Flex office: 5 pieces of advice to choose the best workspace for your needs

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Don’t forget any aspect: from financial risk, to security, or brand positioning, etc.

By Alain Brossé, Founder of Welkin & Meraki.

It is common knowledge that the Covid-19 health crisis transformed our work habits. Work is no longer associated with a physical space, but with an activity. 76% of French employees favor hybrid work and welcome the possibility to choose between working from home, at the office, or coworking. Companies must adapt and be more flexible and agile than ever, for the well-being of their employees.

Which questions should you ask yourselves before settling on a workspace, whether you are an independent, or a CEO?

Alain Brossé, founder of Welkin & Meraki, answers.

1 – WHAT IS THE VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS, FOR THE 3, 6 AND 9 YEARS TO COME?

Privatizing offices is the second spending budget for companies, after salaries. A workstation costs 15 000€ on average, per year and per person, in the Paris region. A traditional lease agreement runs over 3, 6 or 9 years and requires a long-term commitment. It is a risk for the company. Flexible workspaces offer a more agile, and less costly alternative. Businesses know the evolution of their activity is often uncertain in the long-term. For Alain Brossé, “Choosing a flexible office is a cost-cutting decision for businesses. At Welkin & Meraki, we imagined a hybrid solution, so you can reduce your workspace costs by 43% (for a 100 workstations)”.

2 - HAVE YOU DEFINED YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS?

Whatever your activity, the workspace you choose has to meet the needs of your employees and of your business. It is also essential to take into account the surface you offer, whether it is the surface of the actual offices, or of the common spaces. “Do you need closed offices? Will all your employees be on site at the same time? Should you choose a more hybrid solution? Is access to meeting rooms essential? All these questions have to be answered”, says Alain Brossé.

3 – ESSENTIAL QUALITY STANDARDS

Beyond the technical aspect, a high-end environment and services (redundant Wi-Fi, secured access, concierge services, etc.) have to be taken into consideration. How are they beneficial? It is essential to find a pleasant space, where your employees can have some quiet, and where you can welcome your clients. “While some start-ups are looking to create a fun space, big corporate firms favor calm spaces, where they can work peacefully”, explains Alain Brossé.

4 – BE OPEN TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET… OR NOT

The location is important. Beyond how your business is performing in your primary country, you have to take into account in which proportion it is meant to be open to the world. “Is my business a national or an international one? Could it expend to other countries? If the answer is yes, your company would benefit from partnering with an international group, one that has addresses all over the world.”, says Alain Brossé.

5 – YOUR WORKSPACE MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR BRAND’S POSITIONING

It is important that the chosen workplace reflects your brand image, for example: refined and simple decor, mindful design, quality furniture, calm and serene atmosphere, sustainable and social commitment… “What do you want the first impression to be when your clients, business partners, or suppliers, are visiting? The important thing is that your space corresponds to your values, and conveys the message you want to put forward”, says Alain Brossé.

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