Why the office of the future will be flexible, autonomous and fair

The unexpected advent of COVID has created ripple effects across the globe. One such undulation, has been the seismic shift towards a more remote and flexible workspace arrangement. As industries have ensured continuity by quickly adapting to the new normal, the office of the future has evolved to meet demand.

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In a world that is increasingly interconnected, while black swan events simultaneously become more frequent; Installing anti-fragility into our systems requires enhanced flexibility, decentralisation, and regenerative capacity in infrastructure - built under the umbrella of a purpose catering to the triple bottom line.

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COVID As Catalyst

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Black swan events (large unexpected occurrences) are significant catalysts for change. One of the largest impediments to progress is the rigidity of old structures and systems. Unexpected disruptions naturally cause some of these to break down, creating space for innovation in adaptation.

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The old model of capitalism based on the propagation of profit and growth at all costs is yesterday's news. As environmental concerns rise, consumer's are voting with their purchasing power. And collaborative companies with a holistic purpose are finding that this gives them the tenacity they need to succeed.

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A more remote and flexible workspace is something that has been on the agenda for a while. However, fear of the unknown meant few were willing to risk experimenting with such novelty. COVID enforced this change across the board, with employees and employers discovering both benefits and drawbacks to the change.

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The result is that the office of the future is most likely to be a hybrid. Harnessing the best of both worlds to deliver a solution that is personalised, resilient and beneficial for all of people, purpose, profit and planet. The hybrid office is where the old meets the new - in a format that signifies not the death of the office, but a transformation.

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Arguably, many of the drawbacks experienced during lockdown have been a result of the unexpected nature of the impact. As we head towards a new normal, these are elements that can be improved on moving forwards. It's only by taking the first few tentative steps that we will begin to see beyond the bend in the road.

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Decentralised Models

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Decentralised models are inherently flexible, more robust and communal by their nature. The hybrid office may take on various formats, one of which is a decentralised distribution. This often translates to a central HQ, with many satellite offices dispersed across other locations.

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As an example, employees may choose to congregate in a companies main headquarters in London for important meetings, while spending the rest of the time at a local co-working space. The shift to a remote world enabled many struggling to afford living in major capitals to retreat to nearby commuter belts. The lower prices, greener scenery, sense of community and flexibility that this has provided has boosted mental health, alongside cutting down commutes and improving the environment.

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One of the benefits of a more flexible workspace arrangement, is the regeneration of local communities. Previously, major cities were becoming overcrowded, with a breakdown in community leading to increased disruption and a reduced sense of social purpose.

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Pre-COVID, some start-ups were already benefitting from fully remote operations, facilitated by applications such as slack, discord and zoom. These companies experienced few disruptions to their processes, giving them a leading advantage. It has also meant that they can leverage international teams. Providing an inherently diverse workforce that boosts creative delivery.

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Decentralisation is a trend that is far from being limited to the workplace. There is much excitement around the innovation taking place in DeFi (decentralised finance). Promising potential solutions to growing global wealth inequality, inflation and threats to democratic processes.

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A Regenerative Landscape

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Many describe the current transition as a regenerative renaissance. This is characterised by an awakening to our interdependence on the natural world. Our disconnection from this sentiment fuels many of the environmental problems that we see today. We have made our material systems more valuable than the finite resources on which they are based.

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The pandemic has demonstrated just how quickly what we consider 'normal' can shift. The grounding of flights has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60%. And a form of UBI has already been trialled in the UK under the temporary Furlough. A regenerative landscape is next.  

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This entails a process-orientated whole systems approach to design. Instead of plundering our resources, systems should restore, renew, or revitalise their sources of energy and materials. At the centre of this change is community, systems thinking, permaculture and circular economics.

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Regenerative platforms are ethical, open-source and decentralised. This is enabled by technology, which radically reimagines co-governance and ways of working over time. This is already being applied to the world of the workspace - which is at the heart of economic change.

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Flexible and remote community channels, intranets, workshops and events have made it easier for people from all across the globe to connect than ever before, at a time and place convenient for them. One of the challenges of the remote workspace has been maintaining company cohesion and culture, with reduced face time. However a shift from quantity to quality suggests that these are things that can be readily maintained, with the appropriate technology.  

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Of course nothing will replace the connection of a physical space - including its chance encounters and human vibrancy. The hybrid workplace understands the importance of combining the flexibility and autonomy of the new remote world, with the ability to connect that we once took for granted in the past.

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Tech For Good

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Centralised organisations are an outdated systemic model. People are increasingly building alternatives, and leveraging their power to choose. During lockdown, millions flocked to alternative messaging platforms such as Signal and Telegram, over Whatsapp and Facebook messenger. This is instigated by rising concerns around what such companies do with user data, and the un-even distribution of power in the technocracy.

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It's not just what we use, but how and why we use it. Technology is helping the workplace adapt to the transition by keeping companies together, wherever they are located. Using the convenience of apps, employees can gain live insights into the occupancy of their buildings. As well as easily managing their bookings, memberships, data and preferences at the touch of a button.

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Smart offices are ensuring that flexible workspaces are safe to return to under the new COVID guidelines. This involves improvements in sanitation technology, data on distancing and occupancy, and a reduced need to interact with surfaces (automation of doors and windows).

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This can all be delivered in a format that maintains green credentials. For example data on occupancy can be used to automate reduced energy usage in the form of lighting and heating, and water wastage can be improved using technology that encourages recycling. X+Why are proud to hold BREEM certification, the gold-standard in the world of eco-architecture.

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Flexible Autonomy

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The recent seismic shift unites the paradox between individual rights and autonomy, with communal interconnectedness and responsibility. Proving that there is unity in diversity, where resources are evenly distributed. Just as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health, the world of work is becoming increasingly personalised and decentralised. A core tenet of this is choice and flexibility.

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With a hybrid model there is something for everyone. Flexible workspace providers are able to cater to a wide range of organisations and individuals. Previously the domain of freelancers on a flexible hot-desking membership, the benefits of co-working spaces are increasingly being leveraged by start-ups and large corporates alike.

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Monthly rolling contracts mean that membership plans are tailored to your needs. Gone are the days of lengthy lease agreements, expensive private furnishings and space wastage. Having a plan that changes size as you do significantly saves on overheads. And an all-inclusive package means that everything is taken care of for one tidy fee.

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From private office options, super fast wifi and exclusive membership perks, to the latest in smart technology and spaces furnished with wellbeing in mind. Being able to outsource these needs to the experts, at a lower cost and greater returns is the winning strategy of the new normal.

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This future-proof solution is benefitting all of employers, their employees and local communities across the nation. So when it comes to baking purpose into the core of your company - thinking thrice about the triple bottom line starts with the office. The office of the future is here, and it's more flexible, autonomous and fair than ever before.

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Find Out What Flexible Working Can Do For You Today

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