Environment and experience: Finding the flex sweet spot

When we consider how much work has changed over the last few years, we probably begin with location. For example, where did you first open your laptop this morning? At home, on a train, hot desking at a corporate HQ, at a local office, or in a coworking space? The surge in flexible working since the pandemic means the global average office occupancy rate has fallen from 65% to 35%.

As a result, accurate demand forecasting is essential for companies who want to manage their property portfolio more efficiently. If you want to improve yours, here’s a blog that could point you in the right direction.

However, there’s more to a successful workplace strategy than smart use of space. Environment and employee experience complete the picture, which is why Worka Made helps businesses right-size their workspace portfolios by addressing these factors, too

Sustainability is the new currency

With over 40% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions coming from real estate, office space users and buyers have a responsibility towards net zero. However, in the last two decades, the way this space is used has become less sustainable: shorter lease cycles increase the number of fitouts and therefore the embodied carbon, and the environmental benefits of less commuting may be negated by underutilized office space that needs to be heated, cooled, ventilated, and lit.

Stricter regulations are on the way in Europe and the US, and environmental sustainability will increasingly influence building selection and workspace design. Office buyers have often lacked the necessary data and tools, but Worka Made has introduced energy models that provide a snapshot of building performance, along with insights that inform better decisions.

Wellbeing and inclusivity encourage good design

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practices were once considered “nice to haves,” but research now shows that workspaces designed for inclusivity can boost performance and widen the talent pool. Businesses that already have hybrid workspaces are increasing their collaborative and social space by an average of 44%.

There is clearly a shift towards places with a strong sense of community and belonging. Overall, wellbeing and inclusivity are key to more satisfied users, better business culture, and improved utilization of office space.

Setting standards

Worka has defined global standards for flexible workspaces, driven by the wellbeing of the people who use them. These are aligned with the International WELL Building Standard and the WELL Coworking Index developed with IWBI. They integrate the 10 core concepts of WELL (mind, community, movement, water, air, light, thermal comfort, nourishment, sound, materials).

Introducing ‘The Configurator’

There’s a lot to consider, but achieving what you and your people need just got easier. Based on your individual priorities, the Worka Made Configurator generates different dynamic office models, each with a baseline design that reflects global best practice in wellbeing and sustainability, plus a menu of extra features. And thanks to Worka’s integrated global supply chain, the digital experience soon becomes reality, with guaranteed cost, quality, and ESG outcomes.

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