As we approach what’s been dubbed “Freedom Day” in England – the day when almost all virus related restrictions will be lifted – many will be gearing up for a shift back to the office commute.
While some are keen to return to the workplace, others have enjoyed the benefits of home working – including avoiding the commute. As such, there’s talk of a potential rise in demand for remote workspace hubs that enable flexible working but still offer opportunities for in-person connection and team meetings.
Flexing to meet new needs
One business that’s adapting to meet post-lockdown needs is flexible workspace provider The Argyll Club with its new Hub & Flex hybrid working solution.
Hub & Flex allows businesses to lease a private office ‘hub’ for their core team and receive an additional complimentary hot-desking ‘flex’ solution for every two contracted desks as part of the package.
For example, a business of six can lease a four-person office but with the ability for all six team members to work in the building simultaneously using hot desk facilities, business lounges and coworking spaces. Team members can also use any of The Argyll Club’s “premium” locations across Central London.
The product has been designed in response to increased demand for hybrid working, as professionals split their week between home and office and employers require fewer full-time desks. Fundamentally, the new product offers businesses – particularly SMEs – significant agility: the chance to have a reduced core office whilst also ensuring the entire team retains constant access to prime central London workspaces without the need to provide everyone with a permanent desk.
Emily Smith, COO, The Argyll Club said:
“We have always been committed to supporting our clients’ organic growth, enabling them to easily scale their offices up or down as their team evolves. Now, to support businesses through the next chapter of the pandemic, we are going one step further and giving our clients the option to be even more nimble. We know that greater flexibility in leases and working models will be critical in businesses’ post-pandemic recovery strategies, but we also believe that a hub in central London will play an equally important role. As such, our new product marries the two, ensuring businesses have both agility and a home at one of the capital’s best addresses.”
It’ll be interesting to see whether others will follow in The Argyll Club’s footsteps and whether as the Local Government Association suggests, remote working will drive larger footfalls in town centres and rural areas which may lead to a demand for workspace hubs in these regions. (1)
(1) https://www.local.gov.uk/remote-working-path-adaptable-economy-agenda-17-february-2021
You might also be interested in:
- Watching the recording of this Make A Difference Webinar, sponsored by Obo: “Covid as a catalyst for change – wellbeing in the hybrid world of work”. You can access the recording and post-session materials free here.
