In today’s fast-paced business world, flexibility is key. Employers constantly seek new ways to attract and retain top talent, and offering workplace flexibility is one way to do it. As remote work and flexible schedules become the norm, businesses recognize they need commercial real estate space to accommodate this flexibility.

What is workplace flexibility?

Workplace flexibility refers to the ability of employees to work where, when, and how they choose. This means offering options like telecommuting, flexible schedules, and shared office spaces. Employers offering workplace flexibility can improve job satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. But, it requires a cultural shift that values trust, transparency, and communication.

How does it work?

It gives employees more control over when, where, and how they work. Instead of adhering to a rigid schedule or location, employees can adjust their work hours, work remotely, or otherwise tailor their work arrangements to fit their needs better.

Different types of flexible workplace arrangements

Flexible workplace arrangements can take many forms, including telecommuting, flexible schedules, job sharing, and compressed workweeks. These options provide employees with a better work-life balance while increasing their productivity.

How has it changed, and what is the latest?

Flexibility at the workplace evolved significantly in recent years, driven by changing attitudes toward work-life balance, COVID-19, and technological advancements.

Previously viewed as a luxury for select employees, flexible work arrangements are now the new normal. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, forcing businesses to adapt to remote work. Employers became required to offer remote work opportunities.

Nowadays, the movement toward a “smart workplace” continues to grow. This refers to workplaces using technology, such as sensors and wearables, to create a more efficient and personalized work environment.

Why is flexibility so important in business?

Employers now use workplace flexibility as an aspect of their business strategy. The modern workforce in most industries demands some flexibility, and businesses must adapt. So, employers need to offer workplace flexibility to compete when recruiting talent.

Advantages and disadvantages

Although workplace flexibility certainly has some advantages, it can also produce a few drawbacks. Here are a few of the key advantages:

• Work-life balance
• Productivity
• Attracting top talent
• Reducing costs

A few of the disadvantages of workplace flexibility include:

• Reduced team cohesion
• Communication issues
• Management challenges
• Dependence on technology

Key elements of a successful flexible workplace

Flexibility in the workplace requires a shift in how companies approach work. Employers must establish clear communication, trust, technology infrastructure, and a supportive culture to implement a successful flexible workplace. They also need to remain transparent about expectations and policies, establish guidelines for remote work, and provide resources for employees to work effectively from any location.

Best practices for implementing one

Successfully implementing a flexible workplace as an employer comes with a few challenges. But by following these best practices, you can set your team up for success:

• Clearly define goals and objectives for your flexible workplace program.
• Ensure open communication and collaboration between management and employees.
• Provide appropriate training and resources for employees to work remotely.
• Establish clear guidelines and policies for remote work, including expectations for availability and communication.
• Support your remote work environment with technology.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your flexible workplace program.

The importance of technology in a flexible workplace

Technology plays a vital role in allowing employers to offer a flexible workplace for employees. It enables staff members to communicate, collaborate, and work efficiently from anywhere. From communication technology such as video conferencing and instant messaging to cloud-based technology allowing employees to access work documents anywhere, technology enables today’s hybrid workforce.

How Proptech and commercial real estate solutions can help

Proptech and commercial real estate solutions have become critical tools for employers looking to meet today’s flexible workplace demands. These technologies enable commercial property owners and operators to offer a range of customizable, on-demand spaces that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.

Examples include smart building systems, coworking platforms, and space-as-a-service offerings. These allow businesses to quickly and seamlessly transition to a flexible workplace model.

These exact Proptech solutions provide real-time data insights for property owners and operators. This data can help optimize space utilization, improve the tenant experience, and streamline operations. However, without integrating these systems, the data ends up in silos limiting its capabilities. ProptechOS offers seamless integrations with all its partnering products to resolve this issue.

The future of the smart, flexible workplace

As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for the future of the smart, flexible workplace are nearly endless. Between recent advancements in AI and the ongoing development of VR and AR solutions, workplaces can continue to evolve to improve productivity while enhancing the employee experience.

A major aspect of tomorrow’s smart, flexible workplace involves integrated commercial real estate systems and Proptech data. Smarter building systems can allow building managers to accommodate the changing needs of tenants. It will enable optimized spaces and flexible rooms to accommodate a consistently rotating number of occupants in a building.

ProptechOS can help integrate your commercial real estate systems and act as your building’s operating system for all your Proptech solutions. Try it for free to see how ProptechOS can make your commercial real estate properties more efficient and effective!