Will The Shift to Hybrid Working Create Demand For Workspace Booking Apps?

In 2020 we saw a disruption in the way employees worked. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, enterprises around the globe adopted a remote work approach because of lockdowns and to protect employees from exposure to the virus. Even though pandemic restrictions are being relaxed in some regions, companies are nevertheless likely to continue this trend.

Some organizations are adopting a hybrid approach, where employees work from the office for a day or two and remotely for the rest of the workweek. This has led to the emergence of several workspace booking apps that allow professionals to maintain social distancing by booking rooms and desks in advance.

Is Hybrid Work the New Normal?

Companies around the world are considering the possibility of work-from-home becoming the new normal and evaluating how the shift could affect employee productivity and acceptance.

A survey of more than 2,100 employees conducted by FlexJobs showed that the majority would prefer working remotely even after the pandemic as it would eliminate the commute and save money, while a substantial number have expressed a preference for the hybrid model.

Companies have been experimenting with different approaches to re-opening offices. For instance, Amazon plans to fully reopen its offices starting July. Google expects most of its employees will return to the office by September; employees will have to file a formal application if they want to work remotely for more than fourteen days a year.

Microsoft and Salesforce are planning to adopt a hybrid approach, with their employees going into the office between one and three days a week.

Time for Workspace Booking Apps to Shine?

This hybrid approach is likely to give a boost to workspace booking apps. These apps show floor plans and enable employees to find free spots and check the temperature and air quality of their chosen locations.

Some of the other features that these apps may provide include ordering food and beverages, navigation, wayfinding, and booking parking space and concierge services. The leading players in this space are CBRE Host, Spacewell, iOFFICE, Mapiq and SpaceIQ.

Deloitte, Suncorp and other companies were using these apps before the pandemic to provide convenience to employees and ensure effective utilization of space.

The Road Ahead

As countries grapple with second and third waves of the pandemic, the remote or hybrid work approach will remain the new normal in the near future. While some companies have accepted this shift and permanently implemented remote working, others still have not embraced it, either fully reopening offices or adopting a hybrid approach.