Workspace evolution: how flexible working is transforming economies

Office and co-working space in Braamfontein, At the heart of a busy commercial and business district, it’s a desirable address that’s ideal for work and networking alike.

The rise of flexible working has transformed the business landscape. Driving this revolution are workspace providers such as Regus, who’ve provided professionals with more choices in the way they work.

No longer restricted by static locations in capital cities and core business hubs, they’re free to work however and wherever they want.

This small but fundamental shift in living and working has some welcome side effects, including the increased happiness of employees and a boost to the economy overall.

Technology and flexible workspaces

Studies have shown that by 2030 between eight and thirteen per cent of all employment in developed economies will be associated with flexible workspaces. And it's certain to play a significant role in our economy moving forward, facilitated and accelerated by technological innovations such as super-fast broadband and smartphones.

Regus has embraced these advancements through highly connected workspaces as well as a dedicated app. Equipped with instant access to the entire Regus network, app users are able to find and book spaces or manage their account from anywhere in the world. And even when they leave a centre, the connectivity continues – Regus customers have access to over 60 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. 

Office and co-working space in Braamfontein

Empowered by the effectiveness of technology in these flexible working locations, employees are able to choose workspaces closer to home or simply to work on the go uninterrupted. 

Convenience and commuting with flexible workspace

Flexible workspace has made professionals’ lives more convenient in many ways. Opening opportunities for shorter commutes and a greater choice of surroundings, employees can take advantage of more affordable and spacious locations. Likewise, businesses are able move away from traditional centres of work, potentially even moving closer to suppliers and customers without having to make large capital investments.

Regus works in tandem with these aims, curating a constantly expanding network of workspaces. It’s a truly unparalleled selection, with centres in airports, service stations, public buildings and railways. Workers are liberated from conventional office spaces and can instead work across a large range of professional and inspiring environments. Most significantly, commuting to a major business hub is now a choice rather than a requirement.

Greater happiness equals a stronger economy

A recent Regus study showed that ‘flexible and remote workers tend to report higher levels of happiness and job satisfaction than other workers’.  Moreover, the same study reported that 91% of respondents felt flexible workspace enhances their employees’ productivity.   So not only does flexible working lead to content employees, their increased productivity means employers too are reaping the benefits.

This increased productivity contributes to economic growth, strengthening the economy wherever it’s located and reduces the dominance of big city hubs. As people move away from core cities, demand is set to disperse more evenly around the country, benefiting the country as a whole.

Office and co-working space in Braamfontein

With its presence in practically every city in the world, Regus is ready to embrace this dispersal, providing mobile professionals with fully equipped workspaces. Access to a comprehensive set of amenities including business-grade Wi-Fi, administrative support and servicing means they’re quickly benefiting from the growing workspace revolution. 

How it works for you

The trend towards flexible working has the potential to completely reshape the geography of our lives. As people no longer need to be in cities for work, they’ll be free to move and work wherever suits them, whether that be the countryside, a new city, or simply a different area in their current location.

Regus makes this potential more accessible for everyone.  It simplifies contracts and leasing, ensuring that its customers only pay for the space they need, adding or reducing workspace as required. And the flexible terms mean they’re able to access centres for any amount of time, from a single hour to every day for many years.

Regus customers get automatic access to a global community of 2.5 million like-minded professionals. They can instantly promote their business through the community marketplace while attending monthly knowledge-sharing events. Across a huge network of workspaces they can operate almost anywhere in the world.

Everyone benefits from the growth of flexible workspace. Businesses no longer have to rely on a limited, localised pool of talent and labour, while employees have even more freedom to choose where, how and who they work for. Even the economy as a whole is likely to be transformed as flexible working expands. If you’re ready to join this global network today, visit regus.co.za