Recent survey results published by flexible workspace provider Orega show how flex spaces are influencing workplaces across the U.K., leading many businesses to favor them over traditional office spaces.
Both employers and employees are increasingly embracing flex space as a practical work environment solution. Over half (55%) of businesses surveyed say they now utilize some form of flexible office space. Among those that said they are not yet using flex space, 52% are considering making the move to one.
The increasing enthusiasm for flex space is particularly pronounced in the city of London and in the Northwest, where 65% and 59% of respondents respectively said that they would consider flex space in the future. Financial and professional services, as well as IT sectors, are leading this trend — with 63% expressing a strong interest.
When it comes to reasons why businesses are adopting or considering flex spaces, greater flexibility stands as the primary draw for 37% of businesses. This is followed by location (27%), price (23%), and employee preferences (20%). It’s reported that improvements to flexibility allow companies to adjust space requirements quickly and afford centrally located offices that would otherwise be financially out of reach. Also, data shows firms can attract and retain top talent more effectively because employees are increasingly demanding greater work-life balance.
The rise in flex spaces has coincided with the rise of hybrid work environments. Orega reports that 67% of employees in the survey say they have adopted this approach. Over half (58%) of employers “said they were happy with either 2-3 or 4 office workings days a week.” The hybrid work model is particularly prevalent in London due to high travel and commute costs.
Over half (64%) of businesses plan to keep or adjust their office layouts, a drop from earlier trends where 37% planned to reduce their total office space. This suggests an optimistic view shared among business leaders about future growth and the importance placed on in-person collaboration.
