In 2023, 35% of U.S. employees work remotely all the time, according to the Pew Research Center. Before the pandemic, Statista shows that this figure was only 17%. Managers, top executives, and even some employees feared productivity would suffer if employees were given more control over their schedules. Companies that offered hybrid work models, where employees could work in the office or remotely, were considered anomalies. Now, it’s rare to find a company that doesn’t have some sort of flexible work policy in place. Hybrid teams are the new normal.

Over the last few years, employers have learned that mandating a return to the office isn’t the best solution. Many workers can accomplish more when they don’t spend hours commuting and when they have more flexibility in their schedules to better balance their personal and professional lives. 

Why Is Flexibility Important in the Workplace?

The pandemic-induced pivot to hybrid work has caused people to place more value on other aspects of life, such as family, friends, hobbies, side hustles and more. These parts of life may be as important (or more important!) to workers than their jobs, and employers need to understand and support that reality by providing flexibility.

Companies must be able to meet employees’ needs, whether they’re located in the same city or dispersed globally. As such, employers need to offer hybrid workspaces where employees can come in for a day, a few times a month or every day. Everyone has different working styles and needs, and employers that work to meet those needs will inevitably attract and retain better talent. 

Flexibility is crucial for company productivity. If employees’ needs aren’t met, they won’t be able to bring their full selves to work or perform at their best. Employers must take individual differences into account to ensure a Healthy workplace.

Indicators of a Healthy Workplace

Creating a positive work environment requires flexibility. Here are three signs a workplace is healthy:

• People chat in common spaces. It’s easy to tell that there’s a close community of connected people when they’re grabbing coffee together, hanging near the reception desk and bringing their friends by for lunch. 

• Employees feel comfortable taking time off. Many employees feel guilty when they take time off, fearing they’ll miss something important or have too much work to do. However, that guilt is actually a red flag; it’s a sign that a workplace might be inducing overwhelm. Taking time off helps workers be more motivated and focused when they come back. It’s a huge green flag to see people taking time off. 

• Well-being is prioritized. Healthy companies offer health incentives, such as meditation services, rest-and-recharge rooms and other wellness perks. These demonstrate that the company wants workers to take care of themselves. Environments have more of an impact on employees than some may think.

How Environments Impact Worker Success

The way spaces are designed can encourage focus, collaboration and creativity. Employees need to feel inspired by the places they’re in, whether it’s through the lighting, plants or seating. Little things like table heights or video backgrounds can make all the difference.

Creating a positive work environment can help employees develop a growth mindset, improve their skills and advance their careers. Here are three ways to develop a creative workspace that encourages those benefits:

1. Use public art.

Whether it’s commissioning a mural along the hallway or investing in some art pieces for a meeting room, there are so many benefits of art in the workplace. The main one? Boosted creativity.

2. Have something people can interact with.

Perhaps it’s a doodle board or a community poll with a silly question. Having an interactive item can act as a conversation starter, thus boosting collaboration and communication in the office.

3. Find ways to refresh the space.

Just like taking a different route home can feel refreshing, rearranging furniture or having music play can create new neural pathways in our brains, which boosts productivity. Find ways to improve workers’ cognitive function by introducing small, fresh changes in common areas. 

Company success is tied to employee success. By understanding the importance of a healthy work environment and following these tips, employers can create environments that better meet employees’ needs.

Creating Environments for Success

Many employers are reevaluating the concept of traditional office spaces. Why should business owners confine themselves to a rigid commercial lease, burdened by high overhead costs, when there’s a more cost-effective alternative? Moreover, in today’s evolving work landscape, the necessity of a physical office is being challenged by the emergence of nontraditional spaces that not only offer a functional work environment but also foster enhanced employee productivity, creativity, collaboration and overall satisfaction on the day-to-day. 

Among these alternatives, co-working spaces have gained significant prominence, providing employers with a unique opportunity to cultivate a healthy work environment that benefits both the company and its employees. By embracing the advantages of flexible co-working spaces, employers can truly unlock the potential for a thriving and fulfilling work experience.

Jasmine Pierik is the head of art program, events and member experience at The Yard, a co-working space at the intersection of design, innovation and creativity with locations in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

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