What we do

We design and deliver gamified multi-disciplinary workplace change programmes that involve changes in behaviour, working practices, technology, location, space and workplace management.

In a nutshell we…

  • Work with leaders to define their vision
  • Use data and research to develop a definitive ‘case for change’ 
  • Undertake change readiness assessments to gauge the strength of intervention needed
  • Develop a communication and engagement strategy unique to each client 
  • Support leaders and change champions as they engage with colleagues
  • Conduct post-implementation studies to fine tune solutions

We've delivered strategic change programmes for some of the world’s leading brands

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If you’re staying still, you’re falling behind

 

When change is tough, it’s helpful to have an independent, objective expert who’s able to see the bigger picture and map out your change journey.

To change deep-rooted workplace practices and behaviours takes a structured and engaging approach tuned to each organisation’s DNA and sensitivities. Our experienced experts, trained in AWA’s unique neuroscience-based change framework, work with our clients to develop innovative change management programmes that enable a smooth transition to new models of work.

 

More effective collaboration

86%

Proportion of survey respondents at the University of Manchester who perceived team collaboration to be effective or very effective during our pilot programme (compared to only 26% previously).

 

Greater communication and trust

6

We have identified six key factors that are present in high performing workplaces. All six improved during our work with the British Heart Foundation.

 

Trusted by leading companies

“Leading a major change management project in complex international organisation is challenging undertaking. I knew it would involve multiple stakeholders, take wide-ranging collaboration and that we would need some expert, confident experience to help steer and deliver it. AWA has provided that.”

Tom Crame, Head of Global Workplace, Amnesty International

“Leading a major change management project in complex international organisation is challenging undertaking. I knew it would involve multiple stakeholders, take wide-ranging collaboration and that we would need some expert, confident experience to help steer and deliver it. AWA has provided that.”

"I have no hesitation in recommending AWA to any organisation, no matter how big, as they have demonstrated to us that they have the capability to meet any challenge."

Neil Jones, BGUK Director of Property, Bupa

“With AWA’s help, we've been able to create a transformational space which supports our hybrid working approach and transforms our culture and ways of working to become more agile and innovative. This helps us recruit and retain the best talent, which supports our core purpose of funding research to save lives. None of this would have been possible without the help of AWA.”

Kerry Smith, Chief People Officer, BHF

“With AWA’s help, we've been able to create a transformational space which supports our hybrid working approach and transforms our culture and ways of working to become more agile and innovative. This helps us recruit and retain the best talent, which supports our core purpose of funding research to save lives. None of this would have been possible without the help of AWA.”

“Along with data and insights AWA bring practical processes that involve everyone from grass root team members to the most senior executives, developing effective change to meet all parties’ goals. They have become trusted advisers around not only workplace matters but in behavioural change.”

Peter Haigh, Chairman, Mintel

“Along with data and insights AWA bring practical processes that involve everyone from grass root team members to the most senior executives, developing effective change to meet all parties’ goals. They have become trusted advisers around not only workplace matters but in behavioural change.”

“AWA’s detailed and in-depth engagement process allowed us to reach out to all levels of occupants and really understand staff perception on what will be needed to create a new working environment that would align with business requirements and where changes in behaviour, management style and space might be appropriate.”

Steve Chapman, Interim Head of Estates ICF Security, Estates and Information Directorate, Home Office

“AWA’s detailed and in-depth engagement process allowed us to reach out to all levels of occupants and really understand staff perception on what will be needed to create a new working environment that would align with business requirements and where changes in behaviour, management style and space might be appropriate.”

How we deliver change

We help organisations to start afresh

When people have been thinking and doing things the same way for long periods of time, habits become neurologically ingrained and make change challenging – both individually and communally.

We have the tools and the talent to transform firmly established workplace practices.

OUR IMPACT

Evolving behaviours to optimise the workplace at the University of Manchester

During a nine-month pilot scheme we analysed data and worked with academics and professional services staff to test future workplace solutions, build trust and develop new ways of working.

OUR IMPACT

How enhanced working practices at the BHF led to increased staff satisfaction

We supported the British Heart Foundation to redesign the workplace and turn it into somewhere employees want to be. Social cohesion and communication across teams increased as a result.

“We've been able to create a transformational space which supports our hybrid working approach…none of this would have been possible without the help of AWA.” Kerry Smith, Chief People Officer, BHF

01

Building the case for change

We work with leaders and project teams. We use data and discussions to clarify the change they want to bring to pass and build a ‘case for change’ defining a single truth about the change.

  • What is the change we want to make?
  • Why are we making the change?
  • When will the change happen?
  • Who will be involved?
Get the facts on the ground

02

Get the facts on the ground

We work as part of the project team to integrate the change programme into the project plan, representing the employee ‘consumer’ influencing milestones and solutions.

  • Workplace experience
  • User journeys
  • Day in the life simulations
Develop the organisation for change

03

Develop the organisation for change

To bring about complex change requires a parallel organisation to deliver the change while the business continues to deliver solid business outcomes.

  • Identification of steering groups, sponsors and champions
  • Roles, responsibilities, behaviours
  • Decision-making processes
  • Communication control
The change process

04

The change process

We build energising change management and communications programmes.

  • Sequencing of activities ‘pre’ and ‘post’ change
  • Progressive communications strategies and programmes
  • Digital communications strategies
  • Engaging events
Implement change

05

Implement change

We support your champions, leaders and project team to to make the change happen

  • Leader support
  • Champions training and support
Deliver sustained success

06

Deliver sustained success

We monitor the change and the workplace experience and intervene to address challenges.

  • Move in champion support
  • Post occupancy evaluation
  • Training and workshops
  • Lessons learned
Building the case for change

Get in touch to find out how we can support your organisation on your change journey.

Schedule a call today

WHY WORK WITH US?

At AWA, we’ve been helping organisations navigate a path to agile models of working for more than 30 years.

Our research


Our scientific research and understanding of neuroscience underpin all of our work

Our tailored approach


We understand the challenges your business faces, but don’t arrive with pre-conceived solutions

We’re global, yet local


We have a community of expert consultants across the world who can be relied upon to deliver industry-leading advice that incorporates local sensitivities

We’re fiercely independent


Our solutions and advice are objective and evidence-backed. We're on your side and uninfluenced by commercial drivers

Our experience


Since 1992 we've been at the forefront in supporting some of the world’s leading organisations to implement new models of work

OUR SUCCESS STORIES

We’ve helped our clients get their workplace right and become a key asset

Our Impact

How we helped WTW save $100m per year and successfully merge two companies

When Willis and Towers Watson merged we established a new sense of community and helped the business save $100m per year through reductions in its property portfolio.

Our Impact

Revising perceptions of ‘in office’ roles

Our bespoke discovery process and infrastructure reviews provided the data to show how the care group could successfully implement beneficial new workplace policies.