2022 Flexible Workplace Trends

Workers who have been utilising coworking and home offices for some time are rejoicing at leading the pack, having years of ‘unconventional’ work styles under their belt.

In addition to this, the adoption of AI (Artificial Intelligence), tech and software solutions to maximise efficiency and productivity within companies has become super important for businesses wishing to streamline their operations and take out any clunky processes. This has led to a section of the workforce with not as much day to day “work” to take up their time.

Suffice to say; the overall demand for flexible work styles is in an immense growth phase, AND it’s here to stay.

To achieve lasting success in our current climate and maintain options for workers based on their individual needs and companies based on organisational needs, then businesses such as JAGA Workspaces must continue to recognise and embrace the power of flexibility.

What Does Flexible Work Look Like in 2022?

Flexibility is quite important as you embrace change – especially when we observe the scenario of the past two years. If there is any great news the pandemic gave us, it’s this: we’ve acquired more innovative ideas and have given way to the newest forms of working flexibly, from somewhere other than the big, corporate headquarters. With the number of coworking spaces and hybrid working environments continually rising around the world, it is high time you embrace the latest flexible workplace trends in 2022.

Here are some workplace trends to consider:

• Hybrid Working
  
  Hybrid working structures will range from companies having permanently-set offices to doing away with office spaces entirely and relying solely on the concept of remote working or coworking spaces for their teams. A study by Loom found that 90 per cent of employees (including managers and workers) tend to be happier with improved freedom they now have with working from home and other options provided to them. 
  
  
• AI-augmented Workforce
  
  It is predicted automation and AI will create around 97 million new jobs by the time of 2025. At the same time, workers in their current roles might also experience major changes. This is because they will be increasingly augmenting their own abilities with the help of AI technology.
  
  Artificial Intelligence will be primarily used for automating repetitive elements of the day-to-day roles. It will also allow workers to put focus on areas requiring more human touch – including top-level strategy, creativity, emotional intelligence, or imagination. 
  
  
• Offices as Collaboration Hubs
  
  As professionals continue taking control of when and why they are in the office, fewer people will be present in the office on a regular basis. They will also use the space differently to encourage businesses to restructure their respective offices. Offices are no longer going to be dedicated physical spaces with individual, well-defined spots. Future workspaces are going to serve as ecosystems of rooms or spaces matching the needs and habits of different personas.
  
  Modern, purpose-built offices – like our coworking spaces at JAGA - serve as collaboration and connection hubs, allowing teams to brainstorm in smaller groups, achieve milestones, host client meetings, and work cooperatively on joint projects.
  
  Professionals will require a spot at coworking spaces, dedicated to particular purposes (including conference rooms with interactive video conferencing systems, well-equipped monitors and cameras for video meetings).
  
  
• Leveled-up Home Offices
  
  The ongoing trend toward hybrid and remote work implies home offices are going to level up. Home set-ups are expected to improve. The manner in which knowledge experts will be presenting themselves to the clients will significantly influence how they are perceived.
  
  The fact that remote and hybrid working options are here to stay implies that the modern workforce will be highly interested in investing in the concept of home offices. To make sure that the previously temporary home office is well-optimised for professional and sustainable work means employees need to outfit their existing homeworking spaces with top-grade technology.
  
  
• More Reliance On Virtual Offices
  
  As more companies transform to home office setups, and hybrid work places, the reliance on virtual offices to handle administrative tasks will rise. At JAGA our virtual office services can serve as an important professional address that you can use for your published material and online services. We also offer a mail and answering service. A virtual office is a permanent place of business, with its own support staff, available on-demand while you enjoy complete freedom to be wherever your business takes you.

How Will Coworking Work in the Future?

As the contemporary workforce changes, coworking spaces also require evolving themselves to be relevant to the new and dynamic working-age population.

Here are some ways the future of coworking spaces can revolutionise the new age of work:

• Collaborative Working Environment
  
  Professionals nowadays seek highly conducive working environments with improved accessibility for collaboration, connectedness and productivity. Gone are the days of private desks against a wall, nowadays coworking spaces must include areas for brainstorming, rest and relaxation, refreshments, reflection and meetings. As the overall way of working changes, coworking spaces should also evolve physically. Have you seen our spaces at JAGA? (They’re award-winning!)
  
  
• Revamped Workplace Strategy
  
  You could be part of a team that is spaced in multiple locations, part of a team that all work together from a central coworking office or working solo and managing everything in the business yourself. Whatever way you ‘work’, the need for a central “main” office space will remain.
  
  Every business needs a business address. One area that you can set up to meet with clients and prospective clients if needed, one area that you can feel comfortable coming to work and growing your professional networking and ‘coworking’ network.
  
  It’s up to company leaders, or business owners to decide on how their business will run and operate then create the best possible environment for their team to succeed.
  
  
• Improved Amenities
  
  Most providers of coworking spaces offer a wide range of special amenities and services to their clients. These might include access to locker rooms, crèche services, gaming zones, courier facilities, gym facilities, cafés, and so more.
  At JAGA we believe amenities are so much more than a fully stocked kitchen and free car parking (although both those amenities are very well appreciated!) Amenities at JAGA include quite rooms, shower facilities, bike racks, networking events, access to grow your professional network and much more.
  
  
  We believe that ‘work’ is only one part of your day, and the space in between (maybe that chat in the cafe with a colleague, or the important call you take in our phone booth room) is where your ‘work’ becomes more meaningful. To check out amenities at JAGA click here. 
  
  
• More Than Just A Coworking Office
  
  For coworking spaces, the clients, members and team will desire more than just a space to work. The thinking around what a coworking office is, and how it can grow in our current market will take center stage. Owners will start to think deeply about How to create a thriving community; How to expand services to offer their members more opportunities for growth?  And so much more. As a member at a coworking space, you may go in search for a company that can supply more than “just a desk” for you.
  
  As a business owner, it can be lonely and isolating. At JAGA we are trying to break down the barriers of running a business and foster a community that supports one another. When you join JAGA you join a coworking space as a worker and you become a friend; a welcomed and important member of our JAGA family.
  
  We are on a mission at JAGA to create a thriving community of business owners, teams and entrepreneurs who share a vision of coming together as a supportive network to learn, grow and celebrate together. If you’re ready - we’d love to walk you through either of our Canberra locations. 

Is Flexible Working Style the Way of the Future?

It is important to note that “flexibility” implies different things to different businesses and individuals.

It could imply flexible working hours, switching between office working and working from home, implementing newer ways of working with virtual meetings and conferences rather than travelling, employing a virtual office to take care of your admin, and so much more. 

There is not a “one size fits all” option anymore. As priorities at workplaces change, flexibility and empathy will get us through all the big changes that we are experiencing in our modern work scenario. 

Coworking Is Here To Stay 

There has been a massive surge in the number of coworking spaces across the world. The total number of coworking spaces is expected to reach around 26,000 this year in 2022. This is as much as a 42 per cent increase than that of 2019.

Coworking is here to stay and play, grow and maybe even dominate. If you’ve not experienced what it’s like to work from a coworking space, we invite you to either of our Canberra locations: JAGA Allara Street or JAGA Swanson Court - we look forward to welcoming you to the family.