‘Flexible working’ has moved from buzzword to fundamental for SMEs in 2022. We have seen that the physical office still holds a crucial role in facilitating this norm.

The office is still a vital component of the world of work in 2021, especially for small and medium sized businesses which are leading the way in the return to the workplace. Latest figures from property agent Cushman & Wakefield shows that office lettings are at the highest level since lockdown started, and our own occupancy rates at WorkPad concur with this.

If office space providers are to survive the shift to greater flexible working, they need to keep up with the increasing demand from businesses for shorter, flexible contracts. Long term, restrictive office commitments no longer appeal to SMEs, who are increasingly looking for complete flexibility in their requirements, to scale up and down as required, and remain agile.

As we all prepare for the reality of returning to the office, businesses are asking for more in a workspace – from allowing ‘pandemic pets’ in the building, to flexible contracts, and creating an environment which keeps employees’ physical and mental wellbeing front of mind.