Work Transformation: Planning and Implementing the New Workplace [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Ken Robertson (Author)

Book Description

A comprehensive guide to integrating alternative work arrangements, alternative space arrangements, and information technology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Easy to read, well structured, and full of useful content, demonstrating Robertson's thorough grasp of a range of organisational issues -- Flexibility: The Interactive Forum on New Ways of Working, January 1999

Robertson's judicious emphasis on key assessment issues, the need for a formalized approach and maintaining momentum make this book a welcome addition to the growing body of literature in this field -- International Flexwork Forum, December 1998

Thoughtful and thought provoking -- Telecommuting Review, November 1998

From the Back Cover

"The tips and insights provided in the areas of human resources, technology, and design create a useful roadmap for anyone responsible for implementing an alternative officing program." Franklin Becker Professor of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University; Author of Workplace by Design

"You'll find this book is exactly what's needed to bring your organization's staffing, technology, and facilities together and boost your results." Gil Gordon President, Gil Gordon Associates; Editor, Telecommuting Review

"Captures the very essence of work transformation. . . . Exposes the heretofore mystery links and interdependencies that give an organization the necessary synergy for successfully entering into the 21st century and brings enlightenment to human resource, facilities, and information technology managers by presenting solid foundations, realistic analyses, and user-friendly evaluation tools. . . . Best of all, this book fills a void for work transformation agents and consultants." David Fleming California Telework Program Champion

"A comprehensive guide to contemporary work options. . . . Any manager serious about exploiting practice and technology to make the workplace a more rewarding, more productive environment will find this book an interesting and informative read. . . . The concepts are well organized and thoroughly discussed." Drew Parker Faculty of Business Administration, Simon Fraser University

"Shows how integrating human resources, facilities management, and information technology strategies can foster a workplace environment that supports equitable flexibility for the individual while also enhancing business value. . . . Takes the reader from concept to implementation and provides real-life examples of firms that have transformed themselves already. A valuable addition to the growing number of publications about new ways to work." Barney Olmsted and Suzanne Smith Co-directors, New Ways to Work; Authors of Creating a Flexible Workplace

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Product Details

• Paperback: 306 pages
• Publisher: Hnb Pub; illustrated edition edition
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966428609
• ISBN-13: 978-0966428605
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,082,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cohesive, Thoughtful, January 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Work Transformation: Planning and Implementing the New Workplace (Paperback)

When I got through reading Ken Roberston's book, I was struck by its far-reaching implications. As a corporate real estate professional in a medium-size Midwestern city, I realize that there are few companies in the U.S. that are making optimal use of their available real estate options. (I'm sure this applies equally to Robertson's Canada and every other Western industrialized country.) One hears a lot these days about "downsizing" and "outsourcing"--and these are certainly among the options to many organizations. But Robertson goes way beyond these obvious alternative space arrangements to discuss how an organization needs to rethink ALL of its space requirements. What makes this book so useful is that he takes this major and complex challenge and shows step-by-step how to approach it, involve all parties, and implement and evaluate pilot programs. This goes a long way toward avoiding costly surprises. Although Roberston presents plenty of examples and case histories, he does not explicitly show how his appoach should be tailored to each type of organization. Some readers may consider this a flaw. I think, however, that such a treatment would be beyond the scope of the book. The thoughtful real estate professional will want to bring his or her own experiences/situation to bear, anyway , in applying Roberston's methodology. I highly recommend the book for it cohesive approach. The 300 or so pages are worth FAR more than would be thirty 10-page publication articles on the subject.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must" Read for any HR Professional, January 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Work Transformation: Planning and Implementing the New Workplace (Paperback)

Here, at long last, is a book that presents the 'big picture' as far as integrating altenative space arrangements, alternative work arrangements, and information technology. These days, it's hard not to be caught up in the excitement about the latest communication breakthroughs and how they might be used in your office. This book leaps past the technojargon, sales hype, and vague theoretical musings to present practical, useful tools for analyzing your organization's present space and work arrangements, and determining what changes would be most helpful. The diagrams are well chosen, and the writing style is clear. It's hard to know just who might benefit most from the discussions--executives, corporate real estate professionals, HR professionals, and even IT people (who often need to be brought down to earth with the rest of us) could all appreaciate this book, as I did.

5.0 out of 5 stars fine book on alternative officing, October 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Work Transformation: Planning and Implementing the New Workplace (Paperback)

first-rate book on alternative officing. good discussion of rationale and obstacles. lots of good examples of what works and what doesn't, and why. well written and illustrated. Web site appendix could use enlarging, but good enough to get reader started. recommended.