During the last two-and-a-half years, the pandemic has forced the world of work to change profoundly. The global Covid-19 lockdowns meant that businesses across the world were forced to adapt to a remote set-up almost overnight, regardless of their size and scale. But they also created a significant opportunity for companies to reassess outdated and impractical working habits and bring in new long-term flexible strategies that are better for them, their employees and the planet. What’s more, thanks to global flexspace provided by IWG brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature for professionals to have access to an unrivalled choice of locations to work from both in Malaysia and across the world.
Hybrid work – which enables millions of employees to divide their time between a company HQ, home and a local flexible workspace – is now the default way of operating for countless numbers of people. It’s what employees want because it allows them to achieve a better work-life balance and to have more autonomy. In fact, a recent IWG survey found that 72% of staff would prefer a hybrid way of working, even if going into a dedicated company office five days a week meant earning more money. On top of this, 88% of employees cite hybrid working as a leading benefit they’d expect when looking for a new job.
What other benefits does hybrid working offer? As many countries face a grave cost-of-living crisis and the effects of a global recession, savvy businesses are wising up to the merits of running a lean operation with minimal overheads. By not having to pay for a large office with an expensive lease, as well as the energy bills that come with it, companies that have built flexspace into their corporate real-estate portfolio can reduce overheads and increase profit in a time of continued uncertainty. Research by Global Workplace Analytics found that companies, on average, can save up to US$11,000 [over MYR 48,000] per year for every employee working in the hybrid model.
Allowing employees to work from whichever location is most convenient to them means hybrid working is also empowering, the effect of which boosts morale, productivity, wellbeing and staff retention. What’s more, by eliminating the expectation for entire teams to travel to a central head office every day of the working week, there is also less time wasted on commuting – something that also lowers a company’s collective carbon footprint and has a positive impact on the planet.
As IWG Founder and CEO Mark Dixon says: “Employees have realised that they have been wasting an hour or two commuting to an office that they don’t need to be in, whilst businesses have realised that a hybrid model means not only happier and more engaged employees, but also a significant saving for the bottom line.”
Whether a company is a big multinational or a modest SME, IWG operates 4 brands in Malaysia: Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature to cater to every different type of flexspace needs. Regus, for example, delivers high-spec, traditional office environments, while Spaces embodies a more boutique coworking concept. Signature provides premium workspace in some of the world’s most iconic buildings. By getting to know the different strengths and offerings of IWG’s flexspace brands, HR directors, CFOs and even ‘workplace experience managers’ can be sure to find a compelling workspace proposition to suit their unique requirements.
Those looking for an impressive spot to work in Kuala Lumpur can now drop into Regus Menara MBSB at 46 Jalan Dungun in Damansara Heights which recently opened its doors, offering a state-of-the-art workspace, easy to reach by road, tram or subway.
. Elsewhere, in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most striking skyscrapers Menara The Stride, Bukit Bintang City Centre, offers a vibrant place to work, with a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to network with like-minded individuals. Connected by three train lines, it’s easy to get home after a productive day.
IWG currently helps more than eight million people work the hybrid way, in 38 locations in Malaysia and more than 3,500 locations worldwide, ensuring people and businesses have access to high-quality, professional workspaces wherever they are based.
Members have full access to IWG’s global network, encompassing additional unique brands, to give customers unparalleled choice in over 120 countries. What’s more, coworking desks, meeting rooms and private offices can be booked for any number of hours, days or months via the handy Regus or Spaces apps.
Hybrid working is opening up a world of opportunity, as people and businesses across the globe recognise the benefits it brings to people, profits and the planet. As Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, puts it: “It gives us a future where companies can attract and retain the best talent, productivity and profits can be boosted, carbon emissions will fall and where people and communities will thrive as investment soars.”
Find out more about how IWG’s hybrid work solutions can support you and your business at iwgplc.com.
Discover how Regus’ hybrid work solutions can support you and your business at Regus.com.
