The global pandemic forced most companies to rethink how they operated and it seems offices are starting to downsize as hybrid working remains a vital employee requirement.
In a Microsoft survey of 20,000 people worldwide, they discovered 87% of workers felt they worked as or more efficiently from home despite 80% of managers disagreeing.
With more employers embracing a hybrid approach with time split between the office and home, it is predicted that 30% of all office accommodations will be flexible or coworking spaces by 2030.
For the last 12 months, New Forest Enterprise Centre has seen an increase in tenants downsizing from larger offices to smaller flexible spaces to accommodate hybrid working.
Sarah Murray, Manager of New Forest Enterprise Centre, said: “We’ve noticed over the last 12 months the way people use their offices and the space they are working in has changed.”
The centre has seen an increase in meeting room hire from companies based at home wishing to meet occasionally.
“This means companies aren’t paying for office space they aren’t using and can cut overheads.” – Murray adds.
“We’ve noticed over the last 12 months the way people use their offices has changed.”
Sarah Murray, New Forest Enterprise Centre
A 2022 study by the Office for National Statistics showed 84% of workers made to work from home during the Coronavirus pandemic said they planned to continue working from home and occasionally from their place of work.
After a reduction in office space enquiries and customers during national lockdowns, New Forest Enterprise Centre’s office space occupancy has now increased due to higher interest in smaller units and meeting rooms.
They believe companies choosing smaller units in suburban locations to reduce commuting time for employees could lead to an influx of new businesses starting up in the New Forest.
The New Forest Enterprise Centre, based in Totton, hosts office space, workshops and meeting rooms for any local companies, for more information go to www.nfec.co.uk.
Image credit: Pexels.
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