The forty per cent office: Striking the Perfect Balance in the Hybrid Work Era.

We recently stumbled upon a compelling article from Fast Company that we just had to share with you. It perfectly encapsulates the behavior we've observed and are now catering to through NO HQ.

Research by Harvard professor Raj Choudhury in collaboration with the nonprofit BRAC revealed that employees experience optimal communication, creativity, and job satisfaction when they work in the office a few days a week. This prompted the architectural firm NBBJ to question how to balance the benefits of remote and in-person work and redefine the role of physical offices.

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Introducing the concept of the 40% Office, Choudhury's research suggests that spending 23-40% of the time working together in person is ideal. The 40% Office aims to address business needs, performance, and mentorship while promoting employee well-being and flexibility. The proportion of remote versus in-person work should be tailored to each company's unique requirements.

To make the most of the 40% Office in today's hybrid work environment, we recommend the following four strategies:

ONE
Optimise office space utilisation: Many companies in the US use their office space only a few times a week, leaving offices 47% unoccupied. This puts a significant strain on businesses, as real estate is their second-highest expense after payroll. To make the 40% Office more efficient, companies should rethink leasing, sharing, and utilising office space.

TWO
Embrace adaptable design: Companies need flexible designs to meet evolving business needs. They can explore subletting options like co-working arrangements, where multiple organisations use the same office on different days. Adaptable spaces accommodating various work modes can cater to diverse industries and companies without the need for custom-built offices.

THREE
Leverage underused spaces creatively: Companies can partner with like-minded firms, sharing or leasing space based on their changing needs. This concept can be formalised by a new concept company like NO HQ.

FOUR
Prioritise flexible workspaces: Adaptable spaces that serve multiple purposes enable companies to use space more efficiently as their requirements evolve and workforce numbers fluctuate. Designing storage spaces that can transform into personal offices or conference rooms with removable walls can provide added flexibility.

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In summary, the 40% Office concept provides a framework for companies to strike the right balance between remote and in-person work, ensuring optimal employee satisfaction and productivity while making the most of office spaces. By reevaluating design, leveraging latent capacity, and prioritising flexible workspaces, businesses can navigate the evolving hybrid work era more efficiently.