What Makes for a Good Flexible Office Environment?

We’ve talked a lot about how the work place is changing. Outdated concepts of work, such as the traditional office setting or the typical 9 - 5, are quickly becoming things of the past. Because there is no one-size fits all model for the modern professional, a flexible office environment is the new normal. At Workspace, we thrive on flexibility, making sure every individual’s unique work needs are met. Although we think we’ve got a pretty good idea of what makes our space thrive, we wondered: what what makes for a good flexible office environment?

Community

The most important thing about any environment is the community — who we are and what we stand for. A great community not only makes you feel welcomed and at home, it can also lead to a boost in productivity and business growth. Networking is one of the most important factors businesses need to take into account today; flexible office environments place you in the middle of a community of innovate thinkers, entrepreneurs, and seasoned professionals who are sure to give you some insight. Part of the reason we love our community at Workspace is because of it’s diversity — there are a number of different businesses, practices, and entrepreneurs who all bring something unique to the table. You can always learn something new from the person sitting next to you or while you’re grabbing a coffee from our café.

Hospitality and Facilities

A flexible office environment can only be as good as the space it is in. Hospitality and facilities are two of the key factors when it comes to making a good place to work. Things like a front desk receptionist, unlimited coffee, and a pristine workspace filled with office supplies make all the difference when it comes to flexible offices. Things like reliable internet might be considered a given, but definitely aren’t; this one thing can make or break your work experience. When looking for a place to work, take into account the cleanliness of the building, the amenities offered, and the company culture.

Workspace Design

Does your flexible office environment have a shared kitchen? What about a communal conference room? These are all things to ask during your office search. There are recent studies about workplace design and how it impacts things like work life happiness and productivity levels. Here’s a fun article from Gensler that goes over how design impacts employee happiness and business success.

Ability to Have Work-Life Balance

Work-Life balance is no longer a luxury, its a necessity. Alan Kohll, a contributor for Forbes, who we mentioned in our Why Co-Working? blog post, had some things to say about work-life balance:

“Maintaining work-life balance helps reduce stress and helps prevent burnout in the workplace. Chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace. It can lead to physical consequences such as hypertension, digestive troubles, chronic aches and pains and heart problems. Chronic stress can also negatively impact mental health because it’s linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety and insomnia… By creating a work environment that prioritizes work-life balance, employers can save money and maintain a healthier, more productive workforce.”

Not only does work-life balance lead to happier employees, it also promotes health and ends up saving money and boosting productivity. If you want, you can read Kohll’s entire article here.

Clearly, a space that promotes this balance is a place you want to be. Many coworking spaces and flexible office spaces give perks to promote this balance that the traditional office model doesn’t. An example? Some companies let you bring your dog to the office. What’s more balanced than that?!

Price

Lastly, one of the most important things when it comes to good flexible office environment is price. You want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. If you’re over paying, you aren’t going to feel good about where you are. Make sure, wherever you rent, you’re getting a fair price.