Green light for modern working environments

The city of Erlangen is to take further bold steps towards sustainable administration. On April 30, the Erlangen City Council approved a concept for the city-wide introduction of mobile working environments. The core components of this are mobile forms of work and workstations used by several employees (desk sharing) instead of permanently assigned offices. As a result of this multiple use and the consideration of absences and home office times, space is freed up. They can be redesigned and newly equipped or furnished for all users in the building. They then offer a tailored, shared work option for the respective activities of the employees, be it for

• an exchange of ideas
• a creative meeting
• the retreat or relaxation area or even
• for advising citizens.

Targeted investments in the company's own real estate will gradually create modern, attractive working conditions and at the same time make better use of space. The aim is to bundle the administrative units and use synergies to improve the service for citizens. In the long term, considerable costs are also to be saved by reducing the amount of rented space.

High savings potential

The concept can already save around 1.6 million euros by 2028. In the longer term, i.e. over a period of 25 years, between 55 and 100 million euros could be saved annually compared to the current status quo if the concept is fully implemented.

The concept is already to be applied in the administrative offices of the culture and education campus (kubic), which will be occupied shortly. Similar concepts are already being used in other areas of the city administration - with positive results. This modern approach is now being extended to the entire city administration for the first time.

Aiming for less rented space

New statutory tasks and a growing city have led to a growing administration and a continuous increase in space requirements in recent years. However, changes in working habits and increasing digitalization also require a more dynamic working environment, as the otherwise increasing demand for space could only be met by renting additional space. The new strategy aims to reverse this trend: The aim is to become less dependent on rented buildings in the long term. Instead, we want to use our own properties more flexibly and efficiently.

Lord Mayor Florian Janik: "We are investing in modern, flexible workplaces that meet today's requirements and at the same time help to reduce operating costs and thus save money. Our strategy is of course also a contribution to budget consolidation. Above all, however, it is a strategic decision that responds to changing requirements in the world of work."

At the same time, the city remains flexible in order to be able to react to legal changes and further administrative growth if necessary.