Affiliations: Formerly with Workforce Research, Knoll, Inc., 3304
Bryker Drive, Austin, TX 78703, USA. E-mail:
[email protected] | Value Networks, LLC, 1012 Folsom Street, Suite 386,
San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. E-mail: [email protected] | Value Networks, LLC, 1012 Folsom Street, Suite 386,
San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. E-mail: [email protected]
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: Workspace design has not been keeping up with the evolving needs of
mobile workers. Although the economic benefits of mobile work have been
expanding for companies, few companies have mobile worker strategies that
seriously address how new ways of working require different kinds of physical
space, mobile devices, and office equipment. Popular mobile worker ``myths''
about the work they do, what they need when they are in the office, and even
gender and age have led to costly mistakes in office design and installations
and technology purchases. This paper presents findings from a mobile workforce
study, in which value network analysis was used to define the roles mobile
workers play, map the ways they interact with others and explore how this
interaction impacts technology and workspace needs. The insights gained from
this approach are helping workplace designers, technology providers, and
workspace managers better meet the real needs of workers and use resources more
effectively.
Keywords: Mobile workforce, mobile worker roles, value network analysis, knowledge management, workplace collaboration, physical work environments
