08.14.23

From Hybrid Working to Working Fluidly: Work from Anywhere

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Over the last few years, workplaces have transformed significantly.

Before the pandemic, few workers had the option to regularly work from home—but that changed overnight. As we’ve settled into today’s patterns of living and working, much more of the workforce has become a part of a hybrid work ecosystem that balances the office, home, and third places.

We’ve been studying this seismic shift in the workplace. We’ve discovered that the office is more dynamic, experiential, and valuable than ever in an ecosystem where more people can work in a multitude of spaces.

The Evolution of the Office

As people move among workspaces, the office has become more important as a place of social context.  It’s now a hub—where organizational culture is built, where we connect face-to-face, and where collaboration takes place.

Interactions with colleagues make us happier and more engaged at work—and the office is best suited for groups focused on creativity and client-facing activities.

The office has evolved quickly. Spaces have been redesigned to better fit organizational cultures. Designers have emphasized community and ancillary spaces to support interaction while people are in the office. They’ve also built in flexibility so organizations can use their space in a variety of ways.

Advantages of Home and Third Places

In many organizations, people can be more productive at home for focus work and reading, as well as virtual meetings and scheduled calls. Not having a commute also gives workers more time for work-life balance.

Third places–like a coffeeshop or coworking space–are ideal for activities such as informal chats, socializing, and even focus work. They also provide places to work while traveling, so productivity doesn’t lag while employees are on the road. 

People Want Flexibility That Includes Office Time

While people value being able to work at home and third places, they still want time in the office. People want options to work outside the home and third places because they struggle with finding the right work-life balance, integrating physical activity into their day, and connecting to their organization and colleagues.

There’s great value in remote work, but the office remains the epicenter of what makes work happen and helps people perform their best.

Benefitting from a Flexible Work Environment

It’s vital to find a balance between personal interaction and collaboration—both virtually and physically. Organizations that recognize this embrace the Work from Anywhere ecosystem to support the well-being of their teams. Plus, that ecosystem supports talent attraction and retention strategy because it offers improved work-life balance through flexible schedules.

This article was originally posted on Haworth.com