If you think that flexible offices are just for startups, entrepreneurs and remote workers, you are highly mistaken. Over the past few years, the flexible workspace industry has grown in different ways to cater to all kinds and sizes of organizations. Flexible workspaces have given rise to organizational changes.
The coworking spaces or the flexible offices attract fresh and young talents. From designs and layouts to amenities and opportunities, flexible workplaces can maximize the scope of your business like never before. There are many flexible office space providers such as WeWork, Awfis, InstaOffice and many other big names.
Seeing the drastic changes in the working styles due to the pandemic, even large enterprises are also turning to flexible offices. All the SMEs and MNCs are looking for creative ways to start their operation amidst the pandemic. And flexible coworking spaces are absolutely perfect to cater to all your business requirements.
Today when the world is facing a deadly pandemic, when economic conditions are getting worse, people are struggling to survive. In such harsh situations, flexible workspaces have proven to be a blessing for the employees as well as for the organizations.
Although there are unlimited benefits and perks offered by flexible workspaces. But it is difficult to cover all of them in a single article.
In this article, we will be discussing the factors that encouraged large enterprises to shift to flexible office spaces.
-
Engagement & Collaboration
-
Branding & Customization
-
Amenities
-
Increased Productivity
-
Cost Effectiveness
-
Engagement & Collaboration:
The time has changed and the modern workforce’s expectations have changed a lot over the past few years. Similarly, organizations have evolved a lot in the understanding of business, employee welfare and workspace requirements. Now, large corporations look for a more collaborative and innovative working environment.
A collaborative and open working environment allows coworkers to have an open discussions. This discussion would not be possible in a closed cubicle-style workspace.
Flexible workspaces foster deeper connections among employees and encourage skill development, teamwork and social interaction, etc.
This way a flexible workspace can help larger enterprises improve in terms of culture and productivity. Besides, such workspaces also give countless networking and collaboration opportunities. If you own a private office or a floor in any flexible workspace, you can still communicate with other employees of different organizations in the common areas.
Many social and cultural events & activities are organised to keep the employees entertained. In order to engage them in creative activities, painting competitions, music and dance sessions etc. are organised. This boosts their creativity and awakens the imagination that leads to more innovative ideas.
-
Branding & Customization:
One of the most interesting and attractive characteristics of flexible offices is that they allow space customization. When a larger enterprise signs a long-term agreement, flexible workspace providers closely work with the organization in order to provide them with the custom build-outs that it needs.
The modern flexible office spaces help the enterprise with the branding elements of their choice. It may include their brand’s logo, a certain kind of wallpaper on the walls, furniture from a certain kind or increased network security for privacy issues etc.
A flexible workspace considers its duty to provide the required branding and customization material to the enterprise as per their expectations.
All these facilities are not available in traditional-style office spaces at all. The flexible workspaces have become more organization-centric by giving them options of branding and customization.
Instead of just expecting employees to come and work, they allow them to have a workspace that compliments their work ethics and values.
The enterprises can demand to have cool cafe-style tables in their meeting rooms to convert boring meetings into interactive places. Or the enterprise can wish to place a big centerpiece (say their 3 D logo design) at the entrance. Giving enterprises the ability to design and choose the interior, furniture and other arrangements result in improved work quality and productivity.
-
Amenities:
By now, you all must be aware of the benefits that a coworking space offers. There are countless benefits offered by flexible spaces which are impossible with traditional style office spaces. One of the major benefits is top-notch amenities offered to operate without any hassle.
Suppose if you own your office space, you will have to pay for the utilities like electricity, water and gas etc. Flexible workspaces come along with all the modern amenities such as wifi, electricity & water supply, power backup, pantry, medical assistance, modern furniture, air conditioning, reception facilities, washrooms, printing facilities, tea/coffee, nap rooms, unique interiors and much more.
Moreover, you don’t need to pay any extra charges for all the aforementioned amenities. They come within the monthly rent you pay for the flexible office space. An office manager and support staff will be there to ensure that everything is running smoothly with utmost perfection and professionalism.
-
Increased Productivity-
Due to the pandemic, it has become more crucial than ever before to provide the workforce with a healthy and safe working environment. In India, 64 percent of the workforce comprises millennials. In order to engage the millennial workforce and cater to their needs, workspaces are continuously evolving to benefit both the organizations and employees.
Flexible workspaces have come up with several ways to boost the productivity of the workforce. Providing them with break-out rooms, green spaces, and open lounging space is one of the ways to refresh the employees and enhance their efficiency.
Besides, the flexibility such workspaces offer is unparalleled. Whether it is in terms of lease agreements, customisation or seating arrangements etc., flexible workspaces are always preferred due to their unmatched flexibility. Thereby increasing the productivity of employees and making them stay beyond the working hours gladly.
-
Cost-Effectiveness:
When a company leases a traditional-style workspace, it is responsible for every expense. From electrical work and furnishings to the IT and networking infrastructure, everything is done by the company. It all sums up to a huge amount of capital investment.
Whereas, in a flexible workspace, all these details are already taken care of. Thereby, reducing a huge amount of money that goes into overall occupancy cost.
The organizations can use the saved amount of money in expanding their business and in employees’ welfare. They can use that in marketing and branding in order to reach a wider audience. Cost-effectiveness is one of the major reasons why enterprises are turning to flexible offices. They cut down all the extra costs and allow you to pay only for space and things you use.
Suppose currently you have a team of 10 employees and you are looking for an office space. Leasing an entire floor will be a waste of money and space. It is better to lease a private office in a flexible office space. You can anytime add on the space once your team grows in number.
