Office buildings now sitting empty for months on end, and it is becoming clear that things may not be going back to how they used to be. Competitive employers are already planning what happens next.
When it comes to the now, new way of working – for employees, it’s all about having options. Sometimes, this will mean a trip into the old office (if it’s still there). Other times, it’ll be about slogging through in a makeshift home office. But increasingly, we have seen a third, purpose-built workspace emerging as a better-than-the-best-of-both-worlds option that makes new levels of productivity and work-life balance possible, while slashing company overhead.
Perceptive employers know just how valuable the flexibility of a dedicated workspace is for employees today – and how a hybrid approach to work lets employees:
Perceptive employers have realised just how valuable the flexibility of a dedicated workspace can be.
– and how a hybrid approach to work lets employees:
How does a hybrid approach benefit employees?
- Reconvene the tribe
One thing missing from the work-from-home model, it’s that water-cooler chatter. Water cooler chat existed well before the invention of the water cooler, and for good reason—it gives humans a much-needed break from the next task. It spawns new ways of thinking and builds company culture.
- Prioritize productivity
The right environment has the power to make people happy – and when people are happy, they do their best work. From easy collaboration to heads-down, distraction-free working, to the lost art of meeting new people – a modern workspace is as much about the feeling it creates as the work it enables.
- Keeping safe
Workplace wellness used to be a buzzword, but today, it’s an absolute must-have across the board. High-end premium air filtration systems, cleanliness stations and desk dividers keep everyone safe. Dedicated workspaces are leading the charge in prioritizing the health and wellness of workers.
- Work-life balance
In an office-first model, people are expected to be on the clock between 9 am and 5 pm every workday. In a hybrid work model, employees have more flexibility to get work done when and where they’re most productive. Let’s face it, in the current state of the world, forcing everyone back into 9-to-5 is going to be a big ask. Trust is implicit in letting employees choose how and where they’ll work.
- Keeping top talent
It’s no secret that the better the perks, the more likely companies are to attract and retain top talent. Offering flexibility-based benefits will set forward-thinking employers apart. In a recent January 2022 survey, the majority of employees (63%) say flexibility would make them feel more empowered.
- Truly feel seen
Every employee is different. Whether their living situation makes working from home a challenge, or truly inspires productivity. As you continue to build a hybrid workplace that’s ideal for your company, remember to gather employee feedback. Be sure to provide more than one way for employees to share their thoughts.
Honouring each individual with thoughtful options shows empathy and makes employees feel seen and appreciated – keeping them motivated for the long haul.
- Lead the way
Figuring out how to hybrid is far from straightforward. By supporting bold, new ways of collaborating, employers are enabling entirely new workstreams. Trailblazing teams and innovative workflows are sure to yield amazing results we can’t predict yet, and will set the stage for whatever comes next.
- Define boundaries
If you know what your boundaries are, you can be clear about what you want and what you don’t want. Remember that boundaries can also offer safety and clarity. Thoughtful employers are learning that employees need a safe, convenient workspace a few days a week, where they can collaborate, socialize, and be productive – and that lets them return home refreshed and recharged.
- Tools and Tech to stay connected
Sure, a lovely place to work is a fine perk – but without the technological infrastructure to drive productivity with flawless integration, it’s just another set of walls. From scheduling meeting spaces, to logging hours and internet that just works, tech makes all the difference and enables true employee autonomy.
- Trailblazing
Early adopters of coworking, remote work, and flexible arrangements have long known that being able to choose where and how they work makes a huge difference in job satisfaction and productivity. Today’s circumstances have brought this movement forward at lightning speed and have created a surge in demand across industries.
