The future of Flexible Offices

With the events of the pandemic, there has been a significant shift away from traditional workplaces to remote work solutions. The necessity of social distancing has lead to the rise of work-from-home policies, supported by virtual meetings and interconnectivity. However, as the world gets back to normal, questions remain about what the future office space will resemble.

The notion of productivity

Dr. Michael Ilgner, Global Head of Human Resources at Deutsche Bank claims that “Over 70% of people would prefer a more flexible work model, with one or two days per week at least at home.” With the reduction of commute times, along with the use of virtual communication channels, it can be argued that efficiency and collaboration have gone up. 

On the other hand, it remains to be seen whether increased productivity can be maintained over a longer period of time on a purely remote work basis. It appears that a balance between being physically together in a safe work environment along with periods of remote work would be the ideal situation for many businesses.

The sustainability of co-working spaces

In the Philippines, a report from the Oxford Business Group (OBG) explains how the work-from-home arrangement isn’t ideal for many individuals, due to poor internet connectivity and other distractions. Due to this, fully-equipped co-working spaces can potentially fill the void as companies search for affordable solutions.

This idea seems promising, as KMC Solutions grew by 167,6% in 2021 according to Financial Times, becoming 6th high-growth business among companies in the Philippines as large businesses searched for alternatives. In addition to reduced overhead costs, OBG further explores how these efforts can lead to de-urbanization and decentralization in densely populated areas.

The impact on the flexible office market

Even after the pandemic, a JLL report predicts that businesses will continue to search for flexible office spaces that cater to their employees’ needs and wants. This may include smaller satellite offices and co-working spaces that offer lease flexibility. Over the long run, the search for cost-effective solutions might lead to a shift to non-traditional offices for businesses around the world.

At the end of the day, optimizing productivity, collaboration, safety, and financial growth is a delicate balance. During this time of widespread uncertainty, continuing to embrace the idea of remote work schedules and the rise of flexible office spaces along the way is the path to future success.