Companies are rethinking their office spaces as the growth of hybrid working means the workplace has to be seen as an attractive place to get work done.
Beyond the configuration of the space itself, technology, location and amenities are important. Workspaces will have to be designed to facilitate collaboration and be appreciably better than working at home, according to property experts.
There is the question of so-called third spaces — whether cafés and other near-to-home “hyperlocal” workspaces, or hotel lobbies and even shared kitchen tables.
Steve Tonks, Senior Vice President EMEA at Workforce Software, whose products include communications tools, says use of third spaces could help companies reduce employee attrition rates because they offer additional flexibility.
But whatever option is chosen, he says, “to create better experiences for employees, companies must invest in engaging, user-friendly and smart technologies to support workers wherever they are.”