From Boardrooms to Baristas: How Flexible Workspaces are Blurring the Lines Between Office and Hospitality

The days where offices consisted of rows of desks, soggy sandwiches for lunch, and boardrooms without windows, are long gone. Today’s employees expect their working environment to provide value beyond a place to put a laptop. Hospitality, wellbeing, and entertainment are now all expected, and flexible workspace provider, x+why, are more than happy to oblige.

‘Hospitality’ is a term that has been around for centuries, and it refers to the act of providing a warm and welcoming environment for guests. It is a concept that has become increasingly important in today's society, as businesses strive to create memorable experiences for their customers. And whilst the hospitality industry has traditionally encompassed hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes, some forward-thinking workspaces are now considering how they can create a more comfortable and inviting environment for their members.

x+why, flexible workspaces for purpose-driven businesses, is one such example of this trend. Soon to open at Unity Place in Milton Keynes, they believe that workspaces now need to be aspirational destinations for productivity and collaboration, work and play. Alongside their flexible workspace offering at 103 Colmore Row in Birmingham, they opened a ‘Clubspace’, eighteen, for building tenants. With impressive meeting rooms, a vibrant bar and food offering, private dining opportunities, and a terrace with unrivalled views across Birmingham from the eighteenth floor, eighteen closes the gap between work and play, creating a unique third space ideal for modern hybrid working and employee engagement.

This trend is not limited to x+why. Many flexible workspaces are recognizing the importance of offering their members a range of food and beverage options. In fact, a recent report by Cushman & Wakefield found that food and beverage offerings are the second most important amenity for tenants in flexible workspaces, just behind high-speed internet. The hospitality industry has also taken notice of this trend and is starting to cater to the needs of flexible workspaces. Companies like EatFirst and Karma Kitchen offer food delivery services specifically designed for office spaces, while apps like Workwell and Spaceti allow users to order food and book meeting rooms directly from their smartphones.

The benefits of having food, drink, and hospitality options in the workplace are numerous. For one, it encourages employees to take breaks and socialize with their coworkers, which can lead to improved relationships and increased productivity. It also makes the workplace more comfortable and inviting, which can help attract and retain talent, as well as have positive implications for mental health and wellbeing.

x+why’s flex office offering at Unity Place will take advantage of the Urban Food Market which will be located on the ground floor of the landmark building. Promising best-in-class food and drink suppliers and street food vendors, the offering will allow x+why members to have an authentic and exciting dining experience as part of their working day. The space will also feature a wellness and yoga studio, rooftop garden, and events areas, and x+why members will also have access to an Events Programme, including everything from meditation and yoga, to drinks, networking, and inspiration sessions. All of these hospitality initiatives are designed to create a desirable, healthy, and productive working environment.

As the line between work and life continues to blur, the importance of creating a welcoming and comfortable environment in the workplace cannot be overstated. By offering food, drink, and hospitality options, flexible workspaces are able to cater to the diverse needs of their members and create a sense of community that traditional office spaces simply cannot match. By placing community, collaboration, and hospitality at the heart of their spaces, operators like x+why are creating a holistic environment that fosters employee wellbeing and productivity. As the hospitality industry continues to cater to the needs of flexible workspaces, we can expect to see even more innovation in this space in the years to come.

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