October 20, 2016 by

Working the Workplace: IFMA’s World Workplace Facility Conference

CRTKL’s Jodi Williams and Joelle Jach spoke at 2016’s IFMA World Workplace Facility Conference. On the blog, Jach discusses her experience.

CallisonRTKL was proud to sponsor two presentations at this year’s IFMA World Workplace Facility Conference, and I was honored to be given the opportunity to speak. This year’s conference was packed with insights on the future of work, the changing workplace and innovation in facilities. Speakers from a variety of industries joined Jodi and I to present on the latest and greatest in technology, facility operations, real estate management and leadership strategies.

At the conference, I presented with Humanscale’s Laura Anderson. We were able to integrate our different areas of expertise, workplace strategy and ergonomics, to create a presentation called “Beyond the Desk: Integrating Ergonomics into Activity-Based Work.” We focused on ways to promote good ergonomics in all areas of the workplace, rather than just in the individual workspace. Traditional ergonomics programs have focused on good posture and furniture in the individual workstation or office, but with the growing popularity of activity-based work and other alternative workplace strategies, there is a real need to apply sound ergonomic principles to all areas of the work environment, from conference rooms to pantries to open collaborative areas, and everywhere in between.

Associate Vice President Jodi Williams also presented at the IFMA’s conference. She presented with Arcadis’ Cam McWilliam. “The Arcadis Story: Communicating Up, Down, Backwards & Forwards” discussed key insights gained from the development and implementation of Arcadis’ global workplace guidelines and real estate strategy, including everything from governance processes and standards development to real workplace roll-out. The focus here was communication, which Jodi identified as the key component to any large-scale project. By creating and utilizing open communications pathways, even the most complicated and globally-focused projects can contribute to creating an open and productive workplace.

Jodi and I were so thrilled to learn so much about and contribute to the future of the workplace. The insights gained at this year’s conference were invaluable, and we look forward to seeing what’s next in the world of workplace. See you all next year!

Contact Joelle Jach or Jodi Williams for more information on their respective presentations.