Office of Future

The workplace of tomorrow promises to look quite different from today’s. Whether it’s telecommuting, “interactive rooms” or “hoteling,” nearly all companies will have some newfangled ways by 2000, according to a study of 4,000 North American businesses by Haworth Inc. and the International Facility Management Assn.

Interactive Space

Tom Horne and Bob Jenkins (above) consult in NILS Publishing Co.’s “interactive room,” where desks are moved around so people can work together on projects. Productivity increased 35% after the room was created, says Crystal House, facilities director for the Chatsworth-based firm that publishes CD-ROMs and books on insurance law.

Desk du Jour

Other businesses may call upon a system of reserving office space called “hoteling,” in which a worker’s possessions are deposited on the designated desk du jour, with logistics being handled by a corporate “concierge.” This would be most appropriate for part-time telecommuters and those who work in the field.

Future Workers

And who will be found in tomorrow’s office? “Gold-collar workers,” those sharp in math, science and computers and possessing basic writing skills, in addition to “knowledge workers,” people able to solve high-stakes business problems. And don’t forget the “geezer boomer,” also known as the aging baby boomer.

FORECAST: Mostly clear to partly cloudy skies through Tuesday. B7