achieve great things together—and that’s what makes work not really work at all.

Jo Staffelbach Heinz is President and CEO of Dallas-based Staffelbach. Contact her at jheinz@staffelbach.com.