5 Changes That Will Transform Workspaces in 2018

The development of much more flexible work models, the workspaces seen as a service and inspiring, and the use of social networks as a working tool, are changes that will transform workspaces in 2018 and that will be consolidated in this new year. in our country, as Spaces points out.

Marked by new technologies, the business world is immersed in a long process of transformation, which is causing changes in the way of working within organizations. According to a Spaces study, there are five work trends that are enjoying great popularity in Spain and that will be consolidated during 2018.

What are these changes that will transform the workspaces? 

1.- More flexible forms of work

Millennials are already becoming the protagonists in the world of work, and many of them occupy managerial positions within companies. These young professionals opt for much more flexible forms of work that allow them to combine their work life with their leisure time. 2018 will become a key year in terms of the development of work models that favor the implementation of work schedules adapted to the needs of the worker and each business. In addition, fixed posts in the offices will begin to disappear, so that the professional can choose the most appropriate environment at all times and thus increase their work productivity.

2.- Workspaces as a service

The application of more flexible work models means that companies can count on a more flexible cost structure. In this sense, the most innovative companies are beginning to see the workspaces in which the work activity is carried out as a service, rather than as a fixed term rental, which eliminates the fixed costs to turn them into variables. This will give companies more agility when it comes to expanding, internationalizing, or changing their business strategy in a shorter period of time.

3.- Inspiring work spaces

In relation to the above, most Spaniards believe that a stimulating workspace must have inspiring views abroad and the latest technologies. In this sense, workspaces are no longer closed spaces to become open spaces in which light, design and comfort play a fundamental role. In addition, a large part of the professionals affirms that this type of inspiring spaces would suppose an impulse to be more creative and productive.

4.- Social networks as a work tool

If before they were used to interact outside the office, social networks have now become efficient communication channels between a company and its customers, as well as between employees and stakeholders. According to Spaces, 56.2% of Spaniards already think that social networks are an indispensable tool to promote their business idea; with Facebook being the best ally for 55% of Spaniards, followed by LinkedIn, with 26.2%.

5.- Environment that encourages collaboration

Working in a community is an increasingly widespread trend among Spanish companies, especially younger ones, who see shared workspaces as places in which to share synergies between companies. According to Spaces, 88.7% of Spaniards prefer to work with other professionals. In fact, 55.8% of Spaniards say that having a professional environment in which to share ideas is the best way to create a strong bond with other professionals. In addition, working in community allows promoting networking and knowing the ‘Know How’ of other companies up close. 

2018, therefore, will become a key year in terms of the development of work models that favor the implementation of work schedules adapted to the needs of the worker and each business. In addition, fixed posts in the offices will begin to disappear, so that the professional can choose the most appropriate environment at all times and thus increase their work productivity. “The main consequence of all this is that the reconciliation of work and family will stop being a dream to become a reality,” says Spaces.