Hybrid Working To Become The Norm
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG What has been the far reaching impacts of pandemic on way of working? The pandemic has proven the ability of global workforces to work effectively in different ways and in different places. Our research shows that hybrid working will continue to be very popular with employees and businesses. Employees have realized that hours have been wasted commuting to an office that they don’t need to be in, whilst businesses have seen that a hybrid model not only means happier and more engaged employees, but also significant cost savings. This shift also has the potential to transform local economies; in 2019 we forecast that over the next 10 years local economies were set to benefit from £12 billion as a result of the growth in hybrid work patterns. The pandemic has not only accelerated this trend but likely increased that figure. What are the reasons for walk to work concept gaining momentum? The continued demand to work closer to home in the heart of communities will make the 15 Minute Commute a reality across the UK as well as globally. In the last two years, almost all new IWG centres have been opened in non-city environments and regions away from major urban areas. Compared to pre-pandemic, demand for IWG office space in suburban areas rose by 32% in the first quarter of 2021. Interest in rural office space increased by 20% over the same period. Research from IWG shows that three times the number of FTSE 250 companies are looking to use a hybrid office model compared to those looking to carry on in the same way as pre-pandemic. The past year has transformed the way organisations operate, with companies across the globe realising that a workforce can be highly engaged and productive while utilising a hybrid model of working: at home, in a local office, and occasionally at a corporate HQ. IWG predicts that the future of work will revolve around the concept of a 15 Minute Commute, with all key amenities within a short journey from home. Picture: Reuters File Photo
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