“Workplace”

Webster defines workplace simply as: “a place (as a shop or factory) where work is done”.

We find Webster’s definition to be too narrow and somewhat incomplete.  In an economy increasingly dependant on “knowledge workers”, work is done any time, and anywhere.  A definition of the modern workplace needs to recognize this reality.

Therefore we believe workplace should be defined as ”the environment (as place, tools, social connections, physical well being) enabling work to be done”.  This broader definition, will lead workplace development to include the determination of:

·         where work will be done (such as in an office, at home, in a plane or car, in an office, or at a conference, all of the above, etc.),

·         what processes (such as transaction processing, innovating, communicating, learning, etc) will define the work to be done,

·         how technology will enable those processes to be carried out (such as data access, groupware, mobileware, etc.)

·         what physical environment will support the work (such as office design and layout, furniture, equipment, temperature, light, etc.)

·         when and where people interact to exchange knowledge and information

An alternative definition of the workplace might be the environments enabling knowledge workers to produce economic value.  It is this broad definition that is the focus of PdK Consulting methodology.