Hybrid Work Drives The Need For Employee-Centric Flexible Offices

A new report from Ernst and Young shows that demand for flexible offices, particularly from executives, is not slowing down.  

The second annual EY Future Workplace Index shows that as hybrid work models become more common, so do flexible work options.  

In fact, the report shows that 40% of companies are currently operating on a four-day workweek or have plans to. Similarly, 70% of employers said they were embracing hybrid work, which sees workers split their time between remote working and being in an office.  

“The economic downturn will force leaders to make important decisions regarding their real estate portfolios — from investments, to space optimization, to workforce models,” said Mark Grinis, partner at EY. 

Stemming from the need to stay afloat during a potential recession and the desire to keep employees satisfied, the report showed companies are taking a variety of approaches to make the workplace more enticing. For instance, 46% have introduced on-site baristas, while one-third plan to incorporate some form of childcare services for workers. 

However, just one-third of respondents said they had plans to cut down on commercial real estate investments and over half had the intention of growing or expanding their office portfolios.