The Rise of Flex Office Spaces
The flex office space market has experienced unprecedented growth. According to JLL’s Future of Work Survey 2022, flexible workspace inventory grew significantly, with projections for continued expansion.
– IWG’s Global Workspace Survey found that 79% of employees would choose a job offering flexible working over one that didn’t.
– CBRE’s 2024 Office Occupier Sentiment Survey 42% of companies expect to have 11–50% of their portfolio in flexible office space in two years, up from 25% today.
Impact on Productivity and Performance
Several studies have demonstrated the positive impact of flexible workspaces on employee productivity:
1. WeWork’s 2019 Global Impact Report found that:
– 54% of members credit WeWork with accelerating their company’s growth
– 90% of members say the WeWork community has had a positive impact on their business
2. Research published in the Harvard Business Review revealed that:
– Workers in coworking spaces reported an average “thriving” score of 6 on a 7-point scale
– This is at least a point higher than the average for employees in traditional offices
3. Deskmag’s Global Coworking Survey found that:
– 71% of coworking members felt more creative in their coworking space
– 68% said they were able to focus better
Employee Well-being and Satisfaction
Flexible workspaces have shown a direct correlation with improved employee well-being:
– According to Gensler’s U.S. Workplace Survey 2020, employees with choice in when and where to work reported higher job satisfaction and better work-life balance.
Cost-Efficiency for Businesses
Flexible workspaces can also lead to significant cost savings:
– A study by Global Workplace Analytics found that businesses can save an average of £8,500 per employee annually by implementing flexible work arrangements..
– CBRE’s 2024 Office Occupier Sentiment Survey reports that 46% of companies plan to reduce capital expenditure by adopting flexible workspace strategies.
Technology Integration
Gensler’s 2020 Workplace Survey shows that tech-enabled offices are crucial for productivity:
– A significant majority of employees believe that technology that supports mobility is vital to creating an optimal work environment.
– Companies with strong digital workplaces report higher productivity and profitability.
Implementing Flexible Office Strategies
For businesses looking to implement flexible office strategies, consider these data-driven steps:
1. Assess your current workspace utilisation (companies typically use only 60-70% of their office space, according to JLL’s benchmarking).
2. Survey employee preferences (Gensler’s research shows that a majority of employees prefer a hybrid work model).
3. Explore coworking and flexible space options in your area.
4. Invest in technology that supports flexible working.
5. Develop policies that promote work-life balance and flexibility.
Conclusion
As the world of work continues to evolve, those who adapt to these changes will be best positioned to thrive. It’s time to rethink your workplace strategy and consider how flexible coworking spaces can benefit your organisation.
For more insights into the coworking landscape, particularly in the UK and Ireland, check out this comprehensive report by CoworkingCafe