How can the workplace strategy and narrative work together to create a space that fosters innovation?
Changi Airport Group (CAG) sought to establish a new workspace that would unify its enterprise innovation teams, centralizing key innovation units into one integrated space. This new hub aimed to not only serve as a functional workspace but also as a showcase for CAG’s unique brand of innovation.
Our role was to work closely with CAG to understand the diverse needs of their various divisions through comprehensive interviews and workshops. By engaging a wide spectrum of users, from senior executives to operational staff, we were able to translate their needs and aspirations into a dynamic concept that facilitated different types of innovation and collaborative activities.
OUR APPROACH
Recognising the strategic intent to unite various divisions with distinct innovation activities, we initiated our process by conducting a series of visioning exercises with senior leaders. These exercises were crucial in aligning around the collective value that the new space would bring to CAG.
We then worked closely with the various teams on the ground to translate their needs into a customised design concept. This concept supported hybrid working environments, enhanced connections across teams, and effectively told the story of CAG’s unique innovation journey.
Our multi-level engagement strategy was a cornerstone of our approach:
• Executive Alignment: We began with visioning exercises with the CEO and senior leadership to align on strategic goals and collective values. This top-level sponsorship was essential for driving change and ensuring commitment at all levels.
• Functional Teams Engagement: We engaged different functional teams through large group workshops and smaller, focused sessions. This allowed us to capture a wide array of perspectives and ensure that the needs of each team were addressed.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: By facilitating cross-functional workshops, we promoted collaboration between teams that typically operate in silos. This fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose.
• Operational Staff Insights: We conducted deep-dive interviews and on-the-ground observations with operational staff. Their firsthand insights into daily workflows were invaluable in designing a space that supports practical needs.
• Diverse Formats: Our engagement formats ranged from interactive workshops and roundtable discussions to one-on-one interviews, on-site observation, and surveys. This variety ensured that all voices were heard and built trust across different levels of the organisation.
OUR VALUE
The insights gained from our multi-level engagement strategy enabled CAG to make critical decisions on which teams to consolidate in the new space and how they would collaborate to showcase and advance CAG’s innovation capabilities for the future.
We developed a comprehensive set of design opportunities and principles, co-created through our engagements with staff. These informed the spatial design and provided guidance for change management activities post-implementation. Our approach ensured that the new space met functional requirements and embodied CAG’s innovative spirit, facilitating a smoother transition and fostering a culture of continuous innovation.
By engaging stakeholders at all levels and utilising various formats to build trust and consensus, we created a workplace strategy that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of CAG’s diverse teams. This holistic and inclusive approach not only convinced the organisation of the value of change but also empowered them to embrace it fully.
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