A new independent research report from ZZA Responsive User Environments has scotched the myth that flexible working means home-working. The report, which was supported by Regus, the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace, combines data from a global 17,000-strong business survey with in-depth qualitative interviews with business people across the world, and demonstrates that working in ‘third places’ – neither office nor home – is the new normal. These ‘third places’ encompass business centres, clubs, libraries and informal areas such as coffee shops. Moreover, the report also reveals that ‘third place’ working brings a wide range of benefits, including improved work-life balance, reduced stress and improved productivity for the employee, as well as cost-effectiveness, scalability and reduced property commitment for businesses.
Authored by Professor Ziona Strelitz, the report notes that, “Today’s dynamic technological, economic and social conditions create opportunities for individuals and pose new challenges for organisations. Attracting and harnessing talent is a central challenge for business. Third place working that enhances the quality of work life supports this agenda.”