Workplace consultancy or workplace strategy: which suits you best?

The rapid changes in how, where, and when we work have given rise to new work models. To not only survive but thrive, organizations must adapt their workspaces to support these transformations. But how can you determine what’s best for your team? The reality is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Crafting a tailored strategy for your organization is essential.

Both Workplace Consultancy and Workplace Strategy offer a robust framework for developing the brief. They ensure alignment among all project stakeholders and draw on both qualitative and quantitative insights. In this article, we will define each discipline, highlight the key differences, and provide a side-by-side comparison to help you determine which approach best aligns with your business objectives.

While there are several options available, more often than not, businesses find themselves choosing between two main approaches: office design & build and traditional procurement. But which is right for your organisation? Selecting the appropriate procurement model is crucial to achieving an office fit-out that matches your workforce’s needs and overall business objectives.

Here, we explain the fundamental differences between design & build and traditional procurement. Highlighting each method’s key features, advantages, and disadvantages, we provide insights to help you make informed decisions about the best route for your business.

What is the difference between workplace strategy and workplace consultancy?

The terms “strategy”, “consultancy,” and “advisory” are often used interchangeably, as the services they encompass can overlap. However, it is important to understand the distinction between them.

A workplace consultancy refers to the in-depth process of analysing and evaluating a company’s current workspace. The goal is to identify key areas for improvement, offering tailored solutions that enhance the overall work environment.

The term workplace strategy refers to the overarching plan — a comprehensive framework designed to optimize the physical workspace in alignment with specific business objectives. It provides a clear direction for achieving organizational goals through the strategic use of space.

On top of those two phrases, you may also hear terminology like ‘workplace advisory’. This is a term that is frequently used as a ‘catchall’ statement to offer wider-reaching services from cultural transformation through to fine detail in change management.   

What does a workplace strategy consultant do?

Workplace strategy consultants maximise the value of the workplace. They undertake detailed qualitative and quantitative studies to inform the strategy development. Enhancing the use of office space and workplace technology increases employees’ productivity.

Strategy Consultants look at the present workplace performance and develop a future vision to complement your business strategy.

What is workplace consultancy?

Workplace consultancy is a service that looks at how a business is using its current office.

The consultancy service analyses how people work, the adjacencies of teams and facilities, it also evaluates the positive and negative impacts of the environment and develops a plan for what should be altered to make the design of the workspace more efficient for everyone. A robust process for the workplace consultancy service should cover engagement activities, evaluation of occupancy data, and observations from an experienced workplace designer/ consultant. 

The workplace consultancy process

Workplace consultancy is built upon four foundational pillars that guide organisations towards an optimised workspace. The foundational pillars outline the four stages that a business would expect to be guided through during the workplace consultancy process.

1. Research: Consultants gather critical data about the workplace, including space utilization, processes, and employee sentiment. This data serves as the basis for informed decisions.
2. Analysis: Consultants thoroughly analyse the company’s structure, management, and business goals, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
3. Design: Consultants create designs that are aligned with the company’s culture and values, ensuring that the workspace is both functional and inspiring.

What are the benefits of workplace consultancy?

1. Increased productivity: A well-designed workspace can drive productivity, helping businesses enhance retention and employee engagement.
2. Improved employee performance: By optimizing the workplace, businesses foster better collaboration and overall employee performance.
3. Reduced costs: Effective space utilization and operational efficiency reduce overheads and operating costs, resulting in significant savings.
4. Better work environment: A positive, well-considered workspace promotes employee well-being, encouraging satisfaction and reducing turnover.

What is workplace strategy?

Workplace strategy is a service that aligns the company’s workspace with its business objectives and the needs of the teams and employees.

The strategy service discovers the ambitions and goals of an organisation and develops a strategy plan for how they impact the physical environment, influenced by how the current space has evolved. This starts by discovering the ambition and direction of the company. Followed by a set of activities to measure the impact on the physical space and employees. Strategy should cover the optimal size of the workspace, the location, the working style, the facilities, and introduce other businesses to support a better working environment.

The workplace strategy process

Workplace strategy focuses on three core principles, all aimed at aligning the workspace with the evolving needs of the organization and its employees.

1. Alignment: The strategy ensures the physical workspace is aligned with the company’s broader strategic objectives and employee requirements, creating a cohesive environment.
2. Data analysis: Analysing space usage, employee feedback, and other critical data informs every decision, ensuring that the workplace design is both effective and adaptive.
3. Forecast: Recognising that business and technology are in constant flux, a successful workplace strategy anticipates future changes and is flexible enough to evolve as needed.

What are the benefits of workplace strategy?

1. Effectiveness of the future workspace: Evaluate how the current workspace is being used and identify areas for improvement to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Retention and attraction: Actively engage with employees to understand their preferences and needs, creating a work environment they can thrive in and be proud to invite people to.
3. Enhancement of collaboration and teamwork: Plan for the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring the workspace is equipped to support them seamlessly.
4. A responsible and sustainable organisation: Incorporating sustainability principles, creating a more responsible and socially conscious workplace.
5. Adapt to changing business needs: Either day-to-day market conditions adaptability ensures your business remain competitive and relevant.

When do I need a workplace strategist or consultant?

You will need a strategist when my organisation needs to relocate, remodel, or reimagine the physical workspace. You need a consultant, when my organisation needs to change.

This ‘change’ could refer to a physical, i.e., you have outgrown a space and therefore design input is required, or a change transformation piece where the organisational structure, operating model, or culture has a new direction.

What approach is right for your business?

Workplace consultancy

Workplace consultancy goes far beyond just office layout. It encompasses a broader vision—one that includes culture, sustainability, and creating an environment that empowers employees to succeed. A well-rounded consultancy examines not only the physical space but also the operational processes and the organizational culture to ensure they all work in harmony to drive success.

To determine if your consultant is truly the right fit, ask yourself: Can they cover all four bases? While it may not always be essential based on your specific needs, understanding the strengths and potential biases of your consultant is invaluable in selecting the best partner. A skilled consultant is adept at gathering, analysing, and synthesizing information, identifying key operational, process, and physical changes required to achieve success. They will provide you with clear, actionable recommendations to drive meaningful change.

Workplace strategy

Workplace strategy takes a planned approach to optimize the physical work environment, aligning employee needs, business goals, and space utilization. The aim is to maximize efficiency, foster collaboration, and enhance overall productivity within the workspace.

Ask yourself, Is the built environment central to my project’s success, business growth, or operational efficiencies? If the answer is yes, then a strategy-focused approach may be the most effective path forward. Many skilled workplace strategists have experience as consultants (and vice versa), allowing them to bring a wide range of skills to the table when necessary. A strategist can also assemble a broader team and connect you with the best partners to develop your project, ensuring the right skills are applied at every stage—whether that’s data capture, analysis, or design.

Workplace consultancy vs strategy

How WRKPLC can support you in making the right decision

Be clear about your skills and strengths. Understand what you can do well and recognize when it’s time to seek advice. Know how to invite others into your process to enrich the project. The best teams are built from diverse perspectives and a variety of industry skill sets. Encourage open conversation, foster collaboration, and remain open to new ideas. By embracing this approach, you will set the foundation for a workplace that not only meets current needs but is also poised for future success.

Developing a workplace strategy is no small feat. It requires navigating a complex web of factors, from business objectives to company culture to evolving employee expectations. It’s easy to fall into the trap of overestimating growth needs during expansion periods—many businesses mistakenly think, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and end up simply acquiring more space, doing more of the same, with perhaps a few “nice-to-haves” thrown in. But as your business grows, it evolves—and so must your workplace. The environment that worked for you yesterday may not be the one that will drive success tomorrow.

So, take a step back. Talk to people outside your organization. Engage with those who bring a fresh perspective, a passion for innovation, and expertise that can challenge your assumptions. These experts bring invaluable experience and an openness to exploring new ways of working.

Next, select the approach that best fits your needs. Do you need a Workplace Consultant—someone who specializes in gathering critical data about your current workspace, including layout, furniture, and employee behaviours? Or do you need a Workplace Strategist—an expert focused on using that data to craft a vision for the future workspace, one that aligns with your goals and prepares you for the next phase of growth?

The right partner can help you make informed decisions that will transform your workplace into a strategic asset, one that adapts with you as your business evolves.

Speak to Strategy Director Sean Espinasse to get more information on how to find the best solution to your workplace challenges.