What is a flexible workspace?
Flexible working describes any working pattern that differs from the traditional office hours or locations. Focussing primarily on locations, this could mean working from different spots in the same office or building (as well as from home), as opposed to always being stationed at the same desk. A flexible workspace is somewhere that facilitates this and with it comes many benefits, both for individual employees and the company as a whole.
1. Improved productivity and collaboration
Flexible workspaces usually offer a mix of shared office space, hot desking facilities, private workspaces and communal breakout space. This enables tenants to work in a way that suits the unique and changing requirements of their business. By giving employees the option to use the workspace most appropriate for the particular task they’re doing, flexible workspaces remove many of the barriers to productivity and collaboration presented by a traditional, one-desk-fits-all, model.
A well-designed flexible workspace, enhances productivity and collaboration amongst its tenants. Businesses might utilise an office’s common areas where teams can spontaneously come together and collaborate, as well as quiet zones where individuals can go and focus individually.
When workers have an office layout that fosters creativity and responds to their changing needs – be that over the course of a project or a day – it becomes easier for them to meet objectives.
2. Adaptability = cost reduction
For business owners, flexible workspaces are especially useful because they’re adaptable. As a result of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, business owners have become more sceptical about committing to contracts to rent/buy offices. However, with flexible workspaces, businesses can simply adapt their required office size to suit the number of employees coming into the office. The occupancy of flexible workspaces can also be maximised by sharing the space with another or multiple companies, subsequently helping to reduce the cost of the lease.
3. Promotes a greater work-life balance
Having the freedom to choose where and when you work is a great way to promote a greater work-life balance in employees, leading to increased job satisfaction. When long commutes to the workplace are no longer necessary, employees can spend less hours travelling and more time with friends and family. Flexible working is also hugely beneficial for parents and carers, as they can work around school drop-offs and pick-ups and spend more time with the little ones.
4. Greater diversity
When an employer limits their candidate pool to a single location, they narrow the group of candidates available. This means that employers may miss out on a diverse range of employees who may have conflicting availability and locations. By implementing flexible working hours, companies can cast a wider net into the pool of potential employees, meaning they are more likely to hire the best candidates available. In turn, your workplace will be much more diverse.
So, what’s not to like about flexible workspaces?
These modern spaces provide their tenants with the facilities to work efficiently on their terms, whether that be collaborative or individual. Flexible workspaces’ versatility is what makes them special, giving people the choice to work the way they want to. Businesses working out of flexible workspaces not only see a boost in their employees’ productivity and save financial fears amidst the uncertainty of current life, but also see an overall boost in office morale.
Smithfield Works
Smithfield Works is the latest addition to the Smithfield development in Hanley. As Stoke’s first purpose-built flexible workspace, it is an exciting development for the region that hopes to nurture and home the next generation of Staffordshire businesses.
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https://smithfieldstoke.com/