Technology and communications have evolved so rapidly over the last few years that most of us have been preoccupied with trying to stay knowledgeable about what buttons to push. But what about the spaces in which we perform our work? Surely we can do better than finding ways to shoehorn new communications technologies into conventional office or cubicle models.

I recently attended a seminar that featured a speaker who's considered one of the most knowledgeable people in the world about telecommuting or, as he calls it, telework. Gil Gordon has been an authority in the field of telecommuting since 1982, and has an impressive list of clients.

I went to the seminar expecting the usual kind of pontificating by an expert in his field, but came away happily surprised. Although Mr. Gordon was obviously in command of his subject, he was hardly a pontificator; instead, he established a dialogue with the attendees. Rather than telling us what he knew, he conversed with us so that we might come to a better understanding of the subject at hand, which wasn't just telecommuting -- it also encompassed the larger issues of how and where we work. He encouraged us to think positively and creatively about these issues.

The seminar was held at future@work, an "office of the future" exhibit in a downtown Seattle skyscraper that is designed to provide a glimpse of what an office might look like in 2007. A joint project of Callison Architecture, AT&T Wireless, Steelcase, Inc. and a handful of other companies, future@work is aimed at helping businesses maximize the effectiveness of the workplace by designing offices with human sensibilities and communications technology in mind.

Mr. Gordon's presentation was punctuated with video clips of a number of children who recently visited the exhibit and who offered some wonderfully insightful comments about the world in which they want to work. The theme running throughout the children's comments was that they wanted to enjoy their work and the places in which they will accomplish it.

Mr. Gordon pointed out that as we move forward into the information age, it's becoming more difficult for companies to find quality employees. And while it's likely there are many who harrumph at cheeky concepts like having fun at work, there is an undisputed, increasing need for capable knowledge workers. This need is becoming so strong that I think business executives would be foolish to overlook any opportunity to provide a more stimulating workplace, a place in which people want to work and are encouraged to do their best.

Think about it. While communications technology has revolutionized the ways in which we work, how have our workplaces been modified to take advantage of the advances of the last 20 years? Network cables have been strung like spaghetti through ceilings and walls, but how have the spaces in which we work and think changed? And how many people feel that their workspace is designed with an eye toward maximum productivity and efficiency? Show of hands, please…

The fact that many of the tools we use have become so portable might make some think that space is no longer a concern, that since we can work anywhere we'll just take the tools with us to wherever we feel comfortable. This is a convenience that's available to an increasing number of people in the Information Age, but I think there will always be a need for centralized workplaces where people can collaborate, commiserate, and create the synergy that leads to accomplishments which are greater than the sum of their parts.

Since technology evolves so rapidly, the spaces in which it is used must be somewhat malleable. Designers who truly want to serve their clients will acknowledge the impact the information age has wrought on the workplace and carefully evaluate their clients' needs. Their challenge is to create spaces that promote productivity, facilitate flexibility, and enhance the efficiencies the information age has provided.

Copyright © 2000 by Stephen Wacker All Rights Reserved.

Contact Stephen Wacker at swacker@accessone.com regarding use of this copyrighted material.

Stephen Wacker writes about technology, culture and society. His career as an information technology professional has focused primarily on communications and the Internet. Mr. Wacker also writes about contemporary popular music and is an accomplished songwriter and guitarist.