The future of working after the pandemic

The changes we’ve had to make as a result of the pandemic means the workplace is never going to be the same again. Consequently, we’re anticipating there will be increased demand for shared office spaces at the Hertford Hub and coworking and serviced office spaces across the country.

For many years, technology has continued to have a profound impact on the workplace and the way we work, yet this was propelled in 2020. A recent report on the Future of Jobs published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) concluded that: “The ongoing disruption to labour markets from the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been further complicated—and in some cases accelerated—by the onset of the pandemic-related recession of 2020.” And: “Businesses are set to accelerate the digitalisation of work processes, learning and expansion of remote work.”

Further, in a study by the Institute of Directors, around three-quarters of UK companies will continue the increased rate of home working, with half reducing reliance on the office in the future.

Remote working is here to stay!

This is great news for people who normally have to face a long commute, or for anyone who finds their perfect job at the other end of the country but who doesn’t want to, or can’t, relocate. However, there are many who are finding that working at home all the time isn’t the answer, especially if they don’t have enough space for a home office. For some, family life doesn’t mix well with their work. And for others who live on their own, they can find it lonely and demotivating.

Having experienced remote working after the first lockdown, the 2020 Gensler UK Workplace Survey found that only 12% of office workers would be happy working from home full-time. The majority – 67% – want a hybrid of working from home and from the office.

Although remote working was forced upon the majority of businesses in March 2020, companies adapted quickly and discovered many advantages. Indeed, many have already made a permanent transition to incorporating it into their working practices. Vacancies are no longer aimed only at people who live locally or are willing to commute, a move which massively increases the talent pool of candidates applying for them.

How will coworking spaces help remote workers?

If you’re living in Hertford but working remotely, you can achieve a hybrid working balance by renting office space or a resident desk in a coworking environment like the UOE Hertford Hub,

There are numerous benefits to renting a desk or office space in coworking spaces like the Hub.

You will be working in a professional environment, enabling you to get on with your work without the kind of interruptions and temptations you may be getting at home:

• You’ll be able to keep your work life and home life completely separate – when you’ve finished for the day, you can leave your work at the office making it easier to completely relax when you’re at home.
• As we provide the furniture, you won’t have to go to the expense of buying a desk or chair so you can work comfortably and ergonomically.
• You’ll be surrounded by fellow professionals which will motivate you to work even harder, as well as have people to talk through ideas with, and have a friendly chat with when you need to take a break. They also understand that you’re there to work rather than be at the beck and call of your family! And, quite frankly, sometimes your work can be impacted because your surroundings are too quiet!
• For a regularly monthly fee you will have the use of high speed internet which means your work won’t suffer every time someone tries to play a game or stream Netflix; you won’t need to worry about having the heating on all day because all utility costs are included in your monthly rent; with so many other business people around you, you’re almost bound to find new business opportunities as a result of incidental networking; and you’ll be near enough to a park to be amongst nature and fresh air whenever you need it.
• You’ll be sitting plum in the centre of an historic market town, with its cafe’s restaurants, a theatre and river walks.

We currently have office space available on three-month rolling agreements, or we can do you a better deal if you’re prepared to commit to a six-month or annual contract. Click here to download our brochure then contact us to find out more.