A number of trends can be found in the physical workplace across recent years, and one of the most notable is the rise of the flexible workspace. What does this term refer to, and how can you adapt your office in this manner if it's a desirable switch?
At New Life Office, we're here to offer a huge range of office furniture products to assist with any kind of workspace design around Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, including office desks, office workstations, office seating options and much more. Here are some basics from our professionals on what flexible workspaces are, why they're so popular and attractive to many workplaces today, and how to adapt your office to take on more flexible characteristics.
What is a Flexible Workspace?
To understand what we mean by "flexible" workspace, it helps to first lay out a few of the more traditional elements of office design - and then dig into how flexible workspaces differ from them. Some of these traditional features include:
- Fixed workspaces: One of the defining characteristics of traditional office design is the idea of a fixed workspace. In this setup, each employee has their own designated area - typically a desk or cubicle - that they use for all of their work activities.
- Limited mobility: With fixed workspaces comes limited mobility. Employees are generally expected to stay at their desks for most of the day, with occasional breaks for meetings or other activities.
- Assigned seating: This goes hand in hand with fixed workspaces; employees are typically assigned a specific desk or cubicle and are expected to use it every day.
- Uniform furniture: In order to maintain consistency and maximize space usage, companies often provide uniform furniture for all employees. This can include desks, chairs, and other items necessary for work.
- Lack of personalization: Because the workspace is shared and there is limited mobility, employees may not be able to personalize their space as much as they would like. This can lead to a less comfortable or inspiring work environment.
On the flip side, however, a flexible workspace prioritizes a few big differences:
- Hot-desks and shared workspaces: Rather than having assigned seating, flexible workspaces often utilize hot-desks or shared workspaces. This means that employees can choose where they want to work each day, whether it's at a communal table, in a quiet corner, or in a designated "hot desk" area.
- Increased collaboration and communication: With employees constantly moving around and interacting with different colleagues, there is an increased opportunity for collaboration and communication. This can lead to new ideas and perspectives being shared among coworkers who may not have interacted as much in a traditional office setting.
- Open layout: Many flexible spaces have an open layout, which fosters a sense of community and encourages interaction among coworkers. This can lead to a more positive work environment and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness that some remote workers may experience.
- Adaptive office furniture: Many flexible spaces offer a variety of workspaces and furniture options, such as standing desks, comfortable lounge areas, and private meeting rooms. This allows individuals to choose the workspace that best suits their needs and preferences, leading to increased productivity and comfort.
Major Benefits of Flexible Workspaces
There are several benefits that come with the open workspace concept:
- Collaboration and innovation: If your business utilizes a flexible workspace, it fosters collaboration and creativity among employees. With an open environment, ideas can flow more freely and team members can bounce ideas off each other easily.
- Cost-effectiveness: Flexible workspaces allow you to maximize the efficiency of your office space, as you can fit more employees in a shared workspace rather than individual offices. This can lead to cost savings on office rental expenses.
- Improved communication: With everyone working in the same space, communication becomes easier and quicker. This can lead to better decision making and problem-solving within teams.
- Increased flexibility: As mentioned earlier, flexible workspaces allow for more freedom and flexibility in terms of where and when employees work. This allows for a better work-life balance and can attract top talent seeking a more modern approach to work.
- Potential for increased productivity: With fewer distractions and improved communication, flexible workspaces have the potential to increase employee productivity. Employees may feel more motivated and engaged in their work, plus more connected to their teams.
How to Adapt Your Office to Flexible Workspaces
If you're looking to implement a more flexible workspace in your office, here are some steps you can take:
- Assess your current space: Take a look at your current office layout and determine if it allows for flexibility. Are there designated areas for different types of work, such as quiet zones or collaborative spaces? If not, consider rearranging furniture or creating new areas to accommodate different work styles.
- Consider upgraded office furniture: Flexible workspaces often require furniture that can easily be moved and adapted to different needs. Look for modular or adjustable pieces that can be rearranged as needed.
- Implement technology: Technology plays a crucial role in flexible workspaces. Make sure your office is equipped with the necessary tools, such as video conferencing capabilities and cloud-based storage systems, to support remote work and collaboration.
- Communicate with employees: It's important to involve your employees in the transition to a more flexible workspace. Explain the benefits of this change and gather their input on how it can be implemented effectively.
At New Life Office, we're here to help with any transition to a flexible workspace through our wide selection of office furniture around Las Vegas and Salt Lake City areas. Contact us for a consultation and we can provide recommendations on the best furniture options for your unique needs and budget.