The Hybrid Office Model has Arrived

Core-flex offices cater to a company’s need for a physical presence while offering remote working options.

More than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many employees to work from home, businesses are trying to determine what the post-COVID office will look like.

In all likelihood, a hybrid office model – known as “core-flex” – which features a permanent office coupled with various flexible spaces, such as co-working facilities to accommodate remote workers, may be the go-to workspace in the near future.

Some landlords are already offering core-flex solutions – which can include private offices, hot desks, common meeting rooms and innovation spaces – in one building. Tenants residing in such buildings can maintain a core office for key operations, while choosing to utilise the various flexible options on offer as and when required.

The end goal of such a model is to have in place a workspace arrangement that is most effective in enhancing the productivity of employees, regardless of where they work.

What offers core-flex solutions?

CapitaLand’s upcoming Grade A office building CapitaSpring, a 51-storey integrated development located in the heart of the Central Business District, features core-flex options to support the varying requirements of its tenants. According to a statement by CapitaLand, the 280-metre-tall landmark building “ will enable it to better support any new, flexible requirements of conventional office tenants as well as the expansion needs of small and medium enterprises in flex spaces. Tenants can also benefit from the flexibility and cost efficiency of a customised workspace solution.”

CapitaLand has also tied-up with co-working space operator ‘The Work Project’ to complement its core office offerings with flexible spaces at its other properties, Capital Tower and Asia Square Tower 2.

When will you need a hybrid office?

Here are some examples of situations where a hybrid office model may be beneficial for your business:

• A business that is currently located in a traditional office but has a special project team that requires a dedicated, but separate space. This team can be situated in a co-working space located in the same building as the core office.

• A company may want to create a standalone ‘lab’ environment for its innovation team to brainstorm and develop new ideas. The team can make use of purpose-built innovation spaces located in the same building.

• A company that has converted its meeting rooms to workspaces due to expansion may require new meeting spaces. The company can make use of shared meeting rooms elsewhere in the building.

Is core-flex right for you?

Core-flex workspaces may not be suitable for all businesses. Here are some considerations to consider when deciding whether to adopt a hybrid workspace option.

Growth plans

If you are unsure of your growth plans over the next 12 months but require immediate office spaces for your operations, you can adopt a core-flex solution on a temporary basis if you do not wish to commit to long-term space requirements.

Business transformation

If you are planning to transform your operations, a core-flex option will give you the flexibility to design your workspaces to meet your transformation goals. For instance, flexible spaces such as dedicated innovation spaces are ideal for fostering creativity and collaboration.

Meetings and training needs

If you have a shortage of meeting rooms, or if your office has large training rooms that are underutilised, adopting a core-flex solution can offer a range of meeting spaces that are available on demand.

As the world adjusts to the post-pandemic way of work, businesses may increasingly see the benefits of adopting flexible spaces that allow for greater productivity and enables them to be nimbler in the face of future uncertainties.