Office design is constantly evolving to meet changing working practices. Over the last couple of years, profound changes have impacted how and where we work. Flow Office has been helping companies adapt to these changing times, ensuring that their office spaces are fit-for-purpose in a fast-moving world.
At Flow, we create and refurbish offices spaces and work environments and supply a comprehensive range of office furniture to meet differing requirements and needs. We also lead the way in innovative Covid-19 office solutions.
Co-working is a trend that precedes the Covid-19 pandemic but is now being looked at as a potential model for companies looking to use their space as effectively as possible as working practices change.
What Is a Co-Working Space?
Co-working spaces provide office space, communal facilities and networking options for freelancers, start-ups and remote workers. They offer flexible office space, internet access and other office services, usually for a basic subscription or day rate which is substantially less than they might pay for their own office space.
They provide flexible spaces that allow freelancers and other self-employed individuals to work alongside each other, providing some of the social aspects that are found in a traditional workplace. They ultimately create a community that can lead to friendships and mutually beneficial professional relationships. They can even help to drive economic growth, as they incubate start-ups and prompt new business ventures into life.
Co-working spaces have grown in popularity over the past decade, helping people who otherwise work from home to combat isolation, beat distractions and network.
Not Just for The Self-Employed
Co-working spaces are flexible spaces. They will usually include an open area with desks and workstations that people can book for a day or longer. They will also usually include meeting rooms, breakout areas and other communal spaces.
Because co-working spaces need to be attractive to encourage people to opt-in to their services, they will often focus on overall office wellbeing, such as varied and diverse workspaces, smart use of natural light, plants and creative art features. There will also be places to relax, chat, socialise and network.
Some of the elements of co-working spaces can also be incorporated into traditional offices. With remote and homeworking becoming a much larger feature of working life, the flexibility of co-working spaces gives it a key advantage.
A workforce that follows a hybrid model, with some remote working and office-based work that can better support work/life balance is much closer to the model followed by freelancers. Employees can book out space in the office either for solo working, to hold meetings, network with other members of staff or carry out other duties.
Co-working spaces begin with an intelligent office design and a careful choice of office furniture that maximises flexibility. They need to be attractive places within which people want to spend time, allowing for a range of different uses.
Get in Touch with Flow Office
Flow Office can help you incorporate co-working elements in your office design to help support your company’s shift to hybrid working. We offer a complete design, consultancy, supply and installation service.
Download our brochure, call 01922 453 488 or email sales@flowoffice.co.uk to find out more.