The flexible work model approach is no longer merely a short-term, stopgap tool used by organizations to keep operations running during a crisis. It is currently the preferred workplace strategy on which company leaders rely to establish long-term resilience.
A recent report by Okta, titled “The Okta Hybrid work Report 2023” provides insights into the state of hybrid working in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden about their organizations’ existing and future hybrid
work plans, the associated challenges they’re encountering, and their efforts to balance productivity and security.
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Adaption of hybrid working in EU countries
Working from home is now recognized as a legal right rather than a benefit across the EU, particularly in the Netherlands. Regulatory bodies and governments across Europe are proposing new legislation that would need workplace flexibility.
According to the report, the great majority of European organizations have implemented some sort of hybrid work. Today’s corporate executives must strike the correct mix between in-office and remote work, which may vary depending on the organization and team.
All-remote firms are still uncommon in Europe, but a considerable proportion of employers (43%) now allow their on-site employees to work from home or another place for a few days each week or month. 45% of European companies enable workers to work remotely up to three days each week.
The most common hybrid working model overall and in all countries except Sweden is the office-first hybrid (in which the organization determines when individuals, departments, or teams can work remotely).
Remote workers are typically considered more productive
Remote employees are often deemed more productive than their in-office colleagues across Europe.
63% of respondents believe that remote work leads to increased productivity. Approximately one-third of Swedes and Germans believe that location has no impact on worker productivity. The UK has the biggest proportion of survey respondents (15%) who believe that remote work affects productivity.
As a result, European organizations continue to experiment and iterate based on what they’re learning. As they do so, they will need to continue to invest in technology that can optimize security and user experience within the working models that best match the demands of the organization in the long run.
Reimagine the office layout
The fact that office-first hybrid has become the dominant hybrid working model across Europe demonstrates that the physical office continues to play an essential role in organizations.
According to the JLL Global Research Future of Work Survey 2022, at least 73% of businesses want to lower the amount of dedicated desk space in their workplaces while increasing the amount of open co-working space accessible to teams.
Organisations now view collaboration as the primary purpose of their physical workspaces, with 55% of larger enterprises ranking it as one of their top priorities.
72% of participants agree that the physical office will remain central to their culture in the long term, and 77% say investing in quality is more important than expanding the total footprint.
Constant reassessment of the hybrid work model
By the report, 75% of organizations in the EU plan to reassess their hybrid work model within the next 12 months. Because the transition to mainstream acceptance of hybrid work is still in its early stages, working models and how they are implemented are constantly being reassessed.
Modern firms must develop methods to work that will help them retain people and build strong, long-term organizational cultures. They must, however, be prepared to adapt to present and future changes, whether regulatory, economic, or technological.
Companies will need to adapt technology that enables workers to work seamlessly from their offices, homes, and anyplace else where they feel productive as long as both off-site and on-site work is prioritized – a trend that is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Smart office system helps
As organizations adapt to hybrid working, technology solutions such as smart office systems can play a critical role in facilitating this transition.
Smart office systems like ONES leverage Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors to create a more connected and flexible workplace that can accommodate the needs of both in-person and remote workers.
Smart office systems can enable employees to reserve workspaces and meeting rooms in advance, regardless of their location. This can help remote workers feel more connected to the office and ensure that they have access to the resources they need when they come into the office.
Smart office systems can also help organizations manage their real estate more efficiently by providing insights into how workspaces are being used and identifying areas where space can be optimized.
To learn more, schedule a demo today.