Why Flexible Workspaces Are the Future of Work-Life Balance

Many companies have reversed their COVID-19 policies and asked employees to begin coming back to the office, but it’s still widely believed that the genie cannot be put back into the bottle in regards to remote work.

Due to this trend, flexible workspaces are expected to increase in popularity and be utilized more than their current levels. Learn everything you need to know about the benefits of flexible workspaces to determine if investing in one for your business is the right choice.

The Benefits of Flexible Workspaces

For those unaware, flex space solutions offer an alternative to the traditional office building setting through coworking spaces, hot desking, and general remote work.

In short, these spaces provide employees with a “desk for a day” in the event one is needed rather than working from home. They also serve as an excellent middle ground for companies who want their employees in a professional setting, yet may not have an established office for your company alone.

Below are a few key benefits of flexible workspaces that allow for greater work-life balance:

a) Increased Productivity

For many, flexible workspace options may be far closer than a corporate office which means a reduced commute time and access to a variety of work environments. This can allow an employee to have more time at home with their family and less time sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic which can bolster their energy and lead to greater productivity.

The collaborative nature of flexible workspaces is also great for those team members who may thrive on interpersonal communication and simply being around others rather than being trapped at home on a day-to-day basis.

b) Enhanced Employee Satisfaction

Having the option to choose where to conduct their work can lead to greater overall employee satisfaction. This autonomy and control over work can increase job satisfaction while also giving employees a sense of belonging and community with the others who share the workspace with them.

This can allow your employees to make new friends while also potentially networking and building business connections at the same time.

c) Cost Savings for Employers

Employees are not the only party who benefit from a flexible workspace environment. Employers can see great cost savings in the form of reduced overhead due to not paying for a main office.

In addition to this, flexible workspaces can increase employee retention and improve recruitment efforts due to the incentive of working flexibly which can benefit the business.

Overcoming Challenges and Considerations

Despite the many benefits that flexible workspaces offer, remote and hybrid work options are far from perfect. However, with 53% of the workforce being in a hybrid capacity already, it’s never been more important to identify and overcome these challenges.

Perhaps the biggest issue that arises with flexible workspaces is communication issues and challenges with managing a remote team. The best way to overcome these two issues is to ensure an adequate technological infrastructure is in place. Cloud-based communication software and tools such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Slack, and more are all common options to consider.

Additionally, building a team culture and emphasizing company values can be extremely challenging in a remote format. Attempt to hold company-wide offsites once or twice a year that allows everyone from your organization to come together in one location to meet each other, play games, eat good food, and more. This can help everyone put a face to each other's names while also serving as an excellent way to network.

The Impact of Flexible Workspaces on Mental Health and Well-being

It’s no secret that more and more employees have indicated that if their company goes fully in-person again they would heavily consider leaving.

Flexible workspaces offer a middle ground between the groups by allowing companies to ensure their employees have an office to go to if they desire, yet also allowing employees to retain autonomy over their work. This freedom can bolster an employee’s mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Consider a flexible workspace solution to enhance company values.

Consider the benefits of flexible workspaces today

The importance of flexible workspaces in the post-COVID world cannot be overstated. By only hiring local employees you are limiting the efficiency of your business, but flex workspaces can allow you to find talent globally while also ensuring they have a professional place to work.

Ensure that you have the budget to invest in flexible workspaces and be sure to tell your prospective employees upfront what their working conditions may look like so they can determine if it’s a place they want to be.