In order to keep up with evolving workforce, companies need to embrace the flexible workspace model, according to IWG’s CEO Mark Dixon.

“We now have many ways of working,” said Dixon. “And on top of this, we’ve now got new global accounting standards for leases, which completely change how companies look at office space.”

So far, more corporate clients have been moving towards flexible workspace solutions in response to IFRS 16, an international accounting standard that makes companies report lease contracts as liabilities.

IWG in particular has seen about a third up on corporate clients from the fourth quarter of last year, largely due to IFRS 16.

The move towards flexible workspaces is also due to companies attempting to attract and retain more talent. IWG’s 2019 Global Workspace Survey that interviewed 15,000 people found that 83% of respondents would turn down a job that did not provide flexible working.

It is clear that employees are getting more of a say with what to expect out of their employers. This has led companies to adopt a more forward-thinking outlook and providing their staff with options for a healthier work-life balance.