Longer Commutes Are Making Flexible Workspaces Solutions More Desirable

LiquidSpace, an online network for office space, recently released its Q1 2017 US Flexible Office Report.

This report further strengthens the fact that flexible workspace solutions are steadily becoming the norm in the work world.

One of the issues the report brings to light is the role of commuting times in driving the demand for flexible office solutions. According to the report, “people not only hate commuting, but there is also a significant body of evidence that commuting can negatively impact both work performance and health.”

The report claims that longer commutes are making flexible workspaces more desirable and also necessary for companies and workers alike.

“In a study of people’s regular weekly activities, commuting ranked as the most unpleasant of all activities. One recent study showed, after a long commute individuals performed markedly worse at proofreading, a standard way to measure accuracy and motivation at work. The negative effects of commuting on health are well established, with longer commute times tied to recurrent back and neck pain issues, increased risk of obesity, and other stress related diseases.”

The above paragraph clearly shows how workers would be better off with shorter commutes.

Furthermore, “recent studies suggest that workers with short commutes have lower turnover and absenteeism among employees. On average those with short commutes stay 20% longer with a company than those with long commutes.” This last bit pertains businesses mostly. High turnover rates are a high expense for companies given that replacing a worker comes with various extra costs.

‘Craving’ Flexible Workspace

LiquidSpace’s solution to the commute dilemma can be easily solved by flexible workspace providers.

“Offering access to a flexible office space close to an employee’s home might be the perfect mix of both. The worker gets the benefit of reduced commute times, plus a dedicated space to get work done. While each company and individual is different, an ideal model might balance several days a week of remote working, from a coworking location, and a few days in the central office.”

Shorter commutes would make, from what we gather from the report, happier and more productive workers and would help companies retain talent and knowledge workers.

Additionally, the report found that building owners are starting to embrace flexible workspace solutions to add value to their buildings and that companies (small, medium, and large) are also leveraging flexible workspaces solutions across their lifecycles.