Do you want to keep your employees happy and productive? Do you understand how flexibility in workspace and work schedules influence employee engagement and results? Did you know that a hybrid work model can support these goals?
Gallup has spent the last twenty years amassing a wealth of research data on employee engagement and workforce insights. Their recent employee engagement studies find that, pre-pandemic, employees who worked remotely at least some of the time had the highest workplace engagement – and that their engagement increased during the pandemic. Conversely, the same research showed that those working from home 100% of the time were at higher risk of burnout.
Employers have met resistance when requiring employees to return to work full-time, so where’s the happy median? Some would say it lies in the hybrid model, a mix of in-person and remote work. If successfully implemented, your company may realize increased productivity and profitability, while retaining and attracting the best talent.
What recent research says about hybrid work
Gallup, finds that the preference of the “remote capable” – about 60 million workers who can do their job remotely from home, at least part of the time – is hybrid work. A March 2022 survey found that employee preference and the interdependency of teams influence the development of a hybrid work model. What is generally accepted is a hybrid workplace needs to provide three things – productivity, flexibility and connectivity. Let’s explore how a coworking space can support these needs.
Flexibility & Connectivity
The Census Bureau estimates the everyday commute averages about a half-hour one way. Gallup’s research found that avoiding it is the number one reason employees prefer a hybrid work environment. And while employees don’t necessarily want a commute to the office, the same study found that employees do want the option to work in person with their co-workers, particularly if their work is collaborative.
Looking at your workforce on a micro-level can help when establishing policies around remote work and required in-office attendance. Several case studies, including one by Harvard Business Review, consider the task and the requirement for team collaboration when designing remote and hybrid work policies. Small teams can meet in any professional space that offers the amenities of an office, such as coworking spaces and teams may be more successful there than in your company office. Studies find that coworking spaces encourage interactions with professionals from outside your organization and industry. These interactions may help employees gain valuable insight, particularly if you’re in a development phase for a product or service.
Wellbeing
Gallup also finds that employees who work remotely 60% to 80% of the time are more engaged than those who work exclusively in one place. Their wellbeing is higher too.
The work-life balance that can be achieved by hybrid work allows employees to manage their workweek while still remaining connected to the organization. Remote employees appreciate the opportunity to break up their day, change location, exercise to clear their head and regain focus – all things that are capable when working from home, so the hybrid model must consider these desires, too.
Forbes finds that people desire workplaces which address their wellbeing with spaces for rejuvenation and socializing, and which feature daylight, views, and natural elements – places quite like home. “Employees are demanding places which support them physically, cognitively and emotionally, and give them a sense of community.”
Coworking spaces are meeting that demand. Recognizing the rejuvenating qualities a change of scenery has on creativity, focus and mood, coworking spaces are intentionally designing spaces that stimulate one of our senses to increase alertness and concentration, leading to increased productivity.
Is it Time for a Hybrid Working Environment?
We understand there are a number of considerations your organization must evaluate while developing a hybrid work strategy, which is why we work creatively to customize the best solution for your team. If you think a coworking space can contribute to your overall hybrid work strategy, give us a call today. We welcome you to take a tour and learn more about the solutions we offer to enterprise level clients.
