Over the past year, Evolve has hosted three events on the title, ‘The New Way of Hybrid Working’. And whilst it’s probably time to tweak the title—after all it’s not really that new anymore—what’s clear from the response and engagement around the topic is that the whole concept of hybrid working is far from settled.
In recent times, we’ve made several, mostly subtle, changes to our own co-working space. These include a sustainable coffee pod, new speakers, second screens, and a lunchtime run every Tuesday. So far, client feedback has been positive.
One trend is that more ‘small teams’ are using our hub on a set day/s. Instead of people working five days at home or five days in the office, employees and employers seem to want a 3/2 or 2/3 split between home/work. This is perhaps not new, but how they deliver with flexible space seems to be changing.
Whilst much of the change is finance driven—i.e. office space was closed or reduced—we’re seeing a strong drive from employers to regularly bring their teams together. I’d be fascinated to hear from HR professionals about how companies who now ‘expect’ people to work from home are considering the effects of this on employees’ physical and mental wellbeing, as well as general productivity.
Here’s a few numbers…
Let’s assume a business would like to bring together four staff, two days a week. At our current prices that would cost £120 + VAT per week. If you visited our co-working space 52 weeks of the year, that would cost £6, 240 + VAT. There would likely be savings on that figure as people take holidays and there may be quieter periods around Christmas or summer holidays.
As an assumption, office costs would therefore be £5,500 + VAT per annum. What’s important to remember is that this includes all your costs—non-domestic rates, heating, maintenance, furniture, tea and coffee, milk and internet services.
Another anecdotal trend is that circa 50% of the people who regularly attend have moved from London or the Southeast in the last couple of years. Many of these people have worked in co-working spaces before, and I wonder in part whether there is a stronger culture of co-working than currently exists in Bournemouth & Poole.
People that are not familiar with coworking spaces have similar reservations. These include:
- Can I take virtual calls?
- Do you have good coffee?
- Do you have any collaboration areas?
The answer to all of these is “Yes.” Most people have virtual calls from their main desks and if an initial embarrassment exists, it doesn’t last long and let’s be honest, most work calls are pretty boring! If you want some privacy or areas to hold team meetings, that’s all available and Amy Martin, our wonderful co-working space manager can quickly and easily reserve space for you.
The advantages of co-working are significant—here’s a selection…
- You only need to give us short term notice of any changing requirements.
- If you need to add or reduce space, it’s easy to do so.
- Co-workers help each other out a lot—for example, the other day I needed some help with the SEO on our website, and who pops their head up for a quick coffee than an expert!
- It can save you money.
- You can leave the stress of leases and landlords to us!
- We can help you develop your business through our networks.
- You can call Evolve Co-working space your home and invite clients here.
- We are close to frequent public transport—trains, buses, Beryl zone and there is easy parking nearby.
- Our Grade II listed building is located in a beautiful area.
- Read about three more advantages here.
The Evolve Co-working Space is personal, friendly, and productive. We would love to have a conversation with proactive individuals and businesses. Click here to find out more.