What we do

Workplace innovation offers the ideal opportunity for business transformation using the workplace as a trigger for a dynamic shift. Our approach to workplace innovation underpins comprehensive hybrid working and workplace strategies. These strategies create the roadmaps to the future – setting up the environment to support the teams tasked with innovation in your organisation with new working practices, tools, policies, culture and space.

At AWA, we don’t have any cookie-cutter solutions. We listen, engage with your team, gather data, and develop strategies and plans that support your organisational goals. Our team is nimble and focused on coming up with new, innovative concepts aligned with your vision, your goals, your priorities.

To develop and refine those innovative concepts, we collaborate with your team to build unique pilot programmes, bringing the latest research, design, digital and behavioural concepts to life and demonstrating how workplace innovation can encourage business transformation. These pilot programmes go beyond space-related solutions to integrate technology, operations, practices, policies and protocols.

Why AWA

Creating the conditions for innovation to thrive in your organisation is what we at AWA do every day. We see workplace innovation as strategic, and grounded in a holistic, integrated approach to work and workplace generally. We drive workplace innovation at every level of an organisation – from frontline staff, to middle management and leadership. We consider innovation to include transformational change around the physical space, digital tools, human learning and development and the employee experience – wherever it happens.

Workplace strategy

Workplace is a dynamic ecosystem made up of the social, digital and physical environments in which today’s workforce seamlessly operates. Learn more about how to bring workplace innovation into your organisation.

Testimonials

“Mintel has worked successfully with AWA for over a decade on several major projects. We chose them for their expertise and experience at the cutting edge of understanding workplaces. They lead the industry with well-crafted research to understand the dynamic workplace landscape and help solve the real-world issues of operating successfully in a changing world. Along with data and insights they 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

“We have worked with AWA for more than five years and value the collaborative partnership we have with them. They have supported the ongoing evolution of our workplace, providing deep insights and extensive expertise. With their 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, British Heart Foundation

“AWA has been a great resource of global data and research for us regarding agile, hybrid and the world of working. They are responsive, willing to question assumptions, and work as a partner to help us make good decisions.”

Neil Austin VP Real Estate Portfolio Management and Transaction Services, Omnicom Group

“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, not by steaming in and dictating how things should be based on their ideals, but by listening to us, learning, understanding and advising. I have enjoyed working closely with them on this project. I have felt supported, they have always been available to discuss challenges and options and have always responded promptly, constructively and positively with solutions and alternative ideas for consideration.”

Tom Crame Head of Global Workplace, Amnesty International

“We were really keen to understand how the learnings and behaviours of Covid enforced home working would affect the post-pandemic return of staff and in particular to our Sheffield campus as we have plans to restack and refurbish the office space. 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. Their insights also allowed us to create a blueprint of alternative space types that we’ve used to inform the repurposing of space across our nationwide estate.”

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

FAQ’s about Workplace Innovation

  • Workplace innovation involves implementing new ideas, technologies, and strategies to improve how work is done. It focuses on:
    • Enhancing Efficiency: Streamlining processes and reducing barriers.
    • Improving Employee Experience: Creating environments that foster collaboration, flexibility, and engagement.
    • Adapting to Change: Continuously evolving to meet the needs of the modern workforce.
  • A science-based approach supports workplace innovation by:
    • Leveraging Data: Using research and analytics to inform decision-making.
    • Understanding Human Behavior: Applying insights from psychology and neuroscience to design effective work environments.
    • Measuring Impact: Tracking the success of innovations through evidence-based results and adjustments.
  • AWA recommends strategies such as:
    • Hybrid Working Models: Balancing remote and in-office work to enhance flexibility.
    • Activity-Based Working: Designing spaces to support different work styles and tasks.
    • Technology Integration: Implementing digital tools that promote seamless collaboration and communication.
    • Employee Wellbeing Programs: Supporting physical and mental health to boost productivity.