Places for multi-locational work – opportunities for facilities management

Purpose – This research aims to aggregate and categorise distinct places for multi-locational work from the 1960s until today. Based on an understanding of the user needs connected to these locations, the paper aims to identify the service concepts and workplace design solutions by which these needs can be met. Design/methodology/approach – The literature review is based on academic journal papers, reports and books related to the topic. Findings – The paper categorises the main multi-locational workplace locations, namely, organisational offices, home offices, mobile workplaces and flexible offices. The user needs in these locations vary from concept to concept, and therefore, the service offers are distinct. Based on the results, the service provision of organisational offices and flexible offices should focus on providing users with the chance for socialisation using collaborative space solutions and community management policies. In the cases of home offices and mobile workplaces, service provision should instead emphasise ensuring functionalities such as efficient virtual connectivity and accessibility. Additionally, more concept-specific user needs are identified. Research limitations/implications – The paper offers an overview of and framework for future research and concept development. The limitations of cultural differences could have been investigated more. Practical implications – The results provide insight into the purposes of facilities management and workplace design when developing service concepts for multi-locational workplaces. Originality/value – The paper establishes a literature-based framework for the service concepts of places for multi-locational work.