The hybrid work model is now standard in 92% of companies. Nearly three-quarters are happy with the setup, but one-quarter are still struggling to entice their people back to the corporate office. However, this is not an optimal solution according to a recent Colliers survey. Employees don't want to lose the flexibility and freedom to decide where they work, and possible work models are even becoming an important consideration when deciding whether to accept a job offer. "For employees, the hybrid work model has become a fixed part of their daily lives. Organizations should therefore focus on adapting their activities rather than trying to return to traditional solutions," says Jana Vlková, Director of Office Agency and Workplace Advisory at Colliers, adding: "Whether employees work remotely one, three or even five days a week, companies need to change the way they operate and adapt to this new reality. Otherwise, they risk losing employee and job seeker interest. Our data shows that up to 7 times more applicants respond to job ads from organizations with a hybrid work model and greater flexibility than from those offering work only in corporate offices."

So how should employers adapt their offices to the new era and hybrid models?

1. Emphasis on collaboration

In the era of hybrid work, there should be a greater emphasis on spaces designed for collaboration, team meetings and communication. After all, communication is a crucial factor that determines the success of any organisation. So while in pre-pandemic offices, a full 70% of space was dedicated to individual workstations and 30% to meeting rooms and other spaces, today the ratio is changing: 30-40% is dedicated to workstations, 60-70% to team collaboration or relaxation. Smaller meeting rooms for 2-6 people are important for teams with fewer members to meet; these groups can agree which days they will meet in the office to work together on joint projects. Such meeting rooms are also used for virtual meetings, which are a common tool for communication within a team in a hybrid work model. If companies want to avoid costly redesign of their premises, they can satisfy this need by equipping their offices with mobile phone booths and meeting modules for 1-6 people. The latter can be freely deployed in a space previously used as a densely occupied open space.

2. Important networking

In addition to spaces for individual meetings, less formal spaces for employee networking are also needed. More important than ever are kitchenettes and company cafés, which provide a comfortable environment for informal staff meetings or even a short breaks for relaxation. These spaces also serve to promote company culture, which is why companies are paying extra attention to design and incorporating the basic attributes of their brand into it.

3. Desk sharing

Even in the era of hybrid work models, open plan offices remain the most used model for workplace layout. However, the size of open zones is shrinking, and this is making them calmer spaces. At the same time, most companies are reducing the number of individually-assigned desks and adopting desk sharing policies. Not only does this increase the efficiency of office space utilisation, but this model also offers employees greater comfort. In fact, companies usually invest up to half as much in standard individual workstations as they did in the previous traditional office layout.

4. Technology

Perhaps most important in companies supporting a hybrid work model are technologies that enable remote collaboration. This means audio-visual (AV) technology that enables employees to conduct video conferences and remote meetings. But other systems are also important: such as apps that allow employees to book a desk or meeting room or solutions that can collect, manage and analyse data from all teams (regardless of location) to monitor productivity. This is undoubtedly the most expensive item, but the good news is that the investment will pay off in the form of happy, engaged employees.