During the last few years, Flexible Workspaces have gone from being a convenient solution for start-ups and freelancers to a strategic business decision for many organisations and even landlords. And, as more and more people are now working remotely, Flexible Workspaces are growing in popularity.
As the name suggests, Flexible Workspaces can offer employees appealing and comfortable meeting rooms and other collaborative spaces. It can improve employee productivity and motivate them, but this can only be done if a company creates a vibrant workspace that allows employees to have some freedom, allowing them to remain focused and vested in their tasks.
Regardless, a Flexible Workspace is often confused with other similar work arrangements. Some people believe that activity-based and co-working spaces are different from Flexible Workspace, while others claim they are the same. So, in order to clear this confusion, we are here with this article that will let you know everything about Flexible Workspace along with its meaning, types, advantages and more.
What is a Flexible Workspace?
A Flexible Workspace means different things to different people, or we can say that it can mean a lot of things and is generally a term used for an office space that comes with creative desk options. This level of workspace flexibility can vary from one place to another depending on the company and what employees require.
A Flexible Workspace is a completely working space or serviced office that requires no set-up costs and limited set-up time. In such workspaces, you just come in, get comfortable and concentrate on your work. These places give you all of a traditional office's functionality and easy business planning. And the best thing is that this is all done without the hassle of setting up the place yourself.
Working in an environment that hosts a wide range of people, brands and companies is a creative way of networking and working. The environment provides expanded business opportunities for you, your company, and your employees, all under one flexible and shared workspace. It does not limit itself to that. You might change the layout of the office to adapt to whatever is required at the moment.
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Types of Flexible Workspace
Companies of all sizes have found multiple ways to create flexibility for workers through creative desking options, workspace design and space structures. So, here are a few of the flexible workspace types.
1. Co-working spaces
Co-working spaces are the workspaces that are shared between more than one organisation or company. Although there are still private offices in the co-working spaces, you might still find out up to 10 businesses or companies sharing the same floor. This concept is excellent for socialising, networking, and there is evidence to show that such type of workspace can result in higher productivity.
Co-working spaces are perfect for small companies or business houses, and they must be equipped with a secure and strong WiFi network. In addition to this, the general facilities like cafeteria, kitchen etc. must also be available.
2. Hot desks
The hot desk model is a kind of flexible workspace in which workspaces are not allocated to specific members of staff or employees. Instead, in such workspace, individual workers are provided with hot desks as required. These are distributed across the entire workspace and used to support workers in-house, remote workers or the guests who have no permanent workspaces.
In other words, hot desks refer to an office structure where there are multiple different desks available, and workers can opt for one at will. These desks are generic workstations usually divided into categories on the basis of how they are leased out or come equipped.
3. Open offices
The open office floor plan offers both comfort and structure. Moreover, such kind of flexible workspace adapts easily to everyday work needs. Open office space is equipped with all the necessary things for those who need to get their work done, but no private rooms or dividers. These office spaces are not suitable for everyone but are often ideal for groups who wish to work collaboratively without having to furnish and lease a workspace of their own.
4. Mobile workspaces
Mobile workspaces are another name for an area that is entirely set up as a working environment. Such spaces are intended for individuals that may need to move from one working space to another within a geographical area or city.
Traditional Workspace Vs Flexible Workspace- What's the difference?
A Flexible Workspace does not have the same constricting visual layout that traditional workspaces do. This means that you are unlikely to find private offices, cubicles and assigned desks. The whole point of Flexible Workspace is that you can show up, find a space to work that looks perfect to you, and you can instantly get started.
It is often believed that such a high-quality work environment can increase productivity, and it is an ultimately cheaper alternative for most businesses getting started. Filling a traditional office with furniture and renting it out is more expensive than getting a membership at a Flexible Workspace or leasing out a small portion of an existing flexible office.
Such flexible yet modern workspace blends freelancers and employees from multiple companies and industries. This allows employees to do some valuable networking and prevent the office politics that exists in many traditional office environments. Some users of Flexible Workspace note that flexible offices are more distracting and potentially louder at times, but employees can come and go as and when needed.
In a nutshell, employees and freelancers can enjoy all the amenities of a traditional office without concerns associated with maintaining a traditional office.
The Advantages of a Flexible Workspace
There are a plethora of advantages to a Flexible Workspace design, like company savings, improved employee engagement, improved employee satisfaction and much more. A Flexible Workspace is generally less expensive to use than renting and furnishing your own workspace. Such workspaces are also a great benefit to those individuals who work remotely and do not want to work in cubicles and other traditional workspaces.
Organisations and companies that offer co-working spaces optimise the layout and decor in the co-working space. They also think of other essential amenities like WiFi, internet, meeting room etc. All these benefits allow employers to have a top-notch office space without much hassle. Flexible Workspaces are professional and highly suitable for client meetings. These spaces allow for flexibility that is usually uncommon in a traditional workspace.
Shared workspaces generally include amenities and utilities in their rent, and workers get the chance to network. At the same time, employers enjoy the freedom to switch locations when it suits them and flexible lease terms.
Ultimately, a Flexible Workspace offers multiple advantages to both employees and employers. And this, in turn, will lead to the organisation performing excellently with flying colours. So, what are you waiting for? Figure out which design perfectly fits your employees and take the appropriate steps to implement it!
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