We supported a regional council to transition to a newly constructed headquarters designed around activity-based working principles. This significant change involved bringing employees from multiple sites together into one location for the first time, requiring them to adopt entirely new ways of working both individually and as teams. Our human-centred change management approach supported the organisation through this transition, contributing to strong engagement and positive cultural changes.

THE CHALLENGE

Following the construction of a purpose-built headquarters designed for activity-based working, the council faced significant challenges in transitioning staff to the new environment. While operational readiness had been well-managed internally, the organisation needed specialised support to address the cultural and behavioural aspects of the change.

The transition represented a fundamental shift in how staff would work, requiring employees from multiple sites to not only physically relocate but also adopt entirely new work patterns and collaborative practices. Middle managers needed to effectively lead their teams through this significant change while ensuring minimal disruption to council operations.

With the move date approaching rapidly, the council required a partner who could quickly develop and implement strategies to maximise adoption of the new ways of working, align staff behaviours with activity-based working principles, and ensure the significant investment in the new headquarters would deliver its intended benefits.

THE SOLUTION

Our approach to supporting the council through this workplace transformation was comprehensive and targeted, focusing on both strategic alignment and practical implementation. We developed a tailored change management methodology that addressed the specific needs of the organisation with particular emphasis on middle management capability.

Key steps:

1. Executive Alignment: We worked with the Executive Leadership Team to define and articulate the rationale for adopting activity-based working and the principles that would underpin the new ways of working. These formed key messages that reinforced the council's corporate vision and strategy.
2. Change Champion Development: We engaged with appointed Change Champions to assess organisational readiness and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to support their colleagues through the transition.
3. Middle Manager Enablement: We facilitated sessions with middle managers to unpack what the new ways of working meant for them and their teams, how they could work together to capitalise on new opportunities, and how to effectively lead their teams through the change.
4. Visual Reinforcement: We developed a series of visual designs depicting what each 'neighbourhood' within the new headquarters wanted to be known for. These were displayed on screens throughout the building to reinforce expected behaviours and help employees embrace the new ways of working.

Key features:

• Human-Centred Approach: Our methodology prioritised stakeholder involvement at every level, ensuring the change process was responsive to real needs and concerns.
• Strategic Alignment: We ensured the activity-based working implementation aligned with and reinforced the council's broader corporate vision and strategy.
• Leadership Focus: By specifically targeting middle managers, we addressed a critical gap in many change initiatives and empowered those closest to frontline staff.
• Visual Communication: The neighbourhood graphics provided a creative and lasting reinforcement of desired behaviours that moved beyond typical change communications.

THE RESULTS

The program delivered positive outcomes for the council, including the smooth transition of staff from multiple sites to the new headquarters with minimal operational disruption - an important requirement for an organisation providing essential community services.

Our targeted approach to supporting middle managers helped these leaders guide their teams through the transition to activity-based working. Tailored strategies created for each team enabled them to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the new working environment, while the visual neighbourhood graphics provided ongoing reinforcement of desired behaviours. 

Through this engagement, we helped the council to adopt collaborative and flexible working practices that maximise the benefits of their purpose-built facility and, in turn, enhance community service delivery.