Agile working has transformed the idea of typical office models by allowing more flexibility, fostering creativity, attracting more diverse talent, and boosting morale.
Open-office concepts are no longer a key in productivity
The open office concept seemed like the ideal model for the evolutionized workplace— an environment where everyone collaborates and is constantly bouncing ideas off each other to create a team bond like no other.
Unfortunately, while this concept seems innovative, the inevitable noise and distractions may be counterproductive to work.
“Just because I wasn’t in a room where this conversation could have got completed without distraction, my productivity levels came down,” said Kamal Karanth, co-founder of specialist staffing firm Xpheno. “I wouldn’t recommend this for senior leaders, though it makes for great optics.”
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Employees now work in closer proximity to each other, which can contribute to noise levels as well. Some workplaces are taking measures to ensure each employee gets a quiet space to be productive as possible.
For example, RPG Enterprises includes soundproofed rooms and break-away spaces for informal discussions.
RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka said during the open office shift, the company brought down all their partitions in an effort to keep up with the changing office culture. Now, it has found a balance between collaborative and necessary private spaces.
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CBRE has launched its new coworking company, Hana, which focuses on entering into partnerships with building owners to maintain a strong relationship with tenants.
While many flexible workspace providers have set their focuses on tech-heavy areas of the country, the San Diego and Orange County coworking markets are on the come up.
Chris Kelly, co-founder and president of Convene, announced he would be taking a step back from his current role and focus on developing the company’s culture and brand.
Coworking operator WeWork recently acquired Euclid, which is a small analytics software company that allows businesses to track how their spaces are being utilized.
WeWork rival shared office provider Knotel will officially enter the Los Angeles market with its new 12,388 square foot space on Santa Monica Boulevard.
As flexible office and coworking options continue to expand, many businesses and landlords are taking note of the success of the market and finding ways to benefit from it.
Firmspace, an Austin-based high-end flex office provider, has announced plans for a new Houston location within the city’s BBVA Compass Plaza office tower in Uptown.
As the digital age pushes real estate markets towards offering more space-as-a-service options for companies, Dubai is finding its footing in the rapidly growing market.
In the past few years, incorporating health and wellness in the workplace through greenery, air quality and exercise has become priority in attracting young talent.
Savills has entered the massive U.S. coworking market with Workthere, its program that allows businesses and clients to find the perfect workspace to suit their work.
Serendipity Labs offers high-end, upscale workplaces to underserved secondary markets and suburban areas, places that are barely untouched by major coworking operators.