Radboud Sustainable Working
Productive, effective and enjoyable work
Why work differently?
The way we work has changed. Not so much what we do, but especially how and where we do it. Some prefer the peace and quiet of working from home, while others are on campus daily for meetings or teaching. Teams meetings are now a regular fixture in our schedules. We no longer see our colleagues every day by default. More and more often we ask ourselves: what do I do at home, and what do I do on campus?
At the same time, many spaces haven’t yet adapted to this new way of working. Maybe you miss quiet spaces to concentrate or take Teams calls, or informal corners to catch up with colleagues. Or you see empty rooms that you can’t access. At the same time, it’s important for the university to use space more efficiently.
Utilise more efficiently
The university is facing a cost-cutting challenge. By using the working environment more efficiently, more money can go towards education and research.
This raises valid questions: What will be different? Where will I be working? That’s understandable. Changes affect your daily work. But this is also an opportunity to reflect on how things can improve: how the working environment can better support the way we collaborate, meet, teach, research and focus.
A working environment for all of us
Some days you want to brainstorm with a colleague, other days you need deep focus. Some colleagues like routine, others prefer flexibility. A pleasant working environment isn’t for just one type of person; it should work for everyone. That’s why RDW makes space for these differences: think of areas for meetings, focused work, or simply a place to catch up.
“A pleasant working environment is not made for just one type of colleague. It’s made for all of us.”
Some days you’re Fons Focus, other days you’re Toni Together. One day you chat like Chet Chat, the next you’re in back-to-back meetings like Mees Meeting. Everyone is different, and you’re not the same every day. RDW helps us define shared principles to design and use the campus in a way that suits this diversity.
What does an RDW project look like in practice?
An RDW project starts with your team’s real-life work situation. What do you and your colleagues need to do your work well? The project team listens, joins the conversation, and works with you to create a work environment that really works. Here’s how it works:
1. Start with conversations
How do you currently work? What challenges do you face? What works well? Who do you work with? The project team gathers what matters to your team.
2. Translate into guiding principles
Think of statements like: “We need quiet places to focus” or “We want more opportunities to meet with other teams.”
3. Initial concept sketch
Based on your input, the building, the budget, and the need to cut costs, the project team develops a concept proposal.
4. Input from the work floor
The draft will be shared with you and your colleagues. Your input is important to make it really fit the daily practice.
5. Make clear agreements
Together with the (project) team, you define how spaces will be used, how teams will collaborate, and who will be on campus when.
6. Evaluation after 100 days
Time to try it out! After 100 days, there’s a joint evaluation: what works well, what can be improved?
“Everything you say is taken seriously. People listen, take notes, and your opinion really matters.”
— ILS colleague, on a staff meeting
What are the benefits?
Optimal working
Whether you want to focus, collaborate, catch up or brainstorm: there’s space for different working styles.
- You’re welcome in every building.
- You can see which spaces are best for focusing, collaborating, meeting or socialising.
- Your team makes agreements: how do we work and meet most effectively?
Efficient use of space
No more unused rooms. Instead, recognisable spaces for your team and smart sharing with others.
- Shared use of spaces
- Recognisable team zones
- Cost savings, so less needs to be cut from education and research
Wellbeing first
A working environment where you feel good: mentally and physically.
- You work in a way that suits you, in consultation with your team
- Space for reflection and development of the environment
Projects in progress
There are several locations on campus where RDW projects are being implemented, including Information & Library Services (ILS).
The project for ILS's new working environment was launched in 2024. The project applies to all ILS employees in the Forum and the University Library. The needs were identified, such as a working environment closer to students and staff, and opportunities to work in a focused manner. The way in which teams (want to) work together was also mapped out.
Want to know more about RDW?
Has your faculty not started an RDW project yet, but you’re curious what it might mean for you? Or do you have questions, ideas or concerns about your working environment? Get in touch with the RDW programme group. We are glad to think with you.Get in touch via radboudduurzaamwerken [at] ru.nl (radboudduurzaamwerken[at]ru[dot]nl)
