Major reshuffles in the office market are on the horizon due to the gradual establishment of hybrid working and the increased need to create flexible workspaces.

The reduced presence of more and more workers in the workplace is a trend that has intensified since the pandemic and is expected to diversify the way office buildings are used, increasing the need for greater flexibility.

This international trend has begun to affect the domestic office market as well, where a significant number of multinational groups are active. Today it is estimated that around 25-30 flexible workplaces operate, mainly in Athens and Thessaloniki. However, in the next two to three years, it is predicted that this number will double to at least 50 buildings, where this model will be applied and will be properly configured for this purpose.

In this context, more and more companies find that they need offices where they can rent workstations according to their needs and not just square meters of surface, which is a more permanent solution.

According to a recent Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Future of Work survey of over 1,000 real estate companies from around the world, it found that the number of flexible workplaces is expected to double by 2026.

This finding stems from hybrid working taking hold as a practice, which means property owners are being asked to market properties that can accommodate this very need for increased flexibility. About 53% of survey respondents said they plan to make hybrid work permanently available to all their employees by 2025.

In fact, 77% of them agree that offering hybrid work will be critical to attracting and retaining talents, while the percentage of those who predict that they will raise the issue of changing the working model is similar.

In the Greek market, the biggest “player” in the field of flexible workplaces is the American group of IWG. IWG operates over 10 buildings in Greece, mainly in Athens and Thessaloniki, through the Regus and Spaces brands.

At the same time, however, it is planning the development of a network of 50-60 flexible work buildings in all the major cities of the region, proceeding with collaborations with property owners, through the franchise method. IWG is also one of the largest providers of flexible workspaces internationally, hosting over 2.5 million workers worldwide.

Source: kathimerini.gr