Author: Kush Shukla, CEO at Ashton Barclay
As we enter into a new year and reflect on what can be learned from 2020 it is clear that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted many aspects of how we do business which need to change.
One clear message is that there are unpredictable factors that can influence our plans, so making long term commitments may not be as cost-effective as we once thought. When we consider choosing office space it would be a mistake to assume that working from home is the new normal; although it will continue to play a larger role in how business is conducted, the consensus is that workers want to return to the office.
As Savills explained, “… virtually every survey that has been done of office workers suggests that most will continue to spend the majority of their working week in traditional CBD offices.”
(UK Cross Sector Outlook 2021: Commercial)
In light of this, it is clear that serviced office spaces are the best option for companies of all sizes in 2021. Here’s why:
With the likelihood that employees will continue working from home part time, having a flexible office space will be essential. An office space where the management is responsive to clients’ business needs will make the transition back to the office easier for both employers and employees by catering to their needs and creating a safe and comfortable working environment.
Access to all the facilities a co-working space has to offer, such as meeting rooms and extra work spaces, as well as the flexibility to upsize, or downsize, means that businesses can adapt their office space to their workforce, not the other way around. This style of adaptable office space is also perfect for larger companies who need to relocate project teams.
Perhaps the most missed aspect of being in the office throughout the pandemic has been company culture. Despite best efforts, virtual meetings and events have not been effective enough at helping employees fight feelings of loneliness and isolation from colleagues.
Nuffield Health reports that “80% of Brits feel working from home has had a negative impact on their mental health.”
(Working from home taking its toll on the mental health & relationships of the nation)
Working in a serviced office space allows an employer to find the right environment to reflect their companies culture, whether that requires a large kitchen for employees to eat together, a biophilic design, or even a games room. Simply providing employees with a co-working office space where they can socialise and collaborate safely could be the boost they need after what has been a tough year for many.
Deloitte predicts that many companies “will likely use offices to develop more emotional connections, facilitate collaboration, and create human experiences.”
(2021 Commercial Real Estate Outlook)
Long term office leases no longer offer businesses the security that they once did. With countless offices sitting empty for most of 2020, wasting many companies thousands of pounds per month, it’s now clear that this style of leasing only serves to tie businesses to buildings for five, ten, even fifteen years. Short term leases and rentals of furnished co-working spaces are now the best option for most businesses, providing freedom and flexibility in an ever-changing landscape.
Aside from rent, there are also lots of smaller costs of furnishing and running an office that can quickly add up. The cost efficiency of having a readily furnished office which will provide all the perks you would want to give your employees, ie. free refreshments, snacks, breakfast, free social and wellbeing events can’t be overlooked. Other services such as cleaning and business-mail can also save your company money in the long run.
Before employees to return to work they will need to feel confident and secure in the knowledge that their office is clean and that their safety is of paramount importance.
As Deloitte stated, “More than 50% of respondents acknowledged that their ability to succeed in the post-pandemic world would be hampered by employee concerns about returning to work.”
(2021 Commercial Real Estate Outlook)
Ensuring regular cleaning should be a top priority for employers moving their workforce back to the office. Going with a serviced office will ensure this is taken care of with the responsibility of health and safety often lying with the landlord, meaning employers can be confident that they are supported in keeping their staff safe.
Ashton Barclay have advised many companies to find their perfect office space that have guaranteed them huge cost savings and obtain a better service – whether that’s in London or anywhere in the UK – and partner with all the best serviced office providers like www.oneavenuegroup.com (who also happen to be MSDUK certified members).
The move from leased to flexible office spaces will be a huge advantage to business – especially in this new age that we live in. The question is whether large corporates will be quick enough and agile enough as smaller companies currently are in order to make that right decision and move with the trend.
We have created a white paper on the pro’s and cons between conventional leased buildings versus flexible serviced buildings that details the cost comparisons as well as the performance and productivity benefits between the two. If you would like this free report or need any advice on your office needs, then please email Kush Shukla, CEO of Ashton Barclay, directly at [email protected] or feel free to know more at www.ashtonbarclay.co.uk
Since 2006, we have been at the forefront of driving the supplier diversity movement in the UK. Align with organisations dedicated to supplier diversity and become a part of the MSDUK community. As a member, you will connect with a network of corporate leaders who, are committed to empowering ethnic minority businesses. The companies below represent just a glimpse of our extensive corporate network.
T. +44 (0) 116 2532520
A. Studio 5, Phoenix Square,
3 Burton Street, Leicester LE1 1TB UK
Navigate
Newsletter sign-up
Get the latest MSDUK updates
delivered straight to your inbox.
Get the latest MSDUK updates delivered straight to your inbox.
This contact form is available only for logged in users.
© 2024 MSDUK. All rights reserved.