In the rapidly transforming landscape of hybrid work dynamics, organizations are redefining their approaches to remote work and navigating the complexities of these new hybrid models. Some organizations are letting their hybrid workplace policies be determined by their employees’ needs and best interests. They are allowing employees to lead the way and adapting their strategies around employees’ decisions on workplace balance.

PowerBx was impressed by an example of this kind of adaptive hybrid work strategy from Boston Consulting Group. Highlighted in The Wall Street Journal, the company’s employee, Carolyn Giese made a move to North Carolina at the beginning of the pandemic. This move was not only noticed by the company, but became an opportunity for BCG’s hybrid work strategy to be informed by her new location. BCG decided to open a WeWork satellite office in North Carolina—where previously there was none—to allow her and other employees to collaborate upon need. In addition to making her work environment more suited to her needs, this choice reduced Carolyn’s commute time and allowed her to explore and enjoy her new area. [1]

Giese is quoted in WSJ as saying, “Being 100% remote was really hard because a lot of our job requires collaboration and brainstorming and working together... Learning and development is so much more accelerated when we can be in person.” [1]

Multiple benefits to this approach appear for both the employer and the employee. While making this transition can require more forethought and intention for companies, data and research are showing that, “[c]ompanies can save costs by renting co-working space or adding offices in cities with lower rent, said Travis Howell, an Arizona State University assistant professor who studies co-working trends. ‘I think we’re going to start seeing more companies rent desks at co-working spaces for their employees or give their employees a ‘co-working stipend’ where they can choose their own space,’ he said.” [1]

Aside from cost savings, employees have the opportunity to be introduced to other departments they wouldn’t normally be exposed to. This creates exposure to company culture, which strengthens an organization’s overall culture and unity.

Much of this hybrid approach is being exemplified in the biohub space as biotech companies look to make their labs more hybrid-friendly. One great example of this is Powerbx’s work with Boston Scientific. PowerBx deployed and provisioned equipment and software to enable a biohub that allowed their scientists to book fully-equipped lab spaces, allowing them quick access to the biohub space and lab equipment they needed. Workplace technology such as the LED Desk Spot Puck was a key element in determining the success of this hybrid transition; it made the space more user-friendly and eased employee experience, making space more accessible and increasing the likelihood of employees using the space.

Along with these simple yet powerful equipment options, Powerbx also enables companies and brokers to showcase and lease their spaces, as well as network with companies who are interested in leasing them. Check out SpaceAgent’s capabilities to enable your hybrid workplace and make the best strategic decisions for your company or space.

References: 
1. Torry, H. (2023, October 7). The Companies Bringing the Office to Remote Workers. The Wall Street Journal. Photographs by Cornell Watson. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/workplace/the-companies-bringing-the-office-to-remote-workers-bb91c6da