Flex office solutions: why companies care about them

The way we work is evolving — big time. The 9-to-5 grind in the same old office isn't cutting it anymore. 

Remote work changed everything we know about the workday. As a working culture, we discovered that not all jobs need to be done from the same office, everyday. But employers are nervous about productivity, mental health, security, amenities and more.

So what if there was a hybrid solution? A hybrid approach to work is also known as a flex office solution. It's all about workspaces where folks can collaborate and get things done together. This new way of working, fuelled by the rise of remote work and our appreciation for work/life balance, and it’s opened up a whole new world of benefits. 

Why would a company want a flex office solution?

The flex and remote work statistics tell the story. According to recent data from WFHResearch, 12.7% of full-time employees are still working from home, while 28.2% of employees have adapted to a hybrid work model.

And according to a continued remote work analysis by Buffer, 98% percent of respondents would like to work remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers. Another 98% would recommend remote work to others. Overall, 91% of respondents report having a positive experience with remote work. Just 1% said their remote work experience was negative and the remaining 8% were neutral. 

It’s really a mindset issue, first and foremost. If your leadership is of the belief that your team will do their best work when they can work where and how they wish, then flex office solutions can feel like a windfall.

But the biggest win is the cost-saving aspect. Traditional commercial real estate means:

• You have to lease an entire office for a longer period of time
• Have more freedom when it comes to office space layout and design
• The space has to accommodate your entire team, all at once

Plus there are additional overhead costs to leasing an traditional office:

• Utilities 
• Internet 
• Equipment 
• Cleaning services 
• Office supplies 
• Drinks and add other perks

Flex offices address each of those aspects:

• Rent only the space you need based on team members who want access, and then based on the kind of space they want and will use.
• Reduce your footprint and overhead costs associated with the space

But it's not just about the money. Flex offices are also hotbeds for collaboration and innovation. Picture open layouts, shared amenities, and a melting pot of professionals from different sectors. This type of environment sparks creativity, and when you're rubbing elbows with people from diverse backgrounds, you get new perspectives and insights. The end result? More productivity and ideas that could be game-changers. 

There's also the whole work-life balance thing. Flex office solutions let employees have more control over when and where they work. This can boost job satisfaction and help keep great employees around longer. Plus, by cutting down on commute time and giving people the option to work remotely, flex offices are a greener choice.

How to make flex office solutions work for your team

According to an Accenture report, workers themselves show a strong preference for the hybrid model, with 83% favoring it as their ideal working arrangement. And data supports that, no matter the geographical location, it pays to maintain a healthy and productive workforce. The study revealed that 63% of high-revenue growth companies have adopted hybrid workforce models. 69% of companies experiencing negative or no growth have opted against the idea of hybrid workforces, choosing instead to have either all onsite or all remote employees.

Switching to flex office solutions isn't something you do overnight. You need to think about what your company really needs and what your goals are. Consider your team's size and what they do — flex office providers offer a range of options from dedicated desks to open coworking spaces.

If you want to create a flexible work environment, you've got to walk the walk. Start by asking your team what they want in their hybrid workspace. How can it best serve their needs?

Do they want quiet work places?
Do they want lounge areas?
Do they need spacious meeting rooms?

Regular check-ins and feedback are key to keep everyone on the same page. Encourage employees to take charge of their work and give them the tools they need to succeed. This could mean investing in tech that enables remote work and collaboration. 

Tech and tools for flex office spaces

Running a hybrid workspace needs the right tech and tools. Have a system in place for booking meeting rooms, reserving workstations, and accessing resources. 

Coworks flex office software helps you deliver a tech solution to balance the needs of a hybrid team. Let employees book an office on the days they expect to be in. Let teams reserve meeting spaces for collaborative projects. Connect to Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar for full transparency and integration. Leverage door access systems to keep your space secure but also accessible.

Even if the majority of your commercial office space is traditional, with assigned offices and meeting spaces, modern companies can transform portions of their workspace into flex office. That send the message to your team and your community that the culture of your company is open to change, and supports workers with the most effective environment they need to be successful.

The future is flexible

Flex office solutions are changing the way we work — and for the better. They offer a host of benefits like cost savings, increased productivity, and better work-life balance. As remote work becomes more common and our need for flexibility grows, flex office solutions are stepping up to the plate.

By bringing flex office solutions into your business, you can create an environment that's dynamic, collaborative, and perfect for innovation. Take time to understand your needs, pick the right provider, and foster a culture of flexibility and autonomy. With the right setup, your business can thrive in this new era of work with flex office solutions at its heart.