COVID-19 has undoubtedly transformed many areas of our lives, one of the biggest transformations we’ve seen is in the traditional office structure. The world of work drastically shifted when many businesses were forced to embrace a remote work model into their organizational structure. While many workers enjoyed the benefits of remote work, it left others isolated and unmotivated. As restrictions begin to ease businesses are looking to return to the office, but many are considering adopting a new model of work, a Hybrid work model.
So, what is a hybrid work model, and how are coworking spaces providing a flexible alternative for remote workers?
Hybrid Work Model
The Hybrid work model is a type of work structure that combines aspects of in-office work and remote work. Within this work structure employees have the option to divide their time between working from home, and a central office.
How this model is implemented varies from business to business. Some businesses operate under a rotating system where multiple teams swap in and out of a central office. Other businesses operate almost entirely remotely and utilize meeting spaces to meet in person.
Unlike the traditional office work structure, the hybrid work model gives employees more flexibility and agency over their work environment. Many businesses adopting this work model hope it will motivate employees by satisfying demands for a more flexible work environment, as well as reducing isolation caused by remote working.
Coworking as an Alternative for remote workers?
Since the shift to remote work, one of the biggest benefits remote workers have communicated is the ability to have a more flexible work schedule. Roughly 81% of workers said they would be more loyal to their employer if they were given more flexible work options. Some workers even stated they’d be willing to take a pay cut to have work flexibility. On the flip side, one of the biggest challenges faced by remote workers are feelings of loneliness and lack of collaboration. Roughly 20% of remote workers expressed struggling with loneliness. With more and more workers feeling isolated and demanding more flexible work arrangements, what can businesses do to create a more positive work environment? The answer use coworking spaces.
Coworking spaces are known for fostering collaboration and community while being flexible to the needs of their members. By utilizing coworking spaces as a central office location under the hybrid work model, businesses can provide a great alternative for workers who feel isolated at home. In a study conducted by Small Business Labs, researchers found that 89% of individuals who used coworking spaces felt happier after joining. A GCUC survey found that 84% of individuals who used coworking spaces also expressed feeling more motivated. These statistics show that coworking increases the overall well-being of workers, and for businesses looking to foster a sense of community and increase employee motivation coworking spaces may just be the answer.
Related: How Co-working Spaces Help Entrepreneurs Network While Social Distancing
Coworking spaces also offer a multitude of flexible work arrangements to meet the needs of workers. From daily drop-ins to book-when-you-need meeting rooms, flexibility is the number one priority when it comes to coworking.
As the office structure continues to change, the need for positive, flexible work environments is of utmost importance. Coworking spaces provide a great alternative for struggling remote workers.