Introduction
It seems like flexible working is here to stay. In this article we discuss the benefits of embracing this new norm of working life, and what employers can do to their office space to make it more flexible for their employees.
Benefits of Flexible Working
Employees are reporting a jump in wellbeing and productivity as a result of flexible working – which in turn is helping to boost employers’ bottom lines.
A recent survey by CBRE, which included 20,000 employees from around the world, shows that flexible working has been linked to increased productivity and more innovative thinking. For many employees, being able to work when and where they want is crucial, with around 40% of workers globally and in the UK saying that flexibility is the primary factor they consider when assessing job opportunities. Employers are looking to offer this benefit in order to retain talent.
It looks like flexible working is here to stay. The survey found that only 20% of workers globally want to work solely from the office in the future. Instead, the majority want to work a hybrid schedule that allows them to work both in the office and from home.
This shows the importance of a company’s commitment to work-life balance and how employers should embrace flexibility.
How Can Employers Adapt to Facilitate Flexibility
Employers can adapt their office environments in several ways to facilitate flexible working. Let’s take a look at some options.
Create a Flexible Workspace
This means designing a space that can be used for different purposes. For example, having open areas for collaboration, quiet areas for focused work, and isolated meeting pods for group discussions all help. A great example of this is the X-Change Acoustic Booth by Quadrifoglio, which comes with sound-absorbing walls to ensure privacy, a controllable ventilation system and LED lights to illuminate the workstations. They can also be equipped with electrical sockets, shelves and support surfaces to make work more functional and facilitate concentration. It is a great way for employees to be able to break away from the rest of the office and get on with work.
Provide a Variety of Seating Options
A flexible workspace should offer a variety of seating options, including standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and comfortable couches. This allows employees to work in a way that is comfortable and productive for them. The NesTable by Vitra is another great solution for working environments who embrace flexible working as it has a fully adjustable platform height and inclination, and can be drawn up closely to most types of seating.
Implement a Hot-Desking system
Hot-desking means that employees do not have assigned desks, but rather can work from any available desk in the office. This allows for greater flexibility and encourages employees to move around and collaborate with different team members. A great chair we at Cirque love is the Balance Chair by Modus, this task chair combines functionality with the comfort of an armchair.
Conclusion
Employers need to be open to flexible working and willing to make changes to support it. By doing so, they can create a more productive, happy, and engaged workforce. Some of the changes offices can bolster the staff’s efficiency and motivate them to be more productive.
Cirque Furniture are available for a conference call to discuss how to turn your office into a hub that embraces flexibility, with one to one personal contact to achieve the perfect office space to match your business needs. Get in touch with us by emailing at info@cirquefurniture.com today and let’s talk.
