Hybrid, Hybrid work

The perfect mix of remote and in-office work is community-based office locations rather than singular large corporate office centers often located in city centers find examples of this model in 2024 and back up with research data available?

The hub-and-spoke office model, which combines a central headquarters (hub) with multiple smaller, community-based offices (spokes), has gained traction as an effective blend of remote and in-office work. This approach allows employees to work closer to home while maintaining access to central resources and fostering collaboration.

Examples of Companies Implementing the Hub-and-Spoke Model:

1. Amazon: In August 2020, Amazon announced plans to expand its physical offices in six U.S. cities—Detroit, Dallas, Denver, New York, Phoenix, and San Diego—adding 3,500 jobs. This expansion reflects a strategic move to establish multiple regional offices, allowing employees to work closer to their communities while maintaining a connection to the central hub.

2. Virgin Money: The bank has transformed some of its local branches into workspaces, enabling staff to work from locations closer to their homes rather than commuting to a central office. This shift supports employee flexibility and reduces commuting times.

3. Atlassian: In July 2024, software company Atlassian initiated a 12-month trial in Melbourne to develop a “connection hub” instead of a conventional office for its 480 remote employees based there. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and productivity among staff while offering flexibility in work locations.

Research Supporting the Hub-and-Spoke Model:

4? Employee Preferences: A report by recruitment firm Robert Walters highlighted that more than a third (37%) of business leaders are considering downsizing their primary office space in favor of smaller satellite offices closer to where their employees live. This shift aligns with employee expectations for continued flexibility to work from home post-COVID-19.

5? Operational Efficiency: The hub-and-spoke model allows businesses to downsize their central offices and establish a network of satellite offices in more affordable locations. This approach can lead to cost savings and better accommodation of remote workers.

By adopting the hub-and-spoke model, companies can offer employees the benefits of reduced commuting times and increased flexibility while maintaining operational efficiency and fostering a cohesive corporate culture.