Flexible office model offers all-purpose work environments for tomorrow’s agile workforce
With the majority of the global workforce working remotely for most of 2020, many companies and their employees suffered a considerable sense of loss in terms of workplace culture and practices. Businesses were quick to bring employees back to the office by working with flexible office space providers like Compass Offices to incorporate hybrid working, satellite offices, and Third Places where employees can perform best.
What is a Third Place?
A Third Place is the social surroundings that are separate from employees' two usual social environments of home, which is the First Place; and their workplace, which is the Second Place. Typical examples of Third Places might include coffee shops, cha chaan tengs, pubs, churches, libraries, shopping centres, pools, beaches, BBQs, bookstores and parks. More recently, the concept of a Third Place has been leveraged by companies of various sizes to widen their offering in terms of shared common spaces in the local community. Coworking spaces for young entrepreneurs and startups have modelled their interior design to incorporate “community coffee house” and “community living rooms” while offices for corporates and professionals have also embraced a similar concept to help maximise this free space for social interaction.
In the wake of the pandemic, office space has further proven necessary for companies and their employees in the long run. But what office space can move along with the times, grow when a business does and is capable of fully capturing the spatial requirements of a company at every level of their progress?
Space that integrates all work models
Flexible office space providers are making a difference in the workspace industry by supporting and delivering what companies need to realise their objectives. Businesses are increasingly choosing flexible office space for many reasons, including flexible lease, business-ready workspaces, secure high-speed connectivity, cost efficiency and scalability—depending on business needs.
A hybrid work environment and satellite offices in a flexible office space promotes flexibility for staff and allows companies to fully utilise space on demand and create room for the benefit of employees. Office space providers like Compass Offices, are increasingly offering customised flexible office space solutions.
With multiple locations local and abroad, flexible office spaces can support hybrid working and satellite office operations. Regional presences can be set up swiftly to speed up the time-to-market process, and staff can conveniently converge at their offices located in key business addresses. Even in a traditional office setting, companies recognise the need for a Third Place, but the plan is often hindered by cost and priority. A concept coined in the 80s by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg, Third Place are defined as social environments today's context, they are a place where thriving workplace communities are built. Within a Third Place, teams meet to collaborate and engage; staff finds respite in a busy workday; colleagues find friendships over shared workplace activities—it is a common ground that benefits staff for productivity and wellness. In a flexible office space, the Third Place is a feature that comes readily available in the form of business lounges, café space, as well as pantry and breakout areas at no additional costs.
Concepts change, but office space prevails
Today, the hybrid work model is at the forefront of almost every future work model, with industry giants like Microsoft and Infosys leading the way and an increasing number of companies following suit. Concepts like the hybrid work model do not diminish the importance of office space but rather reinforce it. The office continues to play a crucial role in facilitating team collaboration and internal communication. It is a space for activities that require physical presence and an avenue that fosters a sense of belonging and team spirit—that cannot be virtually replaced. Office space is also integral to helping keep the organisational culture intact, as well as enhancing brand image and corporate identity.
New trends may come, and consumer behaviour change, but flexible office spaces remain adaptive to all space requirements and workplace needs for every member of the organisation. With the ability to stay ahead of change and ensure business continuity for all business types, flexible office spaces look set to provide HR with the agile workspace solutions required by today's workforce.
Learn more: https://www.compassoffices.com/
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
