The future workplace: safe, flexible and hybrid

The pandemic has clearly shown that going forward offices will need to become agile spaces. Companies are bound to improve the employee experience if they wish to retain their best talent.

In fact, according to a new survey by LinkedIn, employees rank flexibility as their highest priority.

Along with that, multiple employee surveys claim that hybrid flexible work arrangements allow workers to be their most productive selves. What’s more, these also show that flexible work arrangements will be a significant factor when assessing future job opportunities.

As employee experience is becoming more relevant and so are their new expectations, employers are looking to hybrid workplace models. The hybrid workplace and employee experience go hand in hand, providing flexibility and employee choice.

Activity-based workspaces

By creating and designing adaptable workspaces where flexibility and collaboration are necessary, activity-based working can make for happier employees. Rather than being chained to one set desk, activity-based workplaces allow the work to dictate the workflow, encouraging movement throughout the workday and improving employee productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction.

Dynamic & remote workplaces

A dynamic workplace includes a combination of design, furniture and collaborative areas that can easily be reconfigured to meet a company’s needs. By definition, dynamic spaces are both agile and adaptable, integrating in-office and remote employees through technology to collaborate and work together seamlessly.

Office neighbourhoods

By designing and organising the office into specific departments, activities and job functions, employees are assigned to neighbourhoods instead of desks. Taking advantage of office neighbourhoods can make it much easier to manage a flexible workforce. In team-managed neighbourhoods, employees are empowered with managing seat assignments, moves and booking. Not only do employees appreciate the greater autonomy, but they are also usually more knowledgeable about who should sit where.

Agile working

This model empowers people by allowing them to decide when and how to work. Employees can choose what makes them most productive and adjust accordingly through the use of collaborative areas. A targeted design and fit-out of the office becomes crucial to empower this behaviour.

Flexible working

Flexible working allows employees to work where they feel most productive, allowing for improved teamwork and facilitating chance meetings and off-topic chats that can snowball into innovative ideas and business decisions. Hybrid/flexible solutions can be a true game-changer when managed properly, increasing productivity and connectivity and resulting in happier more engaged, employees – research shows. Hybrid models work best when employees are given a say in when and how they work. Greater flexibility can improve retention, attract more and better talent, increase diversity and productivity, and drive employee engagement.

Workers have also reported that they would choose a job with a flexible schedule over one without one, even if it meant a lower salary. With this information, it’s easy to see why employers are keen to offer their workers greater choice and flexibility in work practices.

The choice for the hybrid workplace is clear

Employees are looking for safety and more flexibility. As we return to the office, the choice is clear: the hybrid workplace and employee experience has evident benefits when implemented correctly. By using the right design when creating or refurbishing a workplace, employers can create an efficient hybrid office with the flexible employee experience their people want.

To find out more about IIS space, go to: https://iisspace.com/