How can companies optimize a flexible workspace for hybrid workers?

Many of today’s employees have become accustomed to a hybrid work setup, making it essential for organizations to optimize their workspace to meet the needs of their hybrid workforce. Having a flexible office space today is especially crucial; a study reveals that many people prefer to be in a flexible office space 50% of the time and to reduce remote work time to around 45%.

Here’s what you need to know about designing a flexible workspace for hybrid workers and how you can optimize one to meet your team’s needs.

What is a flexible workspace?

A flexible office space is one that gives employees the opportunity to choose and/or customize their workstations. In this kind of workspace, they can opt for whatever setup works best for their needs or preferences, instead of being constrained by a permanent desk assigned to them, like in traditional offices.

But using flexible workspaces isn’t just about convenience. It offers the following advantages to your business too:

  • Better collaboration – A flexible workspace provides hybrid teams with physical spaces where they can meet up and come together every once in a while. Having physical spaces that are conducive to collaboration and teamwork increases productivity, innovation, and team morale.
  • Improved work experience – Working from home can be isolating, so having access to places outside the home where employees can work together with colleagues can make them feel more energetic, motivated, and creative. It also lets them take breaks from their home environment when needed, which helps refresh their minds.
  • Cost savings – Your company saves money on utility costs by making it easier for businesses to scale back on electricity use when certain areas of the workspace aren’t being used.
  • Adaptability – With a flexible workspace, teams don’t have to worry about finding new rental spaces if they need more space temporarily. All they need to do is access existing coworking facilities with minimal effort or cost involved.

Ways to optimize a flexible workspace

Here are some ideas to get you started on optimizing your workplace for hybrid work:

Create flexible workstations

Flexible workstations with features such as ergonomic chairs and standing desks can help employees in many different ways. For instance, ergonomic chairs can improve posture and reduce strain on neck or back muscles, which can help prevent fatigue or physical discomfort. Standing desks provide a change of scenery from a regular desk while also promoting good posture and energy levels.

A flexible workstation can enable employees to effortlessly adjust their desks and chairs to the height they’re most comfortable with OR to the height that’s best suited to their own anatomy.

Choose an open-plan layout

An open-plan layout provides ultimate flexibility — you can rearrange the workspace to suit the size and purpose of your team. Take into account how many people will join your team in the future, as well as the activities they’ll need space for.

Ensure easy accessibility

It’s important to make sure that your flexible office space is easily accessible to employees. With the right setup, they will have a much smoother transition between working in person and remotely.

When it comes to commuting, having easy access points to your office can make a world of difference. Thus, your workspace location should have things like bike lanes, public transport links, or close proximity to car parks to allow your hybrid team members to easily reach the office when they need to.

Within the office, you should make sure that there are no physical barriers between different areas of the workspace. This will enable employees to move freely and easily between different sections of the office.

Use workplace management technology

A workplace management program can help employees maximize the use of on-site spaces. By using one, they can easily discover and book available desks or meeting rooms suited to them with a few taps. They will also be kept in the loop about who’s planning to be at work on certain days, thereby allowing them to decide whether they should be at the office on the same days that their teammates are.

Related reading: Digital skills that are most important for a smooth-running hybrid work setup

By optimizing your flexible workspace, your company can create a workplace culture that maximizes the strengths of your hybrid workforce while simultaneously reducing overhead costs associated with maintaining traditional office environments. If you need help setting up and managing technology for your flexible workspace, contact the IT professionals at NetWize today.

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