The Role of Landlords in the Future of Flexspace

Our notions of the workplace have transformed. Covid lockdowns forced businesses to adapt to a remote set-up, but this creates a significant opportunity to reassess outdated working habits. Operational flexibility can create a better way of working for all and landlords can lead the change.

Hybrid work—where employees split their time between the company headquarters, home and a local flexible workspace—is now at the top of the agenda for many companies. Research found that 90 per cent of employees want flexibility in where and when they work.

The benefits of hybrid working can be broken down into three key areas: people, planet and profit.

It’s better for employees who no longer have to spend time and money commuting every day of the week, leading to a better work-life balance.

It’s better for the planet due to the significant reduction in the commuting carbon footprint and it’s better for a company’s bottom line because they can downsize their real estate footprint.

Future-proofing business plans

Carla Meyer supports the IWG account at Colliers as a senior director, Flexible Workspace Advisor. She said: “Our job is to educate the Colliers brokers on the benefits of proposing flexible options to their clients. It’s important to help them navigate the nuances of flexible workspace agreements versus traditional conventional leases.”

Hybrid working swaps the excessive space and lengthy leases of conventional commercial real estate for flexible short-term contracts tailored to the client’s needs, whether they want a full-scale workspace with break-out areas, meeting spaces and shared working areas, or simply to lease a meeting room twice a week.

Landlords want investments with stable growth and hybrid working offers efficiency, cost-efficacy, sustainability and flexibility.

‘Spectacular benefits’

Jamie Edwards, business analyst for Colliers, said: “Now, more than ever, to be successful in business you must be willing to adapt. The flexibility that hybrid workspace offers makes it an important part of a future-proof business plan.”

IWG founder and chief executive Mark Dixon said: “Hybrid working is already delivering spectacular benefits for employees and employers alike. The future of work is already with us, and it’s only going to improve.”

As the world’s largest provider of flexible workspaces, IWG is looking for partners with properties in towns, cities & suburbs across the country. Whether you have a whole building or a single floor, IWG is interested in partnering to capitalise on this surge in demand for flexible workspaces. Find out how to become a partner today.

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