The pandemic changed many things around us, not least the way we work. We went from working at the office to getting things done at home. While lockdowns are behind us, flexible work arrangements are not. Many are choosing hybrid models - combining working from home with occasional trips to the office environment.

In the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey, the proportion of hybrid workers in the UK had risen from 13% in February 2022 to 24% in May 2022. Eight out of ten workers also said they plan to combine remote work and time at the office.

The desire to do a bit of both can be tricky for organisations, and finding a suitable workspace is a vital piece of this puzzle. Serviced office spaces fit the hybrid model exceptionally well due to their flexibility.

Why serviced office space is better than other workspaces?

Owning ample office space doesn’t make financial sense to most organisations. The upkeep costs add up, especially when employees spend some days off-site.

Flexible office spaces are rented spaces allowing different-sized teams to work in an office-like environment. Unlike traditional office space, you don’t need to commit on a long-term basis.

Serviced office spaces also have added features that make ‘running’ the office easier. You could have access to workspaces and conference rooms, storage, reliable Wi-Fi connection, printing facilities, canteens and on-site security.

How to leverage the advantages of serviced office for hybrid working

The advantages of serviced office space are plentiful. These venues are:

• Cost-effective - You only pay for what you need, whether conference rooms or printing facilities.
• Flexible - You can rent additional services and stay for shorter periods.
• Professional - You can access professional office help such as maintenance, security and administrative support. The office environment also gives your business a more polished, professional image with clients.
• Secure - The professional IT infrastructure guarantees your staff, professional documents and data are safe.

The best way to leverage the above is by being smart about your choices. Location is crucial to any office space, and serviced office spaces provide organisations access to prime office space in London and alike without breaking the bank.

How serviced space helps eliminate the most common challenges of hybrid working

Flexible work arrangements do come with a few caveats. The most common paint points for companies are:

• Isolation
• Staff management
• IT security
• Communication problems

Service space can eliminate these with the unique value it offers. These spaces are often more personal than co-working office spaces, allowing you to create that sense of community and familiarity of a conventional office.

You also get a reliable IT infrastructure with updated security features. The serviced spaces can help set up robust security measures employees can use. The same applies to communication tools which help keep things rolling. Serviced office space can offer laptops and video projectors to help collaborate with employees who aren’t in the office.

Three examples of building a hybrid work model

In a CIPD survey, over three-quarters of interviewed organisations said they allow hybrid work. But companies have different approaches to flexible work arrangements. Choosing the one that works for your organisation is vital to success.

Here are three companies with their unique take on the hybrid work model:

Kissflow’s flexible remote model

Global SaaS product company Kissflow opted for a flexible remote work approach. Teams are free to use hybrid work of in-office arrangements, with each team having to work in-office for one week per month. The company also encourages people to live in their hometowns to strengthen family bonds.

Google’s unique workweek model

Technology giant Google has had a slightly different take on hybrid work. They ask employees to spend around three days of the week in the office, with the remaining being remote days. There will be work-from-anywhere weeks and reset days to keep employees happy.

Cisco’s free model

Cisco also has a very flexible hybrid model in place. The company allows its employees to choose how many times a week they want to be at the office. Employers can work full-time at the office or be fully remote. The company also emphasises its workspace environment, aiming to create a collaborative and tailored worksite.

Serviced office space is the best for hybrid working

Serviced office space is an excellent solution for a modern hybrid work environment. It enhances the benefits of hybrid working, allowing companies to maintain office-like spaces without the cost of running a conventional office. The spaces give employees the tools to collaborate and work remotely when it fits them the best.

Looking for the best office for hybrid working in London?

Are you looking for office space to deploy your hybrid working model? Prime Office Search will help you to find the perfect hybrid working space in London. Search our portfolio of available serviced offices or get in touch with our expert consultants today.