Consulting companies have always had to face a unique set of challenges, including tough competition, higher expectations such as service delivery, and changing methods of buying and delivering services. But unprecedented circumstances have disrupted the industry even further in recent years, completely changing how we work, operate, and even live.
As a result, new workspace management needs solutions to support the evolving business environment. In order to respond efficiently and effectively, consulting firms require workspaces that enable flexible approaches and quick responses to utilize emerging opportunities in the best possible way. With that in mind, here are some important aspects that need to be considered:
Premium market locations
It’s not uncommon for consulting companies to search for workspaces located within business centers and other top-tier markets. After all, the proximity to existing and potential clients can be vital to smooth operations. But as professional distancing standards begin affecting offices across the board, the competition for premium space could increase significantly, especially in larger cities and popular business hubs. Foot-traffic patterns are changing in a similar way as well, forcing industry professionals to deal with lower capacities and longer lines. To combat these issues, it might be wise to look for long-term space, lower floors, and customized amenities in near-premium areas. This will allow companies to expand to popular submarkets while managing to keep their expenses low.
Image by rawpixel.com
Customizations in space
Consulting firms are beginning to reevaluate their workspaces, both in terms of physical space and how they plan to use it. At the moment, the headquarters of larger companies tend to represent touchdown bases for remote and traveling consultants. They also represent development and research centers for client development, often coming with high IT standards and requirements. Along with customized space needs, the requirements of the workforce in the consulting industry can also change depending on the time and the market. All of this has created a novel need for more customizable space. If changing requirements affect your consulting company as well, choosing to utilize your space only on the days you need it and in a way you require it to be used can come with noticeable cost savings.
Encouraging more innovation
As business environments change more rapidly than ever before, consulting companies are forced to quickly respond to any new opportunities by developing creative solutions. Encouraging and supporting innovation in the workplace can help to drive this ability through provocative thinking. The most original business consulting firms are able to create the right strategies that activate workforces and boost engagement in an effort to stay prepared for the future of work. Creative thinking is turned into actionable strategies that lead to a positive impact and lasting value. These tactics are necessary for supporting innovation, fulfilling potential, and enabling success even in rapidly evolving landscapes.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
Attracting and retaining talent
Finding knowledgeable and experienced consultants is becoming increasingly challenging, whereas encouraging them to stay with your company can be even more difficult while facing tough competition. To attract and retain top industry talent, creating more positive workplace experiences could be key. This can be achieved by enhancing communication and collaboration with the right tools, giving and accepting constructive feedback, supporting the personal and professional development of employees, enabling remote working opportunities, creating space for peer-to-peer support, and reinforcing desired employee experiences. When consulting professionals, they will feel valued, appreciated, heard, and fully supported in their work environment, and will be more likely to stay with such a positive consulting company.
Improving client experiences
The way your consultants interact with their clients defines their perception of your company and the client’s overall experience, whether these interactions happen physically during an in-office meeting or virtually on video calls. For that reason, client experiences have to be simple, seamless, and predictable in order to build a more positive brand image and increase client satisfaction. This can be done by enhancing the company culture, standardizing procedures, and setting clear and uniform guidelines on client interactions. Even simpler solutions such as implementing scheduling systems can aid in improving client experiences by ensuring punctuality, increasing efficiency, and demonstrating levels of professionalism.
Supporting speed and agility
Flexibility has never been quite as important, both for consulting companies and their clients while taking advantage of any new opportunities before their competition can seize them. Doing this means giving professionals enough space and time to deliver on client demands, grow, and succeed. A workplace management software solution can be of great help in this area. It will provide real-time information and enable quick responses with control across schedules, facilities, rooms, and technologies. The right software solution can also remove the administrative and time-related burdens of project development and planning. In turn, consultants and clients alike can experience higher levels of speed and agility to streamline operations.
Every consulting company, client, and project tends to be different. And as the industry continues to evolve and begins to reflect the changing business landscape, a shift in focus is needed to adapt to the new normal. Prioritize speed, flexibility, and positive experiences, both in physical spaces and business operations.
