Today’s offices are not your parents’ offices. From the never-ending influx of facility technology to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on reopening buildings, maintenance and engineering managers must grapple with the options and opportunities that today’s offices present. Now, managers in federal facilities have access to a resource to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the official opening of its Workplace Innovation Lab. Located at GSA’s headquarters, the lab functions as a proving ground where federal agencies can test recent innovations in workplace furnishings and technology. This effort aligns with the president’s management agenda workforce priority, which includes reimagining and building a roadmap to the future of federal work.
The lab features new types of layouts and furniture solutions that support individuals and teams, as well as technology that enhances connectivity and effectiveness. The lab also features sustainable technology solutions ranging from power-over-ethernet cabling (which eliminates the need for expensive steel cabling) to solar powered light fixtures that support GSA’s drive toward net zero carbon facilities.
GSA is operating the lab as a pilot Federal Coworking Space. Federal employees can work in the 25,000-square-foot space and can use the lab for periods ranging from an hour to weeks. Visitors from federal agencies can request tours and sign up to be notified when online reservations are available. GSA will gather anonymous user feedback and data from the lab to improve its offerings and solutions.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor of the facilities market. He has more than 25 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
