The world of work is changing — on many different levels. Topics such as a four-day working week, a shortage of skilled workers, demographic change and digitization are dominant trends and long-term challenges. But the way work will take place in the future has also changed. What working models are there for the future?
Key facts
- Not only has the way of working changed in recent years, but also the requirements of employees for their job. It's all about greater flexibility.
- Many different working models of the future have emerged from these requirements.
- This includes working from home, hybrid working, remote work and working in co-working spaces.
Current trends in the labor market
Currently, the world of work is constantly changing. Not only are new working models becoming more and more established, but job requirements have also changed significantly in recent years. Employees are looking for certain job requirements, but companies are also changing and must change:
Employee needs: The pandemic and the War for Talents has placed a new focus on employee satisfaction. Employees want to receive certain benefits in the company while maintaining a certain degree of freedom from the pandemic. Because when employees are satisfied, this leads to greater motivation and productivity.
Meaningful work: Another factor for increasing productivity is work itself. Not only are the working atmosphere and working conditions a decisive factor for staying with the company, but work itself is also becoming increasingly important. Employees want to make a difference and make a difference.
Participation: Motivated employees want one thing above all else: trust and personal responsibility. They do not simply want to implement decisions from above, but also want to take responsibility themselves and be involved in decision-making processes.
Use of technology: Technology makes a lot of things possible! Especially during the pandemic, many companies have noticed how the right technology can improve organization and communication. This has developed into a basic trust, which is now constantly expanding and companies are recognizing the benefits.
More flexibility: One of the most important factors for new work models that will shape the future of work is the desire for more flexibility. The pandemic has shown that employees no longer want to give up their newfound freedom. This includes improved work-life balance and, above all, working independently of location and time.
Work models of the future: These models have prevailed
The corona pandemic was a catalyst for the development of new working models for the future. Although some companies are returning to the old working model with face-to-face days, the working world has been turned upside down. Which models are there? And what shapes them? The current job market is dominated primarily by 4 models, some of which are completely opposite, but also partly complement each other:
Home office
The most well-known working model of the future is the home office. During the pandemic, it has gone from being an emergency solution for maintaining the economy to the new standard. In particular, companies that mainly work in a digital environment make use of this working model. Employees simply work from home. The advantage: Work-life balance is extremely promoted. In addition, recent studies show that not only motivation but also concentration improves.
After many corona protection measures are slowly falling, many companies are moving away from this working model again. Because presence in the company is once again attributed a different meaning. Many companies stick to working from home and ensure “mandatory” days of presence in the company with a global home office policy.
Hybrid work
Hybrid work Also known as hybrid work, is a flexible working model in which employees can flexibly choose their place of work and usually also the working hours themselves. Flexibility is the main focus here. Because employees can decide for themselves whether they want to work at home, in a co-working area or in the office. The focus is therefore clearly on improved work-life balance and the interplay of office and home office. As a result, companies need fewer desks and workplaces and several employees can share a workplace on different days. According to recent studies, just under 62% of German companies therefore want to introduce this transition model.
This is because there is a win-win situation for companies, including employees: Employees do not have to travel to the office every day and companies do not have to give up their office space. On the contrary, there is plenty of potential for companies. Office space can be restructured to optimize areas and adapt or downsize to employee needs, for example as part of energy crisis to save costs.
co-working spaces
Having your own office is no longer a basic requirement for companies. For start-ups in particular, co-working areas have emerged as a cheap alternative for years. These shared spaces offer employees the opportunity to work in an open-space office or building, which is shared by different teams from different companies. The main advantage lies in the low costs and the network effect, which involves lively exchange between each other. It is therefore a popular and inspiring work environment. Ideal for networking.
Remote Work
The trend of not having a physical company but working completely digitally is not yet as widespread in Germany. However, this model is booming in countries such as Great Britain and the USA. Employees can work here from anywhere. In other words, anywhere in the world, depending on the corporate culture. The only criteria here are a stable Internet connection and a laptop.
What do flex desks, hot desking & shared desks mean?
Despite the clear delimitation of all these working models of the future, many other terms appear. These include, for example, “flex desks,” “hot desking,” or “shared desks.” However, all three describe the same working model and are very closely linked to hybrid work. All terms describe a novel concept in which employees no longer have a fixed workplace in the office, but all desks are made available to the workforce and shared. Because in times of hybrid work, not all employees come to the office regularly anymore.
This is intended to make more efficient use of office space. This is because job booking and the associated hybrid work offer enormous potential for savings. Operating costs such as rent, interior design costs or technical infrastructure can be reduced in the process. Eine Desk sharing software can be used as an organizational and analysis tool to support this.
Work models of the future: Implementing hybrid work with Seatti
With our workplace booking software, hybrid work can be implemented in just a few steps. With technical integration into the Microsoft 365 Ecosystem allows the entire office from desks, parking spaces and meeting rooms Make it bookable.
This provides employees with the necessary security to get the right equipment for the office day every day. And so that social life in your company doesn't come to a standstill, employees can use our Site overview use to make an appointment and spend the day.
