ADVANTAGES OF FLEX WORKSPACES
Knowledge exchange
Unlike fixed workspaces, flexible workspaces bring you into contact with more people. Contact between colleagues can lead to a much greater exchange of knowledge. People can talk to each other, help and support each other. With flex workspaces you continue to develop yourself by learning from other people. This is not only for your own benefit and that of your colleagues, but also for the employer.
The dynamics in an organisation
The exchange of knowledge and more freedom of choice leads to better dynamics in a company. Good dynamics in a company lead to better cooperation and harmony among all employees.
More freedom of choice
Flex workplaces mean more freedom of choice in a company. In addition to choosing a workplace at the office, flex workplaces often go hand in hand with flexible working. Think, for example, of working from home and planning your own working hours. More freedom of choice often leads to greater employee satisfaction. A high level of satisfaction ensures that employees are more committed and therefore willing to increase their productivity.
Cost-saving
Flexible workspaces are also interesting for employers. By not having all employees in the office at the same time, less space is needed. Less space and therefore less desks, computers and chairs means lower costs.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF FLEX WORKSPACES
Less privacy
Many employees immediately think of their privacy when they think of flex workspaces. In an open-plan office, you are working with a number of people at the same time. You cannot have a conversation in private and are easily distracted by others. However, this need not be a problem with the right office layout. By taking a good look at the functionality of a room, using the right furniture and maintaining distance, privacy and concentration can still be maintained in an open-plan office.
More difficult to reach colleagues
When working from many different places, it might be difficult to reach your colleagues when you need them. You can no longer just walk up to someone to ask a quick question. It is therefore more difficult to reach someone by phone than in person. Good communication during flex-working is very important.
ICT problems
Flex-working can also cause possible ICT problems. Logging in from different places and by a large number of people can affect the ICT services. If a company uses flex-working, it is important to have sufficient capacity so that all employees can carry out their work.
So in short, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to flex workspaces. It is important for an organisation to look at what is possible within a company and whether it suits the work. For flex-working to become successful, the right office furniture is definitely a good start!