It’s no secret that the world has changed dramatically since the pandemic. Before, it was common for organisations to assign one desk to each of their employees. Now, as more people work remotely, businesses are exploring the flexibility of hybrid working models. But how much space is required for effective business performance? Read on to find out more.
What is a hybrid business model?
A hybrid business model combines remote and onsite working, accommodating the same workforce while requiring fewer resources. This framework is becoming increasingly popular, as businesses seek to reduce costs while maintaining productivity.
Accenture surveyed 9000 workers and found that 83% preferred a hybrid working environment which means the demand from employees is increasing too.
Our hotdesking spaces allow organisations to share resources such as office equipment, IT support, and meeting rooms, but still offer the personal space needed for productive working.
Organisations are discovering that letting their employees have more freedom and choice often brings better results. McKinsey’s survey revealed that:
- 58% of employees said that hybrid work increased their productivity
- 54% said that inclusion and diversity in the workplace increased
- 45% reported that employee engagement increased
- 36% stated that customer satisfaction had increased
What to consider before switching to a hybrid approach
You may be wondering where to begin as you venture into hybrid working. We want to give you all the information you need to make the best arrangements for your business and your employees. Ensuring you secure the right amount of space can be challenging. We provide flexible terms, allowing you to figure out the perfect set up without risk. In the meantime, here’s some guidance regarding workspace calculations.
What is the minimum amount of office space you need per person?
Depending on the duties of each employee, your office space needs will vary. In general, experts recommend no less than 75 square feet per office employee.
However, if you are planning to downsize to shared office space, or if you work from home and are tired of the distractions associated with working alone, it can be hard to compromise on storage space. After all, if you have a lot of items and nowhere to put them, how will you fit them all on one desk?
At Canopi, we understand the importance of functional office space. With a fixed desk at one of our London locations, you’ll have access to storage space and on-site facilities to ensure your workstation is both comfortable and efficient.
Is there a recommended size for meeting rooms?
In the workplace, meeting rooms are the go-to for hosting clients, brainstorming ideas with coworkers, or even having a quick conference call. But no matter what the purpose is, it’s important that your meeting rooms are set up properly with the right equipment for the size of your organisation.
You’ll want meeting rooms to be spacious enough to accommodate everyone in your company without crowding, but small enough that everyone can see each other easily. At Canopi, the meeting room and conference facilities are capable of accommodating up to 30 people seated around a table, and up to 50 in a theatre layout.
As offices expand, the need for meeting space continues to grow. It costs money to rent out meeting rooms and conference spaces. However, Canopi offers the benefit of inclusive meeting room space when they have a fixed desk, rather than having to pay separately. All meeting rooms are fitted with the latest audio-visual equipment, meaning staff can simply plug in their own laptops or tablets.
Flexible work requires flexible office environments
Hotdesking spaces should be more than just a place where organisations can work together or share knowledge. It should also provide businesses with the flexibility to adjust their working spaces according to the peaks and troughs of demand within their organisation. In other words, businesses shouldn’t have to commit to long-term contracts or pay expensive upfront costs in order to add desks as needed.
For example, if your team is handling a large project with high demands and tight deadlines, you may be increasing your number of employees for this period of time without arranging permanent workspaces for them. Your team members will need access to a flexible workspace so that they can rotate in and out of the office throughout the week.
However, if there are no more spaces available, what do you do? With Canopi’s overflow facilities, you can avoid these situations by providing your staff with hot desks so they can focus on the task at hand. When an organisation’s teams outgrow their current setup or when individuals need additional workspace, our overflow desks are there to fill in the gaps.
Come and say hello!
We know that some people prefer a flexible, hybrid working model. We also know that for others, a traditional model is better. And that’s great. The wisest thing to do is try them both out and see which one works best for you. If you want to find out if Canopi is the right fit for you, come in for a tour or try the facilities out with a free trial.
We have flexible options that are perfect for startups and small businesses alike, with the option to expand when needed and no need for long-term commitment. We encourage anyone who’s interested in learning more about us to reach out—we’d love to chat with you and answer any questions you have about our space, amenities, or services.