ABSTRACT
The positive aspect of the 1980s/90s efficiency movement was that real tangible cost reductions were attainable. As a result, office accommodation caught the eye of the Board, in a positive sense, perhaps for the first time. The ability to make the case for related investment, for example in new furniture or more appropriate technology, became possible. However, the short-term cost benefits, enabled through efficiency savings, still play an important role in securing business case approvals to embark on most workplace change projects. Shaving space standards and knocking down walls can provide some easy quick wins. Taking a hard look at the office layouts or space planning can also be fruitful. Desk-sharing can also provide huge workspace efficiencies, but as alluded to earlier, needs to be implemented with care. Another efficiency approach worthy of mention is the creation of 'generic workspace', rather than workspace that is heavily adapted or personalised for a particular department, team or, indeed, set of individuals.
