Flexible Work in 2024: What It Means for You…

As we dive into 2024, one thing is clear: how and where we work is no longer fixed. The 2024 Workplace Flexibility Trends Report by TechSmith sheds light on evolving work patterns across the UK, highlighting opportunities for professionals who need adaptable workspace options. Whether you’re booking for an hour or a full day, Workabout is here to support this flexibility.

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Breaking Down Flexibility: How People Are Working in 2024

58% of employees now work hybrid schedules, according to the report. This blend of in-office and remote working continues to dominate the professional landscape. For those balancing home offices with in-person meetings, flexible workspaces like ours have become an essential tool.

At Workabout, we’ve designed our booking system to reflect this new reality. Need a space for an hour between meetings? Or perhaps a quiet place for a full day of deep work? Our platform offers the flexibility to find and book spaces from the UK’s top workspace providers, just when you need them.

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Stats at a Glance

From the 2024 Workplace Flexibility Trends Report

25% of employees feel supported by their employers in adapting to flexible work setups.

Only 7% of companies allow fully remote work, while 31% require full-time office attendance.

10% more time is spent on synchronous collaboration (meetings, live interactions) than on asynchronous tools (email, video messaging).

70% of respondents believe email could replace more than a quarter of their real-time meetings, reducing the need for face-to-face interactions.

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Meeting Fatigue? Flexible Spaces Can Help

Meetings, particularly ad hoc and status update meetings, were rated as some of the lowest-value activities by respondents, with only 7% finding unplanned meetings useful. This is where a flexible workspace solution can make a difference. Instead of being stuck in back-to-back meetings in a noisy office, professionals can book quiet, distraction-free spaces via Workabout, enabling focus when it’s needed most.

Workspaces for Today’s Professionals

One of the biggest revelations in the report is the disparity in flexibility by company size and role. Larger companies with more than 1,000 employees are more likely to offer hybrid work arrangements than smaller firms, and 44% of managers remain tethered to the office compared to less than 27% of other employees.

This trend points to the ongoing need for flexible workspaces that offer convenience without long-term commitments. Professionals looking for a quick workspace solution no longer need to navigate complex lease agreements or book for weeks at a time. Whether it’s a half-day for a project brainstorm or just a few hours for focused work, Workabout offers instant booking options that fit this agile work culture.

Why Interruptions are Costing Businesses Millions

Interruptions, especially in-office, are another pain point identified in the report. In-office workers are twice as likely to experience unwanted interruptions compared to remote workers, and six daily interruptions per employee can cost a company with 1,000 employees over £1M per year in lost productivity.

Flexible workspaces provide a valuable alternative. Instead of dealing with constant distractions in a traditional office, professionals can use platforms like Workabout to book quiet, productive environments that help minimise these costly interruptions.

In-Person vs. Virtual: What Employees Want

Interestingly, while 51% of meetings are now virtual, many employees still prefer the option to attend in person. But travel time matters. The report found that 68% of employees would prefer to attend virtually if a meeting required more than two hours of travel. For these professionals, having easy access to a nearby workspace for video conferencing can be a game-changer.‍

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Conclusion: Flexibility is No Longer Optional

The data from the 2024 Workplace Flexibility Trends Report underlines the growing demand for adaptable workspaces and smarter working habits. At Workabout, we’re committed to providing professionals across the UK with the flexibility to work where, when, and how they need. Whether you’re booking through our mobile app or desktop, our platform ensures you’re always just a few clicks away from a space that suits your day.

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