Challenges, Changes and Data in the Asset & Estate Sector

The nature of work has rapidly evolved! The pandemic lockdowns broke the old concept of the workplace and made remote and flexible working mainstream and acceptable. Previous leadership styles have relaxed in favour of greater trust and the improved security restrictions are enabling public sector employees more flexibility in where they work.

Faced with unpredictable daily commutes and the higher cost of living, many people are seeking a better work-life balance. Being in control of their working day is one of those opportunities employees are grasping with both hands. But is this a passing trend or is this here to stay?

The Government Property Agency (GPA) creates great places to work for the UK’s civil servants. It supports the Government's Property Strategy by creating a transformed, shared, sustainable and value for money government office estate. This includes improvements in productivity, interoperability, inclusivity, sustainability and Net Zero, as well as supporting the transformation of the UK’s public services.

Data paves the future

The current and future nature of work strikes at the heart of what the workplace is for. Gone are the days of employees having their appointed desk and pedestal, required to clock in at 09:00 and out at 17:00. We are now using more data than ever before to better understand what employees need from their workspaces. This data supports us to design, build, manage and evolve flexible, inclusive and modern workspaces to create environments that nurture productivity, collaboration and community.

Rationalising to provide flexibility

For asset and estate management, this will undoubtedly lead to rationalising buildings to flex with changing working habits. This evolution is also allowing workspaces to become visually different. No longer are we seeing rows of desks all equipped with computer monitors. Spaces are being designed and optimised to meet the operational needs of each department while emphasising collaboration spaces and flexibility.

Buildings and spaces must also support and encourage multi-department occupancy. This means our buildings are government hubs where different departments come together under one roof. These departments benefit from greater variety, improved technology, more streamlined facilities support and enhanced workplace experiences. And ultimately, all this means greater value for each department, all while reducing carbon emissions and public spending.

We are at an exciting point in the evolution of the ways of working. This is a turning point for society, and for the future of how public sector outputs are delivered. And we are proud to be leading the transformation to embrace a smaller, greener and better public estate.

Join us for this year’s Smart Asset & Estate Management Conference on December 8th  2022 at the QEII Centre in London.  Smart 2022 is the ideal place for all public sector property professionals to get the latest policy updates and discover new initiatives around estate management, sustainable buildings, smarter working and the technology that enables them.