Flexible working was always something that needed to be arranged and negotiated and considered a perk, not the standard. However, the pandemic has changed a large number of things about the way we work and as employee attitudes change, employers are realising that a more flexible approach can be a positive for both employees and themselves.  A more flexible workspace is going to be needed to ensure you make the most of your resources and available space.

What does ‘flexible workspace’ mean?

A flexible workspace means a layout that maximises the use of space and is fit for purpose for a new way of working.

For example, not every employee will need their own desk. Those in every day might need their own desk and they might need a permanent place to work consistently. If there are those adopting a new hybrid approach mixing both remote working and time in the office, they might be able to use a desk available for use for all.

Examples of flexible office spaces include open-plan concepts, hotdesking areas for hybrid workers, smaller mixing areas for hybrid meetings, ‘quiet zones’, and the ability to tap into shared resources such as WiFi, printers, and presentation equipment quickly and easily.

Planning a flexible workspace

Initial questions to ask include:

• Who will need their own permanent desk and who won’t.
• For those that won’t how often will hybrid workers be coming in and therefore, will shared desks or hotdesking be more appropriate?
• What sort of environment will each employee or department need? For example, some would benefit from a noisier more collaborative feel whilst others might need it to be quieter for concentration and attention to detail.

Knowing all of this means you can map out your new, flexible office space with the right amount of space for all departments to meet all needs.  Run your plan past all key stakeholders. You’re never going to make everyone totally happy but they might see a need not met or a better way to work. Once you’re confident the new layout will work, plan the move and get the wider team involved.

Essential facilities and technology needed

The best quality and most easy-to-use WiFi will be essential, so it’s both easy to hold hybrid meetings and simple for remote workers to sign in when they arrive. Storage lockers or cupboards could ensure office tidiness as a place to store chargers, headphones, personal possessions and other workplace essentials.

Flexible workspaces in Surrey

If you’re looking for new office space in Surrey to help you roll out a new flexible workspace with super-fast WiFi and modern collaborative spaces, get in touch with Tannery Studios or take the virtual tour.