THE SOLUTION
How could wasted desks, cubicles and offices be
eliminated and telework encouraged (particularly
on days when weather-related incidents closed
the office) without the department devolving into
crowded, unscheduled chaos?
And how could the work environment be adapted
to a more mobile work style, where teleworking
is not just the norm, but where the entire work
space is depersonalized so employees can work
anywhere within that space?
The answer was an ambitious pilot project that
consolidated CBP's two Office of Administration
floors into one smaller
8,700 square-foot floor
with just 27 desks.
Rather than each employee
being assigned a specific desk, different types of
workspaces — from private offices to collaborative
workspaces — are available, with employees
choosing what they need and when depending
on the day and their style of working. Employees
are also encouraged to work at home two days
per week.
To make the telework and space-sharing work
smoothly and efficiently, the department did a
study
of its needs by collecting data and engaging
employees. Then, it implemented AgilQuest's
workplace reservation software. With this cloud-
hosted product, employees can reserve the
space they need from a menu of options using
an online reservation platform from their desktop,
tablet or smartphone, as well as keep track of
where their colleagues are working. The software
also integrates with common workplace needs
(such as catering and audio-visual equipment)
and intelligent building systems that manage
electricity, lighting and HVAC usage.
Case Study: Department of Customs and Border Protection Transforms Employee Mobility 02
38%
less space
14,00 sq. ft. reduced
to 8,700 sq. ft.
