The recent decision to extend flexible working rights to all employees who have carried out in excess of six months of service could ring significant changes to the office environment. The extension, which came into force at the end of June, means that the vast majority of UK employees are now entitled to request flexible working. Employees can put in a written request to work from home, work compressed hours, switch to flexi-time or start job sharing. Employers can only reject the request if there is a valid business reason for doing so.

Office technology and changing employee expectations have lead to an increase in the prevalence of flexible working. While working 9-5, Monday to Friday might still be the norm, it seems that it won’t be the case for many more years.

Business interiors have already been adapted in response to – and anticipation of – this shift. While home working may reduce the need for office space, it also risks employees feeling isolated. While businesses may wish to cut down on the number of desks at their office, a proportionate expansion in break rooms and communal areas will help to house home working employees when they make an occasional trip to the office. These areas will also help to improve collaboration – a necessity when flexible working becomes the norm, and it is rare that the entire workforce is in the office simultaneously.

Given the fluid, dynamic, adaptable nature of the flexible workforce, interiors should also reflect that, with partitions and moving walls built into the office space. Office technology needs to move on, too so, when possible, arm your employees with laptops and tablets.

If you’d like to prepare your office for the flexible working revolution without breaking the bank, contact Staples Advantage today.

 

July 31st 2014 | Back to Industry Insights