In recent years, the concept of the workplace has seen some significant upheavals and the modern workforce is increasingly mobile, digitally-driven, and more flexible. Remote work and hybrid models, together with the rise of what is termed the ‘digital nomad’, have brought about changes to the way in which people work and live. This shift in workplace dynamics has given rise to a demand for a new approach to business accommodation, one that is as adaptable and agile as the workforce itself. In this article we explore flexible accommodation and look at how it caters to today’s digital workforce and their unique needs.
What is flexible accommodation?
Flexible accommodation is something that goes beyond simply providing a place for someone to stay while on a business trip. It is also about offering adaptable, agile solutions that are technology-driven. These are solutions that can empower your digital workforce so that they are able to work effectively whilst also living comfortably, no matter where this may be. There are several key characteristics associated with flexible accommodation. Let’s take a look…
Flexible
The first characteristic is simply as the name implies – flexibility. Flexible accommodation is business accommodation which offers flexibility when it comes to duration of stay, this can be anything from just a few days to a few months. It is adaptable to the dynamic needs of today’s digital workforce. This flexibility means that if changes need to be made to travel plans, then it is easy to do so. It also means it is suited to both short-term projects and longer-term assignments.
Tech-heavy
When it comes to flexible accommodation, seamless technology integration is also essential. This should include the supply of ample power outlets, dedicated workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi – all of the things that allow people on business trips to not only stay connected but also highly productive.
Comfort and convenience
Flexible accommodation makes comfort and convenience a priority by offering amenities that can help to enhance the accommodation experience. These amenities could include fully-equipped kitchens, fitness facilities, on-site laundry, and even communal workspaces that can help to foster better collaboration and connections.
Location
Flexible accommodation is also not confined to what might be seen as traditional business districts. Instead, it embraces a much wider range of locations with everything from suburban neighbourhoods to urban centres and even rural retreats. It serves the digital workforce and their diverse lifestyle preferences. It can also offer a sense of community with opportunities for networking, social interaction, and collaboration.
Why flexible accommodation matters
There are many reasons why the right accommodation matters for people working away from home. In the first instance, when you provide comfortable, technology-enabled living/working spaces you can empower a digital workforce to work effectively and hence boost productivity.
But the reasons why it matters do not stop there, flexible accommodation can also help to enhance wellbeing by providing living arrangements with access to a wide range of amenities and opportunities for social connections This can help to ensure there is a healthy work-life balance in place. These are benefits that help a company to not only attract but, more importantly, retain the best talent. Today’s job market is a highly competitive one and offering the best business accommodation, when people are required to work away from home, can be a valuable tool in attracting and retaining top talent. It demonstrates a clear commitment to the wellbeing of employees.
The impact on work culture
The right business accommodation can also help to drive innovation by fostering a culture that brings together project teams to spark collaboration and creativity. In a world that is rapidly evolving, this flexibility and adaptability enables a company to respond, and quickly, to changes in workforce trends and business needs.
Types of flexible accommodation
Let’s look at some of the different types of accommodation that offer flexibility for individuals and teams working away from home, and what they have to offer.
If you’re looking for a home-like environment that can give you flexibility in terms of lease length and plenty of convenient amenities, serviced accommodation is the way to go. They are ideal for extended stays or for those who are undertaking remote work assignments.
Serviced accommodation that has a combination of co-working spaces alongside living accommodation offers something a little different. This type of arrangement can help foster a team spirit and lead to more innovative teamwork among groups of people who normally work in geographically dispersed locations. When it is not possible to bring teams together in a single business location, this type of arrangement is perfect.
Some serviced accommodation also has shared living spaces with private bedrooms in combination with shared areas. This type of accommodation helps to foster a sense of community and connection for those people who temporarily need to work together as a team on business projects.
Want to know more about serviced accommodation?
Read Our Expert GuideThe future of flexible business accommodation
It is clear that technology will continue to evolve and as it does workforces are likely to become even more mobile. Therefore, flexible business accommodation will play an even more important role in shaping the future of both work and travel.
Some serviced accommodation is already embracing sustainable practices whilst taking the necessary steps to minimise their impact on the environment, and also promote responsible travel. We might expect to see accommodation for business travellers becoming a more integrated element of the whole travel experience alongside transportation, leisure activities and workspaces.
When businesses choose to embrace flexible accommodation solutions, they will be able to empower their digital workforce to thrive in an ever-changing and dynamic environment. They will be able to improve the personal wellbeing of employees while away from home, and create more innovative, cohesive teams resulting in increased productivity.
