There are a variety of different configurations that companies can utilize for the facility design of their Shared Services operation.  Whether all employees are located in the same facility, separated somewhat in the same local vicinity, or spread out across a large geographic area, emphasis needs to be placed on developing a cohesive organization, especially for workgroups supporting common processes or customers. 

Often, when employees are not located in the same facility, separate cultures can develop and a sense of not being a part of one team can evolve.  While a little competition between workgroups can be good, having separate cultures can offer its own set of challenges that can negatively impact the overall performance of the Shared Services operation.

Recently, research was conducted with major Shared Services operations from across the world using Peeriosity’s iPolling^TM technology regarding their Shared Services facilities configuration and the impact on the organization when all employees are not located in the same facility.  Looking at the results from the first poll question, the responses were closely divided between the two most popular options of being located in the same facility (45%) and having multiple facilities spread out (42%).  Just 13% had multiple Shared Services facilities located in the vicinity of each other.

The second poll question then addressed the potential impact on the organization related to such areas as culture, service, and communication when all employees are not located in the same facility.  The poll response was overwhelming, with 95% indicating that multiple facilities have an impact to one degree or another on the cohesiveness of the team, with 25% saying that it is a significant issue, 50% responding that it is somewhat significant, and 20% saying that it is of moderate impact.  Just 5% responded that multiple facilities had little or no impact on team cohesiveness.

For many companies, utilizing multiple Shared Services facilities for teams that perform common process areas is a necessity for a variety of reasons.  As this research clearly points out, it will take some effort to ensure the efforts of the team are in synch and that separate cultures do not arise as a result of this type of design.

What type of facilities design does your company utilize for Shared Services?  Is particular attention required to ensure team cohesiveness as a result of your facilities design?

Who are your peers and how are you collaborating with them?

“iPolling^TM” is available exclusively to Peeriosity member company employees, with consultants or vendors prohibited from participating or accessing content. Members have full visibility to all respondents and their comments. Using Peeriosity’s integrated email system, Peer Mail^TM, members can easily communicate at any time with others who participated in iPolling.