The traditional office layout, with its rows of cubicles and assigned desks, may be seeing rivalry from the flexible workspace configuration.

Today's businesses are embracing a more dynamic approach to the workspace, opting for flexible solutions that cater to the evolving needs of a mobile workforce. This shift towards flexibility offers a multitude of advantages, from cost savings to enhanced employee well-being.

But how can you truly leverage a flexible workspace to elevate your business?

In this article, we want to take you through some of the ways you should take advantage of flexible workspaces in your company in a way that will benefit you, your business, and your employees.

1.    Focus on collaboration and innovation

Flexible workspaces are great for aiding collaboration and innovation while providing private space to help you stay focused. A mix of open floor plans and private offices, as well as designated common areas, encourages teams to get together and break down the silos that can hinder communication in more traditional offices.

In a joint study from the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) it was found that companies that encouraged more collaboration were 5x as likely to be high-performing. By their very nature, flexible offices encourage a smooth flow of ideas, leading to problem-solving and creative thinking amongst colleagues and peers.

Flexible workspaces can also include areas dedicated to brainstorming and collaboration, complete with comfortable sofas, whiteboards and mobile projection screens that can be quickly brought in to allow teams to meet, brainstorm and visualise their ideas. You can also find plenty of flexible offices that provide access to event spaces for internal team meetings, client meetings, or sessions with industry professionals to discuss new ideas.

2.    Use flexible working as a recruitment and retainment tool

In the current struggle for the best employees, flexible workspaces play a key role. By offering the opportunity to work from a flexible workspace, businesses are able to cater to the need for flexibility and agility at work. If you aren’t able to offer a flexible or agile approach to the workplace, you could missing out on some key applicants.

But it’s not just about attracting talent, you can also take advantage of flexible workspaces to retain your current high-performers. In a poll conducted by a multinational cloud computing company that interviewed 6500 full-time office workers, 69% have said that they would consider quitting or begin looking for other roles if they cannot get more flexibility, which could cause companies with traditional offices to fall behind more modern businesses. The key is to find solutions that match the needs of your current workforce and allow them to do their jobs better and more conveniently.

A growing number of employees look to pursue flexibility work styles, Flexible workspaces can offer an open plan or private space catering to versatile business needs. If they wish to relate flexibility to accessibility, flexible offices tend to be located in central business districts that provide convenient transport services, thus facilitating commuting.

3.    Encourage your employees to choose their working style

One of the main draws of flexible workplaces – for both employers and employees – is how they encourage different working styles so people can work more efficiently. Some employees prefer working in groups and tend to be more collaborative while others prefer working alone and are more productive in quiet focus areas.

A flexible space allows employees to decide which area they should be working in, which has been shown to increase productivity and overall satisfaction. This way a diverse workforce is able to work at an optimum rate and everyone is comfortable and encouraged to perform at their best levels.

4.    Optimise your costs and resources

For businesses, one of the biggest selling points of flexible workspaces is the opportunity to reduce costs. Traditional leases often tie businesses to high overheads and long-term commitments, but flexible offices give you a lot more freedom to scale up or down.

During periods of growth, more desks can be allocated at the click of a button. When there’s a downturn, a business can downsize without any fuss. You can say goodbye to large upfront investments and enjoy the opportunity to adjust workspace costs to what’s needed at the time.

By outsourcing all of the workplace administration work, you free up resources that can be refocused on core business activities – meaning you get a better ROI on the hours your employees are working.

5.    Make flexible working a core part of your brand image

We’re told not to judge a book by its cover, but that doesn’t stop a lot of people from choosing the best-looking book. The same thing applies to your office – you wouldn’t want to put off a potential client because your office looks old and boring.

Flexible workspaces tend to be modern and stylish, which reflects a progressive way of thinking and goes with the image of an agile and innovative company. Meeting a client in such a space can make a good impression and portray your company as professional and successful. Many flexible workspace providers also offer space in attractive locations in central business districts, close to public transport, restaurants and shops, giving you an impressive and convenient place to host your clients.

How to implement a successful flexible workplace strategy

Changing to a flex space environment is going to involve careful planning and a well-considered strategy to facilitate a successful transition for your team. Here are some important things to consider:

• Have a clear list of requirements: Before you make the big switch, you must have a clear list of your company’s requirements. Ask yourself: ‘How does my team work, what tasks are they working on, and how much collaboration is needed?’ Once you have identified what you need, you will be able to easily find the right kind of workspace.
• Pick the right space: Research the reputable flexible workspace providers in your area. Look for spaces that are accessible via public transport, and have plenty of space available for your team. It would be worth organising some trial days too to give your employees a taste of the space.
• Create a transition plan: Moving all of your employees to a flexible workspace is not an overnight switch, it requires full communication and a well-defined transition plan for every employee. Inform employees about the shift, address their worries and concerns, and set clear deadlines. Organise training sessions that show them how to make the most of their designated working spaces.
• Set expectations and boundaries: While flexibility is the biggest benefit, it’s important to set communication, availability and work-schedule expectations so that flexible working arrangements equate with productivity, not chaos.

Closing thoughts

Moving to a flexible workspace is not just something you can switch to straight away, it’s a strategic shift that can make a big difference to your business. It can elevate your business by acting as a recruitment tool, helping you to cut costs, and encouraging your employees to be more productive. We’ve taken you through five ways that you can leverage the benefits of flexible workspaces to benefit your business and employees. The most important thing is to choose strategies that make sense for your business and involve your employees in decision-making.

Flexible working stands a high chance of being here to stay. Among those successful businesses of the future will be those that embrace it.

If you’d like to discuss your workspace requirements and see how flexible offices could work for your business, get in touch with a member of our team today.