Transformational Workspace – Embracing the Hybrid Model

Workspaces have become less traditional over time. A new remote hybrid model has stepped into the forefront, especially as we inch into a post-pandemic world. Even before the pandemic sent everyone to their home workspaces, a large proportion of Americans were working remotely either full-time or some variation of on-site and off-site. The hybrid work model is likely to have been accelerated due to recent events and changed the face of the American workplace forever. Check out the results of a recent study.

Kung Group published the results of a recent survey of top business decision-makers revealing the transformations that are taking place in America’s workspaces:

• 70% said that some or all employees will continue to work remotely after offices reopen.
• 70% reported that formerly office-based employees will be permitted to work remotely.
• 66% are reconsidering their investments in traditional commercial real estate.
• 65% said employees would not return to the office even when restrictions are lifted.
• 76% reported productivity has been steady or increased as a result of working remotely.

So, what do these transformational workspaces or hybrid offices look like? Let’s unpack the new and emerging trends in America’s hybrid office.

Cities’ boundaries soften. As workforces go remote or embrace a hybrid office model, the need to live in a large city with many employment options becomes less mandatory. Living in cheaper, more remote areas will be an excellent choice for those who either don’t want the hustle and bustle or can’t afford the high cost of living. With this comes a trend toward having satellite offices and multiple “hubs” in locations that allow remote workers to have a workspace to hang their hats while still technically working from home most of the time.

Big tech is setting the tone. Tech leaders are setting the tone for things to come as they rethink their workforce layout. Many plan to keep their headquarters intact but make changes to suit their newly remodeled workforce. Here are some examples:

• Apple has always emphasized collaborative face-to-face workstyles and is phasing employees back to Apple Park; their headquarter houses 12,000 employees on 175 acres.
• Facebook announced plans to allow some employees to work from home permanently and began aggressively recruiting talent in remote locations with a projection that 50% of their employees will be remote within five to ten years.

Culture reigns supreme. The importance of culture in the workforce is certainly not a new trend. It is, however, amplified by the shifts to a hybrid office. Why? When teams are remote, a strong culture can help them navigate the nuances of being part of a remote team. When some are in the office, and others are remote across time zones, culture becomes a glue that holds the team together. As the water cooler and a brick-and-mortar environment serve to nurture a strong culture, companies will need to seek out new and creative ways to build that culture. 

Demand for the comfort of home soars. Beyond culture, employees are expecting their office space to be more amenitized and feel homier. Employers are now expected to level up the experience to attract and retain employees. Office service providers are being forced to up their game and step into a partnership role to meet the needs of their tenants. 

One-size-fits-all will not fit. What many business leaders across the board are waking up to is that one size does not fit all. The good news is that there are many options available to suit the hybrid office’s needs. From virtual offices to shared workspaces (and much in between), the configurations are limitless in helping organizations of all sizes adjust to the new structure of their workforce. The benefits businesses capitalize on when embracing the hybrid office are big, let’s list a few:

• Happier, more content employees.
• Lower costs related to brick-and-mortar locations.
• Ability to recruit talent from virtually anywhere.
• Recruiting employees is easier (as many are seeking remote roles only).
• An easier pathway to test and tap into new markets.
• You can scale your operations up or down more easily without the headache of shutting down or looking for new office space.

Crown Center Executive Suites, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is on the scene to support businesses as they pursue their objectives – whatever they may be. We have a multitude of workspace options that include:

• Office Space and Executive Suites
• Meeting or training room space
• Virtual offices
• On-demand workspace
  
• And more.

Contact Crown Center Executive Suites to find your perfect hybrid workspace today!