The modern working world is flexible: The majority of people now work not only in the office, but also from home – or even completely remotely. Many companies are therefore reporting unoccupied desks and empty spaces. The result is falling demand for commercial real estate: a development that is having a lasting impact on the real estate market and rents.

From office complexes to hybrid districts

A recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute examined the value of office space in nine major cities, including New York, London, Beijing and Munich. It clearly shows that the shift towards mobile working is causing rental prices to fall – and with them the value of real estate. According to McKinsey, this process will continue. In Munich, for example, the demand for office space could be 27 % lower by 2030 than in 2019, even before the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the impact on commercial real estate in the USA is even more serious. The reason for this is the cityscape: While US metropolitan areas focus primarily on city centers with office complexes, European and Japanese corporate spaces are surrounded by quality of life – i.e. living space, shopping facilities and cafés. This makes the workplace more attractive and offers employees motivation to visit the office.

Advantages of market development

So how can existing offices take advantage of this real estate development? Hendrik Grempe, CEO of workplace consultancy Combine, sees the state of the industry as an opportunity to rethink. After all, unused space and working from home offer the ability to restructure space in commercial properties. The sale of office space also makes sense, as Grempe explains: “In many cases, the potential for saving space in offices is much greater than expected.” In both cases, operating costs can be reduced.

However, an ill-considered reduction in space or the elimination of a location is not a one-size-fits-all solution. “The efficiency of an office depends on the type of company in question,” adds Manuel Panzirsch, CEO of ReCoTech. That’s why adapting the premises always requires an inventory:

• How does the business function?
• How do the employees work? What types of tasks are there?
• Who needs to communicate with whom?

The aim is then to find a space concept that focuses on two points: the profitability of the company and the satisfaction of the employees.

ReCoTech is the partner of choice when it comes to restructuring office properties: The status quo of the space used can be analyzed on the basis of defined, company-specific parameters. The algorithm-based space optimization tool calculates the best possible and most space-efficient use of space at the touch of a button. This makes it possible to make data-based decisions – economically, resource-efficiently and sustainably.

» Request a demo here

The digital transformation is changing the way we work, and at ReCoTech GmbH, we are committed to shaping this change with innovative solutions. Our latest project, implemented in collaboration with apropos Sicherheitstechnik GmbH, is a perfect example of this.

The vision behind the project

In today’s era, it is crucial for companies to be agile and adaptive. This is particularly true for facility management, where security and user-friendliness should go hand in hand. With the integration of the ReCoTech app, employees at RLE INTERNATIONAL Group now have the opportunity to control their office doors in Böblingen in an innovative way – simple, secure, and digital.

Dormakaba Deutschland technology

Our app wouldn’t be complete without the robust and reliable technology from dormakaba Deutschland. As one of the leading providers in access control, dormakaba has proven to deliver not only secure but also user-friendly products. Their technology ensures that our app solution operates seamlessly, allowing RLE INTERNATIONAL Group employees to control their doors with full confidence.

Teamwork makes the dream come true

Such a project requires teamwork, and we want to express our gratitude to everyone who contributed. A special thanks to our partner company, apropos Sicherheitstechnik GmbH, whose support and expertise made this project possible.

The future is digital

This collaboration is just the beginning. At ReCoTech GmbH, we are constantly exploring ways to drive digital transformation across various industries. We look forward to many more shared success stories and to witnessing how technology will continue to shape our working world.

Thank you for your interest and trust in our work. Stay tuned for further updates and exciting news from the world of digitization!

#digitization #security #ReCoTechGmbH #aproposSicherheitstechnik #dormakaba #RLEInternational

Berlin, July 14, 2023 – ReCoTech GmbH is pleased to announce Treuhand as its newest customer. This partnership marks another milestone in ReCoTech’s continued expansion and growth.

Treuhand, a renowned institution with an impressive history and a strong commitment to quality and professionalism, has chosen ReCoTech GmbH’s services. With its extensive expertise in tax, accounting and business consulting, Treuhand is a valuable new addition to our ever-growing client base.

“We are thrilled to welcome Treuhand to our clientele,” said Manuel Panzirsch, CEO of ReCoTech GmbH. “This partnership underscores our commitment to excellence and our desire to provide the best services to our clients. We look forward to working closely with Treuhand and optimizing their business processes through our innovative technology solutions.”

ReCoTech GmbH is known for its high-quality IT services and solutions tailored to the specific needs of its customers. With Treuhand as a new customer, ReCoTech will further demonstrate its expertise and commitment to quality.

About ReCoTech GmbH: ReCoTech GmbH is a leading provider of IT services and solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, ReCoTech offers customized technology solutions that help companies optimize their business processes and achieve their goals.

About Treuhand: Treuhand is a renowned institution in the fields of tax, accounting and business consulting. With a strong commitment to quality and professionalism, Treuhand offers its clients first-class services and solutions. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.treuhand.de/ueber-uns/.

The open-plan office is history. Today, anyone who wants to create a productive environment is guided by activity-based working. The here is: For every task, there is a suitable place – from individual work in silence to creative project design in a team. This cultural change requires a spatial structural change in order to fully exploit the benefits. Find out here what exactly Activity-based working is and how you can successfully implement the transformation.

 Table of contents

• Definition and basics
• The advantages of ABW
• Challenges in the implementation of ABW
• Digital tools for activity-based working
• 5-step plan for safe ABW implementation

Activity-based working: Definition and basics

Activity-based working (ABW) is a model that has the potential to completely rethink traditional work structures. It starts with the way people do their work and extends to the use of space.

In concrete terms, this means that instead of assigning a person a fixed workplace, the space is subordinated to the task. In the context of activity-based working, employees have the opportunity to choose their work location and space more freely, depending on the tasks at hand.

What does this mean? To a certain extent, companies lose control over their team, which in turn gains (spatial) autonomy. In order for such a major cultural change to be successful and satisfactory for both sides, a prudent approach is required: Analysis, critical reflection and an open ear for the concerns of all those involved are the basis for the successful implementation of ABW.

In the best-case scenario, activity-based working creates a flexible working environment in which employees have more freedom to organize themselves – and accept and appreciate this accordingly. On the company side, ABW in turn offers opportunities to increase productivity. At the same time, there are often ways to redesign and optimize existing spaces and, as a result, save on operating costs.

Background: How did the activity-based working model come about?

The activity-based working concept is closely linked to changes in society – as studies have shown. A core element of this change is the pandemic: Before coronavirus, it was common to spend working hours in the office. The lockdown phases established the home office as the new workspace and made communication tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack and Zoom the standard. Many employees were able to discover new advantages for themselves as a result of the change of location, such as:

• Undisturbed quiet work
• More time by eliminating the commute
• Better work-life balance

The consequences: Many offices with assigned desks have become empty. Instead, teams use the space as a meeting place: for joint discussions, project planning or to maintain social contacts.

This gave rise to the ABW concept of allocating space to the type of work – and thus designing an office space with different areas that promotes creativity, productivity and socializing. At the same time, this structural change requires companies to implement a new work culture that focuses on flexibility.

Space design according to activity-based working: Concepts and space ideas

The design of ABW offices is based on four types of activity: (1) concentration, (2) collaboration, (3) learning and (4) social interaction. Each of these types of work requires an individual working environment. A few examples:

Concentration

• Individual cubicles
• Rooms with sound insulation
• Desk that can be booked for a specific time

Collaboration

• Shared desks
• Group rooms
• 2-person cubicles

Studying

• Media rooms
• Workshop areas
• Comfortable seating for online seminars

Social interaction

• Open kitchenettes
• Lounges
• Sports room

The activity-based working concept also involves asking yourself how much space the company actually needs. Although empty offices offer the opportunity for other uses, they also entail costs. For example, it may make more sense to give away some of the office space instead of planning disproportionately large meeting rooms.

ReCoTech helps you to identify space potential and make the best possible use of your available space.

» Learn more

The office of the future: What will Activity Based Working change?

Activity-based working doesn’t just mean a change in the physical working environment. Above all, the concept involves a transformation in the way work is understood and carried out. Accordingly, the implementation of the ABW model in existing companies requires a structural and cultural change.

At a structural level, the main focus is on keywords such as flexibility and dynamism. The free choice of work location requires clear agreements in which employees are viewed as individuals: Who works best where, when do team meetings take place? This equal consideration of all employees can break down traditional hierarchies, but also harbors the risk of excessive demands.

Important to know: If you want to introduce activity-based working concepts, you should take a close look at change management. ABW is not only associated with a changed space concept – rather, the term activity-based working is based on an organizational cultural change.

Top performance: The advantages of ABW

A modern working environment based on activity-based working offers a number of advantages – for both companies and employees. The most important aspects include the following:

Increased productivity and efficiency

ABW gives employees the freedom to choose the work area that best suits their current task. This allows different activities to be carried out in the best possible and most efficient way. In addition, employees can work in an environment that promotes their concentration and creativity, which can lead to a higher quality of work.

Improving employee satisfaction

The flexible working environment enables employees to achieve a better work-life balance.  ABW also gives them greater autonomy, which makes employees feel more valued and respected. This increases overall job satisfaction – and strengthens loyalty to the company. The prerequisite for this is always that the workforce is ready for this type of cultural change.

Promoting innovation and collaboration

By turning the office into a social space, activity-based areas promote creative collaboration. By providing open and collaborative workspaces, employees can exchange ideas more easily. This promotes productive innovation and makes the company more competitive.

Hurdles of the new world of work: Challenges in implementing ABW

Like any major change, the transition to activity-based working is fraught with difficulties. So if traditional companies want to implement the New Work concept, they should be aware of the following points:

Resistance to new things

Any change to the working environment or culture can be met with disapproval – and ABW is no exception. Some employees will find it difficult to break away from established ways of working, especially if they are used to a fixed place or routine. It is important to recognize and address this resistance: Communicate clearly the benefits of ABW or offer support such as training to ease the transition.

Need for new management skills

ABW requires a different type of management than traditional working models: Managers need to learn how to manage and evaluate workers who work flexibly and autonomously. New leadership training can provide new insights and soft skills.

Data protection and security

As activity-based working often goes hand in hand with new technologies and digital tools, there are often questions about data security. Companies must ensure that they take appropriate measures to protect the privacy of their employees and manage internal company data securely.

Adapting the physical working environment

Implementing ABW often requires a redesign of office space to provide a variety of activity-based workspaces. This can involve a significant investment and planning effort.

ReCoTech supports you in this: Analyze your existing space with our software. The software then calculates the best possible occupancy of the new space.

» Book a demo

It’s all about the tools: Digital tools for activity-based working

An office landscape of the future is closely linked to the right technology. After all, the flexible workplace concept is part of activity-based working – and software programs form the link to ensure location-independent collaboration. Here are some of the most important digital tools that can be useful in an ABW environment:

• Collaboration and communication tools (e.g. Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace) – enable the uncomplicated exchange of data and communication in real time
• Project management tools (e.g. Asana, Trello, Jira) – for organizing tasks and monitoring project progress and deadlines
• Cloud storage and file sharing (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) – employees can access, save, share and collaborate on data from anywhere
• Virtual meeting tools (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet) – for virtual meetings, including the option to record presentations and use them for further work

Our advice: The choice of suitable tools depends on the specific needs and objectives of the company. You should therefore carefully check which software is best suited to your working methods and corporate culture. Managers in particular must ensure that all employees can use the tools effectively – training may be necessary.

Implementing ABW safely: A 5-step plan for implementing Activity-based working

Office concepts based on activity-based working will determine future forms of work. However, this is not just about replacing the permanently assigned desk with open group rooms: ABW requires a change in the entire corporate structure and culture – which may meet with resistance from traditionally minded colleagues.

The key to successfully implementing an ABW concept is therefore careful planning and transparent communication. This 5-step plan will support you if you want to implement Activity-based working in your company:

Needs analysis and planning

• Analyze the needs and requirements of your company.
• Use surveys, interviews or workshops with your employees to do this.
• The goal: Understand how your workforce works.
• Your key questions: What types of activities do your employees perform? What kind of working environment do they need?

Development of an ABW office concept

• Which workspaces should there be?
• Which digital tools are necessary?
• What needs to change in the work culture?

Spatial office design

• Quiet areas for concentrated work
• Open spaces for collaboration
• Informal places for creative tasks and social interaction

Implementation of digital tools

• Collaboration and communication tools
• Project management tools
• Cloud storage
• Virtual meeting tools

Further training and support for employees

• Training courses
• workshops
• Individual coaching sessions

Please note: Introducing an ABW office concept is a continuous process that requires regular reviews, adjustments and re-evaluations. This is the only way to determine which measures and implementations really suit your company – in order to ultimately find an activity-based working model from which you can derive the greatest possible benefits.

ReCoTech accompanies you on this journey: Our space optimization tool makes it easier for you to plan new office landscapes that are optimally tailored to the available space. Our software for digital workplace booking also enables you to gain an insight into the use of the new spaces – and thus check the success of the ABW implementation.

Create a workplace concept of the future: with flexible organization, intelligent room designs and lower operating costs.

» Get in touch now

Frequently asked questions

What is activity-based working?

Activity-based working is a concept in which the type of working environment depends on the specific task. An open-plan office with permanently assigned desks thus becomes a place of social interaction – with group rooms for project planning or open spaces for collaborative creative work, for example.

How can I implement activity-based working?

The most important factor is: ABW is no one-size-fits-all solution. Hence, you have to analyze the needs of your working environment first – especially the specific work tasks and available space. Also note that ABW often comes with a change in your company’s culture: Be open to revise current management and communication structures.

ReCoTech GmbH has expanded its sales team with Hesham Kashkari taking up his new post as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) on 01.07.2023. With this, the leading service provider for workplace management and booking platforms further expands its personnel portfolio, after Manuel Panzirsch was already won as CEO in May 2023.

The new position holds one opportunity above all for Hesham Kashkari: to be part of an innovative working world of tomorrow. In addition to the further development and implementation of an effective sales strategy, the focus for him is also on goal setting and close networking with customers and partners.

“A flexible working world that solves challenges creatively, acts sustainably and relies on the use of modern technologies – this is the vision ReCotech shares, and this is the vision I share,” says Hesham Kashkari. “I am therefore particularly looking forward to actively shaping the future of work as part of the corporate family.”

For Manuel Panzirsch, the appointment of Hashem Kashkari as the new CSO fits in with the strategic direction of ReCoTech: “With his many years of experience in sales at well-known companies and his very human manner, Hashem Kashkari is a real asset for us. We are very much looking forward to working together and warmly welcome him to our team.”

Hashem Kashkari, who has a degree in business administration, has extensive knowledge in all areas of sales and consulting. Among other things, he was the founder and managing director of VENSUM UG. and Director of Sales for INCENT Corporate Services GmbH. His professional career has also taken him into the publishing and digital industries. Through his expertise, ReCoTech would like to grow further. The Berlin-based company has been on the market since 2008 and offers IT-supported management for the strategic and operational planning of premises and occupancy.

When it comes to office optimisation, organisation and implementation, there will soon be a new top team: the professional relocation company HM-Easyumzug has already been able to make a name for itself in Frankfurt am Main – and is now establishing a cooperation with the space planning experts from ReCoTech. Both parties are looking forward to the strategic partnership, which will combine the offerings of the individual companies into a complete service package.

THOUGHT-OUT SPACE CONCEPT AND PROFESSIONAL RELOCATION MANAGEMENT

If companies or offices need new office space, ReCoTech and HM-Easyumzug are the right contacts. While ReCoTech takes care of the planning of the offices with the best possible room layout, HM-Easyumzug specialises in a quick and uncomplicated change of location in all respects.

“ReCoTech’s expertise revolves primarily around the question: how can we create personalised office spaces for our clients that meet the requirements of the modern working world? Once our conceptual work is done, HM-Easyumzug comes into play: our partner takes responsibility for all aspects of the move to the new office. Together we cover the most important tasks that arise when planning a new office,” explains Manuel Panzirsch, CEO of ReCoTech.

The outlook is big: together the two companies want to open up new reaches, expand and open up an international market. Maryam Hemati, CEO of HM-Easyumzug, is looking forward to the challenge: “The cooperation with ReCoTech is a big step towards bundling our extensive range of services and thus expanding it for our joint customers. What has top priority is transparency: we are proud of how our respective expertise meshes – and we want to communicate this openly to our customers.”

ALL-ROUND SERVICE THANKS TO SMART COOPERATION

ReCoTech’s portfolio includes tools for intelligent space optimisation as well as space utilisation and workspace booking. In addition, there are the keywords monitoring and analysis: with ReCoTech’s solutions, spaces can be designed on the basis of meaningful data that are tailored to the needs of the employees and the company.

Based in the heart of Frankfurt’s banking district, HM-Easyumzug is one of the first port of call when it comes to large corporate relocations – including from tower to tower. The services provided by the owner-managed moving company range from professional moving consulting and the disassembly and reassembly of office furniture in the space to the storage of files. In the meantime, Ms Hemati and her team can look back on more than 300 corporate and private moves, making them absolute experts in this field.

Manuel Panzirsch emphasises the potential of this merger: “We see this strategic partnership as a synergy of a common vision: to make it as easy as possible for modern employers to design and use contemporary office spaces. In this way, we are shaping a sustainable future together – with office spaces that meet the demands of the times.”

The success story of ReCoTech and RLE International is an inspiring example of successful collaboration in the development and expansion of hybrid work organizations. ReCoTech is a company that combines innovative solutions for space management with years of know-how in change management. RLE International was looking for partners who could further professionalize the organization of mobile work and at the same time optimize the use of office space.

Who is RLE International

RLE INTERNATIONAL was founded in 1985 and is now managed by the second generation of the founding family. The company operates worldwide and is one of the leading top 20 engineering service providers. Originally specializing in the automotive industry, RLE INTERNATIONAL has expanded its customer portfolio over the years and now serves the entire mobility sector. Due to its flexible project-driven business model and global project teams, RLE INTERNATIONAL has always faced the challenge of proactively addressing change & dynamics and decided to embark on the transformation to a hybrid work organization with us from ReCoTech.

The pandemic – the starting signal for hybrid working

As of January 27, 2021, employers were obliged to offer employees the option of working from home due to the pandemic, and RLE was already aware that this development required acute but not short-term solutions.

RLE had two questions at the time:

1. How do we ensure sufficient health protection at our locations?
2. How do we organize the presence time in our offices with increasing employee flexibility through mobile working?

ReCoTech’s versatile booking app provided suitable answers to both questions.

Booking everything from workstations and conference rooms to e-charging stations for the e-vehicle fleet offered employees full flexibility, planning security and, above all, health protection.

The set-up in the app gave RLE the opportunity to prevent a wave infection preventively via social distancing & reactively counteract a potential spread several times via smart contact tracing.

This enabled work to continue at the site with a stabilizing presence for two days.

The rise in fuel prices – relief for employees

In spring 2022, oil prices rose and led to price increases at filling stations to well over €2 per liter of petrol. RLE has always had a high proportion of employees who commute by car and saw a good opportunity to counteract the immense price increase by reducing compulsory attendance.

As home office policies can be stored and updated in the app at any time, it was possible to react even more quickly to the rapid rise in prices. The reduced commute not only resulted in cost and time savings for employees, but also strengthened RLE’s development towards becoming a CO₂-neutral company.

The rise in gas & electricity prices – relief for management

Electricity and gas price trends were also an issue for management, which RLE wanted to prevent with ReCoTech. If usage remained the same, energy prices at the locations were expected to rise by up to 400 %.

By temporarily blocking workspaces and entire floors from the booking app, it was possible to significantly counteract the price increase. Thanks to the intelligent space utilization analysis in the app, it was possible to plan lockdown measures with the confidence that the defined measures would not lead to bottlenecks in the use of workspaces at the locations.

The turning point – from crisis management to cultural design

At the beginning of 2023, after successfully managing the crisis, RLE and our consultants asked themselves how they could counter the “cultivated home office rut” that had developed. Both management and employees complained that the continuity of permanent home office was harming their team culture in its current intensity rather than strengthening it through healthy flexibility.

Nevertheless, managers and the works council agreed that home office and mobile working should continue and that the right mix of presence and mobile working should be culturally anchored in the company.

Together, we developed a concept for how hybrid working could be expanded from a crisis association to a design tool for individual employees, groups and teams and the entire organization within RLE. The focus was on employee satisfaction and productivity.

Those responsible at RLE (representatives from project business, HR, recruiting and works council), accompanied by our consultants, decided to evaluate the organization of hybrid work, including anonymized surveys by professional and competence groups, taking data protection into account.

This was an appropriate approach, as it meant that no direct productivity or satisfaction conclusions could be drawn about individual people, but provided enough information to improve satisfaction and productivity in a competence and personality-oriented manner.

The HR department was able to promote the further development of employee skills in a more targeted manner. The recruiting department has individualized the approach to competence groups and was thus able to address and retain talent much more successfully in the shortage of skilled workers.

Combining work organization with satisfaction and productivity through ReCoTech’s digital & service portfolio has led to significant satisfaction and productivity growth in the projects. With the app, but above all by actively working with the transparency gained, RLE has succeeded in cultivating a more performant and flexible organization that now combines and expands work behavior much more consciously with competencies. Furthermore, thanks to ReCoTech’s years of space management expertise, the offices have developed in a more demand-oriented way in line with the cultural thrust. RLE needs less space, but the space it has reflects a clear picture of the direction in which RLE INTERNATIONAL is moving in terms of expertise and culture.

Quote from Florian Schumacher, Manager Strategy and Business Development at RLE International Group

“The collaboration with ReCoTech was a great success for RLE INTERNATIONAL. The application, as well as the appropriate consulting services, guided us confidently through the crises. What particularly impressed me was how ReCoTech used the full potential of a hybrid work organization within RLE and achieved measurable positive development impulses. The introduction of hybrid working went beyond simply increasing efficiency and offered our employees the opportunity to develop and gain new experiences. It was one of the most rewarding experiences for me personally. I wouldn’t want to be without this flexible, employee-centric organizational management in my area.”

 The bottom line – RLE is more crisis-resistant, productive & culturally aware

The RLE organization & culture has made enormous progress during our collaboration. Initially still somewhat overwhelmed by the pandemic-related changes, we can now look back on an independent and self-confident work organization within RLE INTERNATIONAL that…

• …can control health protection in the event of another pandemic,
• …scales site utilization up or down according to necessity,
• …sustainably saves costs and CO₂,
• …better understands the work needs of professional and skills groups and develops them further with measurable increases in satisfaction and productivity
• …combines a focus on individual employee needs with a shared understanding of culture.

Together with RLE INTERNATIONAL, we are delighted to look back on our many successes and look forward to constantly working together to achieve our further goals.

The world of work has changed fundamentally in recent years and is facing new challenges. Flexible working, remote working and virtual collaboration have long ceased to be exceptions and are increasingly shaping everyday working life. The COVID 19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a strong influence on these developments, but the changes began even before the crisis broke out. The current situation requires innovative approaches to meet the demands of hybrid working. In this article, we will take a look at the initial situation and consider the changes that have taken place in recent years. Furthermore, the current problems and challenges of the working world will be highlighted. Finally, possible solutions will be highlighted, including ReCoTech’s product “Seedit”, which helps companies to deal effectively with the new working reality. Together we will gain an insight into the future of work and explore the opportunities of hybrid working.

CURRENT SITUATION

The world of work has evolved at a rapid pace in recent years, with the COVID 19 pandemic undoubtedly being a notable accelerating factor. However, the pandemic should not be seen as the sole trigger for these changes, as new trends and technologies were already paving the way for a transformed work culture before its outbreak. Rather, the pandemic acted as a catalyst, forcing companies and workers to adapt to hybrid working models faster than ever before.

Flexible working hours: Traditional working time models based on fixed office hours are increasingly outdated. Employees prefer more flexible working hours to achieve a better work-life balance.

Remote working: The possibility to work from home or from any other location has greatly increased. This gives employees more flexibility and saves them time and money on their daily commute.

Virtual cooperation: Advances in communication technology have made it much easier to collaborate across large distances. Virtual meetings, online collaboration tools and project management platforms allow teams to work together effectively, regardless of their location.

Growing demand for digital skills: As digitalisation progresses, the need for digital competences becomes more and more important. Employees must have the necessary skills to use technology effectively and to deal with digital tools.
Changing workplace requirements: Workplaces are increasingly being transformed from rigid office structures to more flexible environments. New work concepts such as coworking spaces and hybrid offices are emerging, offering employees more choice and a stimulating work environment.

CURRENT INITIAL SITUATION

The current work situation presents itself with a number of challenges that go hand in hand with the changes in the world of work. Especially in the hybrid work environment, there are various problems to be overcome:

Work-Life-Balance: The boundaries between work and private life become blurred when employees work from home. It can be difficult to set clear boundaries and get enough rest.

Communication and cooperation: Virtual communication can cause misunderstandings and make face-to-face exchanges difficult. Collaboration in distributed teams requires extra effort to be effective.

Technical challenges: Not all employees have the necessary technical skills or the appropriate technical equipment to optimally manage remote work. This can lead to a loss of productivity and affect the flow of work.
Lack of social interaction: Limiting face-to-face meetings can lead to a lack of social interaction and a sense of isolation. Informal exchange and the team feeling can suffer.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

In order to meet the challenges of hybrid working and to shape the working world of the future, various approaches can be pursued. Here are some concrete measures and technologies that can support companies and employees:

Flexible working time management: Companies should introduce flexible working time models that allow employees to adapt their work to their individual needs. This can include, for example, the introduction of flexitime, trust-based working time or part-time models. It is important to set clear guidelines to avoid abuse and ensure that workers are still available and productive.
Technical support for remote work: Companies should ensure that their employees have the necessary technical equipment and training to work effectively from home. This includes powerful laptops, reliable internet connections, video conferencing and collaboration tools. It is also important to provide IT support to quickly resolve technical issues and ensure staff productivity.
Strengthening communication and cooperation: To overcome the challenges of virtual communication, companies should invest in tools and platforms that facilitate collaboration. Video conferencing and chat tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Slack enable real-time communication and information sharing. Project management platforms such as Trello or Asana facilitate the organisation and tracking of tasks and enable collaboration in distributed teams.
Promoting social interaction: To compensate for the lack of face-to-face meetings and informal exchanges, companies can organise virtual team-building activities and regular virtual meetings or informal virtual coffee breaks. This promotes social cohesion and team spirit. It can also be helpful to offer online platforms for sharing interests or hobbies to give employees the opportunity to network outside of work.
Further education and training: Given the growing need for digital skills, companies should continuously educate their employees and provide training on relevant technologies and tools. This can take the form of internal training, external training programmes or the engagement of experts. Individual learning plans and flexible training formats allow employees to develop their skills in a targeted way.
Hybrid workstation design: When designing the workplace, companies should aim for flexible solutions. This can include the creation of hybrid offices that offer both on-site workplaces and resources for remote working. Coworking spaces can provide an alternative work environment where employees can come together as needed. It is important to allow employees to customise their workspace to their individual preferences and needs.

In conclusion, the future of work involves hybrid working models that combine flexibility and effectiveness. By implementing innovative approaches, companies can overcome the challenges and take full advantage of hybrid working. Products such as “Seedit” from ReCoTech can help improve digital collaboration and actively shape the working world of the future. It is now up to companies to seize these opportunities and create a work culture that meets both the needs of employees and the goals of the company.

HOW RECOTECH GMBH CAN HELP YOU

ReCoTech offers a comprehensive range of workplace booking and time recording services that help companies meet the challenges of hybrid working and actively shape the working world of the future. With ReCoTech, companies always have an overview of their workplaces and can see who is in the office and when. This enables an efficient distribution of workplaces and avoids bottlenecks, overcapacity or hygiene risks.
A central element of ReCoTech is the intelligent Booking Assistant. This intuitive tool enables employees to independently organise and optimise their daily work routine. They can conveniently enter their presence and home office times and book workplaces via the system. The Booking Assistant takes into account the availability and capacity of the workstations to ensure harmonised utilisation.
In addition, ReCoTech offers a variety of functions and features to make workstation booking and time recording effective. These include monitoring all operations to maintain an overview, optimising resource utilisation and reducing environmental impact. By offering ReCoTech, companies can increase the satisfaction and productivity of their employees while creating a flexible and efficient working environment.
ReCoTech helps companies to take full advantage of the benefits of hybrid working and to establish a working culture that meets the needs of employees and the goals of the company. With innovative solutions such as “Seedit”, ReCoTech contributes to improving digital collaboration and enables companies to actively shape the working world of the future.

Sources:

• „The Future of Work: How the Pandemic Has Accelerated Remote Work Trends“ – Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/05/28/the-future-of-work-how-the-pandemic-has-accelerated-remote-work-trends/?sh=58eaa92775d9)
• „The rise of remote work: Why the future is hybrid“ – Deloitte (https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/impact-of-covid-19-on-future-of-work-hybrid-remote.html)
• „The Future of Work: Remote Work“ – World Economic Forum (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/05/remote-work-future-of-work-podcast/)
• „The Challenges and Benefits of Hybrid Work Models“ – Harvard Business Review (https://hbr.org/2021/10/the-challenges-and-benefits-of-hybrid-work-models

ReCoTech GmbH, a leading provider of workplace management solutions and office space optimization solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Manuel Panzirsch as its new CEO. He brings a wealth of experience and strategic capabilities to further strengthen ReCoTech’s positioning and sustainability.

This decision underscores the commitment of RLE International, the parent company of ReCoTech, to its ambitious acquisition and growth strategy and the establishment of an innovation hub in Berlin. Panzirsch‘s extensive expertise in product marketing, sales, and recent experience as CEO at belboon GmbH, a leading provider of performance marketing solutions, make him the ideal candidate to lead ReCoTech to the next level of growth and innovation.

Manuel Panzirsch emphasized, “ReCoTech has been successfully operating in a highly dynamic market, actively shaping the workplace of the future. Our goal is to continue growing nationally and internationally with our innovative software, providing our customers with flexible and efficient solutions for the workplace of tomorrow. We benefit from the strong support of our parent company, RLE, with its extensive experience and clear acquisition and growth strategy.”

CEO of RLE International, Ralf Laufenberg, added, “We are delighted to have Mr. Manuel Panzirsch on board as the new CEO of ReCoTech. With his experience and strategic vision, we are confident that ReCoTech will continue to grow and innovate under his leadership.”

ReCoTech offers IT-based management for operational and strategic space and occupancy planning. In the ever-evolving traditional workspace, ReCoTech provides flexible and efficient solutions for designing modern workplaces.

RLE International, the parent company of ReCoTech, is a global leader in development, technology, and consulting services for the international engineering industry. With over 2,300 employees, RLE International actively contributes to shaping the future of the industry.

For further information, please contact:

Press Contact:

ReCoTech GmbH
presse@recotech.de

www.recotech.de

When the desire among employees for a homeoffice becomes strong, the first question that is addressed is the following: How can we make it possible for everyone to work from home just as they do in the office? And what foundations must be laid by the company, or what equipment should be made available to employees?

It is only in the second step that the full extent of the impact that flexible working has on office space becomes apparent. Often, this realization only occurs when the employees have long since stopped working in the office every day and the office remains largely empty. The conventional model, according to which everyone is assigned a specific workstation, is thus rendered useless – even inefficient, to the point of being largely superfluous.

So the workspace needs to be redesigned! But how do the workplaces in the office have to be redesigned at best in order to meet the new requirements resulting from the hybrid work model? To ensure that you succeed in the long term, it is best to ask yourself the following questions:

What do your employees want?

Giving employees a greater say in the matter is of immense benefit on numerous levels. This is also true when it comes to deciding how work should be done. As we’ve outlined in another article, it’s helpful for space optimization and workspace management to take into account the wishes and preferences of employees.

How busy is it in the office? Does it perhaps hold potential?

If the office is not fully occupied, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Rather, you should see the potential in it to be able to manage your space more efficiently. After all, thanks to the people in the home office, the required office space is reduced. If you now restructure the office in a clever way by having only shared desks from now on, some space will be freed up.

Ultimately, the change presents a lucrative opportunity to save money. After all, more space means that you can either downsize your premises or, alternatively, rent out the space.

Plus, you now have more leeway to experiment with the space. Food for thought: for example, what do you think about more meeting rooms or private work cubicles and breakout zones?

How can you make sure everyone:r finds a workspace?

The downside of the principle of a shared workspace is that there will most likely be fewer workstations than there are employee:ers. This makes it all the more important to introduce a Booking Assistant that provides a transparent overview of the available workspace. At the same time, employees can independently book rooms, desks and so on.

The advantage: The allocation of space is simple, fair and stress-free! Employees search for the desired workspace, meeting room or quiet zone, check availability and book the space in a desired period – done.

How can you make your workspace dynamically adaptable?

Just because you’ve established a perfectly functioning model today doesn’t mean it will work just as well tomorrow. The way people work will continue to change in the future. This means that in a few years, a flexible, bookable workplace may not even meet the needs of the workforce. That’s why it’s important that when you’re optimizing and redesigning your space now, you make sure that the workspace can be easily adapted.

This is where a Workspace Management Software comes into play. This continuously analyzes usage data and shows you the utilization as well as the demand. This is a huge relief for your workspace management, because based on this information, you can make informed decisions regarding the redesign of workspaces at any time to meet new requirements. In addition, changes to the planning design can be made and simulated.