InvestDirect is the postal savings account within Nationwide Building Society. Since its launch, the operation has continued to grow steadily. The account now represents a significant share of Nationwide?s total savings balances. Looking ahead, InvestDirect knew that to meet its service objectives, it would need to employ more teams and also make improvements in productivity requiring changes to work practices and processes.
Taking more space to accommodate growth provided the opportunity to ?re-engineer? the workplace to better support work, enhance productivity, improve workplace utilisation and raise the levels of satisfaction staff derived from the work environment.
Working with Nationwide?s Estates Department and the management team of InvestDirect, AWA studied operational and management processes and reviewed future multi-skilling plans. The results provided a new workplace brief. Following workshops for staff and managers, AWA developed designs and graphics showing new layouts, facilities and furnishings. Post occupancy evaluation confirmed that improvements in staff satisfaction and operational performance have been fully achieved.
Impact of Wireless Technologies on Facilities
Nationwide Building Society commissioned AWA to conduct a short study on the impact of wireless technologies on office design and layout.
Wireless technologies such Wireless LANs, infra-red, WAP mobile phones and Bluetooth cable-less communications can potentially have significant implications upon office design and support for flexible working strategies.
The study looked at the implications of each of these technologies upon the choice of office furniture, office layout, flexible working, office moves, health and safety and compatibility with existing communication technologies. Actual case studies were examined, the technical literature reviewed and strategic recommendations provided.
