Despite adapting successfully to remote working, most businesses would say they’re worried about the impact of being away from their colleagues.
They’re concerned their people are missing out on a sense of community, missing out by being unable to go to a colleague’s desk to ask a quick question, missing out by not being able to pop their heads around somebody’s office door for a chat on the QT.
Companies are unsettled about the adverse impact a lack of in-person collaboration might have if they allow flexible working arrangements to continue. But they know they’ll lose their staff if they don’t continue to offer flexibility.
But worried management teams can achieve a happy and productive balance. The key is leveraging local flexible workplaces, accordingly to Claire Tucker, Co-Founder and Owner at HomeWork Workspace in London’s South West.
Employers Feel Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place
“We have entire teams using our facilities on a permanent, part-time or drop-in basis, whatever sort of mix and match arrangement they need”, Claire explains.
“The fact of the matter is staff don’t want to lose the flexibility of working from home now they’ve experienced it. They want to retain the improved quality of life they’ve enjoyed without the daily commute.
“So, employers are nervous about taking it away from their teams. They’re aware that if they stop offering flexibility, then somebody else will.”
But employers shouldn’t feel like they’re being held over a barrel.
Everything the Office Has – On Your Terms
Progressive businesses have listened to the mood of their teams. After doing so, they’re finding perfect solutions in high quality contemporary flexible workspaces like HomeWork.
“In a local, serviced and highly flexible workspace like ours, employers are confident that their people have all the facilities they need to get their heads down and work effectively, whilst remaining local to where they live. This is particularly beneficial to those with significant home commitments,” Claire continues.
“They can get together however little or often they need to. Plus, they’re in a broader community of other business people in exactly the same situation. It’s an environment that’s purpose designed to be conducive to productivity on an as-needed basis. And if someone needs to pop home at lunchtime, they can!”.
Everybody’s Invited
Furthermore, flexible workspaces don’t leave younger workers behind.
It’s been well-acknowledged that the learning and development of younger first and second jobbers has suffered badly due to lack of in-person collaboration with colleagues.
“This category is least likely to have home environments that are suitable for working in on a permanent basis,” Claire says.
“A flexible workspace is like going to the office for them. They don’t have to miss out on the fun parts of office life like Friday beers and other social interactions, whilst also giving them the opportunity to focus on the more serious matters of work, such as being coached, developed and mentored”
Is a lack of collaboration due to remote working a concern for your business? Contact Claire Tucker from https://www.homeworkworkspace.com/ at claire@homeworkworkspace.com .
