As hybrid work continues to redefine the modern workplace, a notable trend is emerging: employees are gradually returning to the office across Australia’s Central Business Districts (CBDs) in 2024. While this shift marks progress, it raises a critical question: What motivates employees to return to the office, and what’s in it for them?
Flex workspaces are leading the charge in finding answers. Pioneering operators are reimagining the traditional office day, transforming the standard eight-hour workday into an extended 16-hour business model. This article delves into strategies that elevate workplace experiences while driving property value growth, drawing insights from Jaelle Ang, CEO and founder of The Great Room by Industrious, and Nat Slessor, CBRE’s Executive Managing Director of Property Management for the Pacific.
Understanding the Different Workspace Types
Before exploring strategies, it’s important to clarify the distinctions between key workspace types often used interchangeably: coworking spaces, flex spaces, and third spaces.
Coworking Spaces
Jaelle Ang explains that coworking spaces emphasize community and networking. They provide shared resources and foster collaboration among like-minded individuals. “Coworking spaces make it easy to find a supportive environment for connection and shared goals,” says Ang.
Flex Spaces
Flex spaces, on the other hand, prioritize adaptability. They cater to larger enterprises with fluctuating space requirements. “Flex space is about scalability,” Ang adds. “But at the core, these distinctions are blurring. People simply want freedom—freedom to choose how, when, where, and who to work with. Ultimately, it’s just working.”
Third Spaces
Nat Slessor highlights third spaces as the areas in between traditional office and retail environments. “Think office lobbies, lounges, or rentable meeting rooms. These aren’t offices per se, but they’re functional workspaces with immense potential,” Slessor explains. “Third spaces are integral to urban fabric and often act as bridges between work and community.”
Elevating the Workplace Experience
The success of flex spaces lies in their ability to offer more than just a desk and a chair. It’s about creating vibrant environments that inspire collaboration, foster human connection, and provide value beyond task completion.
Spontaneous Interactions
Ang emphasizes the value of informal interactions, such as chance encounters in shared spaces. “The water cooler chats and casual bump-ins generate immense value. These moments aren’t possible when working from home,” she says.
Placemaking for Community and Property Value
Placemaking transforms office buildings into urban hubs that promote well-being, inspiration, and community. Slessor describes it as the key to attracting a diverse audience and uplifting property values. “From art exhibitions to performance events, these spaces should surprise and delight visitors while supporting their daily lives and work.”
A 16-Hour Office Experience
By extending the traditional workday, flex spaces can offer amenities and services from morning to night. Ang highlights the immersive brand experiences her team has created across Asia: “If the day starts with a cappuccino and ends with a nightcap, we’re turning the eight-hour office into a 16-hour ecosystem. That’s the future.”
Why These Strategies Matter
The hybrid work model has empowered employees with the choice to work remotely, shop online, and socialize from home. To compete, office spaces need to offer something unique—a compelling reason for people to leave their homes.
Slessor explains, “The answer lies in the unexpected: a change of scenery, the chance to learn something new, or the delight of discovering something surprising. This is how we make the office indispensable again.”
Ang agrees, adding, “It’s about meeting people where they are and bringing the experiences they crave directly to them. Flex spaces are leading this charge by blending work with life in meaningful ways.”
Building a Future-Ready Office
The evolution of flex spaces is reshaping what it means to work in an office. By prioritizing experiences, fostering community, and creating vibrant environments, flex operators and landlords alike can not only boost attendance but also enhance property values.
As Ang and Slessor suggest, the future of work isn’t just about a place to complete tasks—it’s about creating spaces where people want to be. From third spaces to immersive experiences, the opportunities to innovate are limitless.
Ready to transform your office into a destination? Learn more about workplace solutions designed to attract, inspire, and retain today’s workforce.
