Flexible working
Flexible working isn’t just “working from home” – it’s about variable hours, multiple locations, collaboration, work-life balance, trust, employee autonomy, talent acquisition and retention, and diversity.
Flexible working isn’t just “working from home” – it’s about variable hours, multiple locations, collaboration, work-life balance, trust, employee autonomy, talent acquisition and retention, and diversity.
The events of 2020 accelerated change across every sector, but traditional working practices have been evolving for several years, thanks in part to technological advances and cultural shifts.
According to Forbes: “As of 2018, remote work, telecommuting and workplace flexibility have officially become a global industry.” And in 2019, research by Buffer confirmed: “99% of respondents said they would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers.”
Fast forward to 2021 and all businesses are increasingly realising that flexible working practices increase wellbeing and productivity, so everyone benefits. Improving your staff’s work-life balance and increasing their autonomy helps everyone to thrive. The workforce feels more valued and becomes more invested in business objectives and shared goals.
Flexible working also enables brands to improve workplace equality and attract more diverse talent. By offering a range of work options, they access a far wider pool. Those with physical disabilities or neurodivergence can work in a way that’s better aligned to their needs. And by accommodating the flexible needs of those with additional caring responsibilities, they gain valuable skills and experience that would otherwise be absent.
At Crown, we’re well-versed in flexible working practices, and we understand how to shape environments that actively encourage collaboration and enhance wellbeing. So if you’re ready to embrace this positive change, we’d love to help.
We have a wealth of experience in designing and building workplaces that enable agile working. This dynamic, outcome-led approach where collaboration, flexible working and creative thinking are encouraged and rewarded is increasingly popular. Advances in cloud technology have accelerated this cultural shift and enabled people to work – and collaborate – very effectively from any location.
Agile working naturally has an impact on the office environment, too. In fact by incorporating agile principles at the design stage, businesses can actively encourage a shift to more agile practices. A more open environment actively enables more collaborative working.
While many have experienced the flexibility of working from home – and the time and money saved on commuting – isolation, productivity and mental health must be considered, along with the invaluable opportunities that come from collaborating in person and mentoring less experienced staff. We understand the challenges of managing a disparate workforce, and can help you to develop design solutions to overcome them.
Useful though technology is, there’s simply no substitute for face-to-face contact and in-person communication. Collaborating in a single space is critical for those spontaneous conversations and insights that are key to progress, problem-solving and discoveries.
The Telegraph confirmed at the end of 2020 that breakthroughs in science were less likely to happen online: “Cancer breakthroughs are being missed because ‘light-bulb moments’ between scientists are less likely in Zoom meetings.” A 2020 study by the Institute of Cancer Research estimated that major advances, such as the discovery of new medicines, had been set back by 17 months because of full-time remote working. We understand the business value of collaborating in person, and we’re here to help you get people safely back into the workplace so your people and business can thrive.
Working from home is, at least in part, here to stay. Embracing flexible working may mean moving to a hybrid model – and this needs to be effectively integrated into your property portfolio.
We’re already working with forward-thinking organisations that recognise the value of social capital and are building flexible, connected hubs in strategic locations. We employ integrated technology to ensure clear multi-site communication, and we specifically design on-site facilities to nurture community, and inspire creativity.
Take a look at some of our recent projects
This is about more than just digital solutions. As the way we work continues to evolve, people demand more from their workplaces. It’s critical to balance visual appeal with functionality, and create agile environments that people genuinely want to spend time in. We understand the changing landscape and create solutions to meet your challenges and embrace the opportunities ahead.
Physical and mental wellbeing needs to be a key consideration. Productivity increases when our wellbeing is prioritised, and when we’re allowed to make choices to suit our individual personalities and working styles. Wellbeing is central to everything we do at Crown.
We create agile workspaces that are specifically designed to help occupants thrive. We incorporate features that enable and empower employees, and inspire creativity, collaboration and innovation. Investing in the right environment delivers long term gains. The way we work will continue to evolve, so we factor in enough flexibility to accommodate this. The most effective workspaces will be those with room to grow and adapt as your business and working practices evolve. We listen carefully to your needs, and work with you to create a space that works for your business and your people.
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