TWEP - Episode 8 - Workplace Standards, Guidelines and Policies

The Workplace Experience

Workplace Standards, Guidelines and Protocol documents can be a great tool.
It sets framework and parameters, not just for workplace projects, but also for the business leaders and people managers on business as usual workplace requests.
Over the last decade this document has often been referred to as a “kit of parts”.
Now lets look at the definitions:
Standards: this I something that is often repeatable, harmonised, agreed and documented way of doing something. Standards contain technical specifications or other precise criteria designed to be used consistently as a rule or definition
Policies: a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially by a group. These can be enforceable for an organisations governing body.
These two are implemented to protect people, from short sighted actions that might people them and their colleagues at risk.
Guidelines: a general rule, principle, or piece of advice, the first part of the word summaries the definition a “guide”
Protocols: a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations: a document that describes the details of a formal agreement between people.
During the project phase this kit of parts provides a solid reference guide to workplace designers, project managers and other professionals to ensure that the project is delivered within to the standards and policies expected.
It provides less chance to deviate from the expected or required outcomes.
It provides an education framework on why certain standards and policies exist and to provide the tools for management to explain to their employees on the reasons why certain workplace solution need to be delivered a particular way.
This kit of parts are now very extensive, and they need to be. It will include:
- The organisations intent from their workplace;
- The various settings for various activities;
- The furniture solutions available for different workplace settings;
- Technology standards;
- Collaboration Tools;
- Look and Feel;
- Minimum requirements for building services;
- Wayfinding
- Concept Planning
- Facility Plan Request Procedure
Plus so much more. Do not underestimate the considerations of building and more importantly maintaining a sustainable workplace.
This document creates the framework for your organisations social distancing compliance, safe sharing of spaces and contactless storage solutions for your personal effects and other facilities and procedures that create a safe post COVID environment.