Going into space

As the MP expenses row rumbles on, not a day goes by when we don't hear about the increasingly 'creative' ways our elected representatives have chosen to spend taxpayers' money.

But while the MPs in Westminster are running for cover over their interpretation of the expenses rules, another expensive, although less blatant, act of frivolity has come to light.

According to a recent report by Lord Carter of Coles, while the average UK worker occupies 10 square metres of space, civil servants are enjoying a far more roomy 14.5 square metres.

In more sobering terms, this means that up to a third of the public sector's £130bn estate - as much as £43bn - just isn't needed.

The report, the government's Operational Efficiency Programme (OEP) issued as part of Alistair Darling's recent Budget, highlighted opportunities for central government to make significant savings in the office accommodation estate.

Revised working methods, collaboration of departments and incentives to change are all highlighted in the report.

It also recommended a new central government property function be set up.

All this considered, isn't the problem just as simple as looking at working space as a simple cost to the organisation and realising that efficiency comes from straightforward solutions?

These include open plan working, questioning if everyone needs a desk for every hour of every day, and challenging the need for offices in every location.

With modern methods of communication and wireless technology the opportunities to make significant inroads to saving a third of your space are here now Mr Brown, there's absolutely no need to hang around.

As a business with “space” as its brand, we have looked closely at our own operation and challenged ourselves ensuring that we get our own house in order prior to advising others (MPs please take note).

As a result of our own internal look. using our teams of space planners and practical creative designers, we now embrace an open plan working approach for everyone in the business - including board members.

This provides a collaborative working environment that helps generate teamwork and supports an open an honest culture within the workplace.

In addition, we have also gone as far as each senior member of the business changing their gas guzzling family saloons in favour of eco-friendly Toyota Aygos, pushing the boundaries beyond the office walls!

Making changes - and, in this case, saving the tax payer billions of pounds - is more about a way of thinking and a culture that breeds innovation, rather than reports on top of further reports which eventually end up with bureaucratic analysis paralysis.

The solutions are here now, no need to wait!