Flexible working and a healthy work-life balance has been at the top of business agendas for a while now. But what are the real business benefits these movements bring? And why are organizations starting to convert?
Firstly, people
Every company wants a happy, motivated, engaged workforce that serve as the company’s brand ambassadors. Of course there are a number of factors that play a part in achieving this satisfaction, but creating a dynamic, flexible workplace is a good start. The buildings should work for your people, not your people working for buildings. Giving your people the right tools to pick and choose where and when to work will not only empower them but also create an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
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Secondly, space
It is a well-known fact that real estate is one of a businesses highest operational costs, so why do we allow this asset to be constantly underused? Condeco’s data revealed average workplace utilisation to be only 40%. Looking at the level of costs involved to manage and maintain real estate, it’s hard to believe this number.
Historically businesses had a 1:1 desk to people ratio whereas now working styles have changed, the real estate and how its managed however has not. The result of this is mass underutilisation. A lot of people now work flexibly and don’t require a permanent desk. What organizations need to do is understand the habits and behaviours of their teams and use intelligent data to define the working styles and spaces for their workforce.
Thirdly, productivity
Various pieces of research and customer feedback has taught us that flexible working not only improves relationships and creates higher employee satisfaction, it also increases efficiencies, reduces overtime and improves performance.
With government and legislation supporting the case for flexible working and a new generation of workers expecting this as a norm, businesses will have no other choice but to adapt and start embracing new intelligent workspace technologies.