Category: Blog

Adaptability and flexibility have evolved from mere buzzwords to essential mantras in today’s business landscape. Reimagining the essence of the ‘office space’ becomes an integral part of success for both modern entrepreneurs at the start of their business journey or those seasoned in navigating corporate storms. This reimagination introduces virtual offices. Virtual offices are a groundbreaking model that encapsulates the dynamic nature of the modern business world. This concept serves as a beacon and offers companies an expansive realm of benefits. These range from reduced overheads to enhanced brand prestige without the shackles of traditional office parameters.

The Modern Face of Business: An Exhaustive Exploration into Virtual Office Spaces

When one hears the term ‘virtual office spaces’, it might evoke visions of high-tech, futuristic environments. However, in the practical world, they manifest as robust, artistically designed, and luxurious spaces that address the multifaceted demands of an ever-evolving business world. Taking a pivotal role in this evolution, The Business Exchange, with its majestic presence in prime locales like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, is not just providing a service but is actively scripting the narrative of the future workplace.

Diving deeper into the realm of virtual offices, it becomes evident that they are more than just a prestigious postal address. They encapsulate a holistic vision of business operations. Businesses can bask in the glory of a prestigious address, take advantage of meticulous mail handling services, use the amenities of a physical office when needed, and enjoy first-rate administrative support. This system enables businesses to cultivate and maintain a sterling professional image while avoiding the significant financial burden that a permanent physical location would entail.

Redefining Work: An Ode to the Blooming World of Co-Working Spaces

The iconic 9-5 grind, once a symbol of professional life, is now in its decline. We have seen the meteoric rise of co-working spaces. Technological advancement and societal emphasis on a positive work-life balance have contributed to this. These areas are more than just a space filled with desks and chairs. They are the places where innovation, creativity, and teamwork come together in perfect harmony.

Co-working spaces are physical counterparts to the intangible aura of virtual offices. They craft an environment where dynamic professionals from diverse sectors converge, share, innovate, and sometimes, simply relax with a cup of coffee, gazing out of the window. The allure of co-working spaces lies in their fluidity—every day offers a new perspective, a new neighbour, and a potentially groundbreaking conversation.

An Odyssey through the Business Advantages Tailored for Today’s Enterprises

As we carefully unpack the benefits of a virtual office for businesses, we’re greeted by a variety of opportunities that can redefine entrepreneurial success:

• Financial Wisdom Reimagined: Traditional leases, maintenance quandaries, and unforeseen utility bills are relegated to the past. The savings accrued can fuel innovation, employee enrichment, and expansive growth strategies.
• Infinite Horizons of Flexibility: Whether you’re a lone wolf venturing into the business wilderness or a growing team ready to make a mark, the versatility offered by virtual spaces is nothing short of phenomenal.
• Branding Brilliance: A coveted address in an elite neighbourhood can exponentially amplify brand credibility and gravitas, even if your team operates remotely from diverse corners of the globe.
• A Pillar of Support: Beyond the realms of postal addresses and mail sorting, establishments like The Business Exchange extend services encompassing call management, dedicated concierge services, and a spectrum of administrative services.
• Collaboration’s Main Stage: The congregation of a diverse array of professionals within shared spaces can ignite innovations, foster partnerships, and unveil avenues that are currently unexplored.

Choosing TBE virtual office services is more than a simple business decision; it is like forming a partnership with a forward-thinking organisation. An entity that epitomises the zenith of modern workspaces, with strategic locales and impeccable amenities that resonate with grandeur and efficiency.

The Business Exchange: Sculpting Pathways of Corporate Success

When a business chooses to intertwine its aspirations with The Business Exchange’s virtual offices, it is essentially beginning a symphony of growth and potential. The Business Exchange emerges as the maestro of modern workspace solutions in South Africa, with a harmonious blend of cutting-edge infrastructure, stellar locations, and an orchestra of services. 

Their offerings transcend the confines of a prestigious address. They’ve orchestrated a holistic ecosystem, granting businesses access to exquisite meeting spaces on demand and a wide range of tailored solutions, each reflecting a meticulous understanding of the unique nuances of varied businesses.

Virtual Offices: The Vanguard of the Future Business Tapestry

In an epoch where business boundaries are dissolving, and digital operations are soaring, virtual offices stand tall as the bridges connecting the illustrious legacy of business traditions with the dynamic waves of the future. A harmonious blend of gravitas and agility, these spaces are poised to redefine corporate norms.

As businesses teeter on the edge of this transformation, aligning with established organisations like The Business Exchange can be the catalyst that propels them into a golden future. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a portfolio that speaks volumes, they emerge as the torchbearers of modern business in South Africa.Are you poised to embrace the future and etch an indelible mark on the business horizon? Let The Business Exchange be the wind beneath your wings. Initiate a conversation today and set sail towards uncharted territories of success.

Why Workspace Design Matters: The TBE Approach To Coworking Spaces

Office design can help create a sense of belonging and bring the aspect of purpose and collaboration. Creating a sense of community and removing barriers between remote and in-office workers can be accomplished, for instance, by providing settings that encourage sociability and unplanned interactions, such as public rooms or coffee corners. 

Workspace design matters because it can have a significant impact on employee productivity, satisfaction, and professional comfortability. Workspace designs also say much about the brand of an organization the way most banks have a common office design which creates room for customer queues and the service providers are situated in areas efficient for them to serve the customers effectively. At TBE, we know the importance of workspace design, so our coworking space in Johannesburg can be the birthplace of great business ideas and growth!

Aspects of a Commercial Office Designs

A good office design can have any or many of the following features:

• Open-plan floor plates: a layout for office spaces that features a large, uninterrupted, and flexible floor area without the use of permanent walls or barriers. It is a more collaborative and dynamic work environment.

• Domesticated spaces design: Office environments involve creating workspaces that mimic the comfort, warmth, and familiarity of a home. The goal is to provide a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere while maintaining productivity and efficiency.

• Nurturing nature inside workspace designs: Involves incorporating elements of the natural world into the office environment to enhance well-being, productivity, and creativity. Characterized by natural plants, natural lighting, and such.

• Creating a sense of community in workspace design: Involves fostering an environment where employees feel connected, engaged, and supported by their colleagues and the organization as a whole. A strong sense of community can lead to increased job satisfaction, collaboration, and productivity. Characterized by centralized gathering areas, and open and collaborative spaces.

• An eco-driven sustainable office interior design focuses on creating a workspace that minimizes its environmental impact and promotes environmentally friendly practices. The design aims to reduce energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions while prioritizing the well-being of employees. The windows are mostly facing where sunlight penetrates easily as well as fresh air.

• A well-lit workspace design is crucial for promoting productivity, reducing eye strain, and creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for employees. Proper lighting enhances visibility, boosts mood, and supports overall well-being. Should be characterized by natural light optimization, adjustable lighting, and even illumination.

The above workspace design considerations are crucial for several reasons:

• Productivity and Efficiency: Proper workspace design, including open floor plans, flexible spaces, and comfortable furniture, can enhance productivity and efficiency among employees.
• Employee Well-being and Satisfaction: A workspace design that prioritizes the comfort and health of employees can improve morale and reduce stress.
• Collaboration and Communication: Workspace designs that promote collaboration encourage better teamwork and idea sharing.
• Talent Attraction:  A well-designed workspace can be a powerful tool for attracting top talent and retaining existing employees. 
• Company Image and Branding: The workspace design can reflect the company’s image and branding. A well-designed office can leave a lasting impression on clients, partners, and visitors, showcasing the organization’s values and commitment to excellence.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Thoughtful design choices, such as energy-efficient lighting, sustainable materials, and adaptable layouts, can lead to cost savings over time in terms of energy consumption, maintenance, and space utilization.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Workspace designs that prioritize flexibility and adaptability can accommodate changing needs, growth, and evolving work practices within the organization.
• Health and Safety: Properly designed workspaces with attention to ergonomics, lighting, and air quality can contribute to the health and safety of employees, reducing the risk of workplace-related injuries.

TBE Approach to Coworking Spaces

Our rented meeting rooms offer various amenities and services, including flexible workstations, private meeting rooms, high-speed internet, networking events, and community-building activities.

The TBE workspace designs include the following;

• Community-Centric Approach: Focusing on building a strong community of members by hosting networking events to foster collaboration and camaraderie among coworkers.
• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly: Incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable practices in the design and operations of the coworking space to attract environmentally conscious members.
• Technology-Driven: Utilizing advanced technologies like smart office solutions and high-tech amenities to enhance the coworking experience and productivity.
• Wellness-Focused: Integrating wellness programs, fitness facilities, and health-oriented activities to support the well-being of members.
• Emphasizing prime locations and aesthetically pleasing interior design to create an attractive and inspiring workspace.

Conclusion

In summary, workspace design matters significantly as it directly impacts employee well-being, productivity, and overall organizational success. By incorporating the above design considerations, companies can create an environment that promotes collaboration, creativity, and employee satisfaction, ultimately leading to a more successful and thriving workplace. You can check out the TBE rented office benefits to see what fits your budget and get intouch with us for guidance

Why Tbe’s Tailored Offering Is The Future Of Coworking Workspace

Coworking is the concept of different individuals working for different companies operating in one room, sharing the same amenities such as internet, printers, and a gym, among others. The concept of coworking has revolutionized businesses in a positive direction, as it offers a shared workspace for individuals, small and large companies. This increases productivity at a low cost of operation. Some of the companies that give credit to this concept of coworking include Spotify, Indiegogo, and Uber, among others. Individuals, such as traders and freelancers, are also beneficiaries of the same. Examples of search coworking spaces include the Johannesburg, Campbell Road. You can get rented serviced office spaces near you that will offer you these quality services.

 Advantages Of Coworking:

In the daily-changing business world, there is a hybrid business model that requires distributed working among employees working in the office and those working remotely. This is where coworking comes in. Among other benefits, coworking has the following advantages:

• Possibility to share facilities such as boardrooms and printing equipment. 
• A diverse working environment, thus reducing internal politics, boosting inter-company competition, and learning from other employees from other organizations. 
• Access to outside skill sets as well as collaboration due to the interaction of different companies’ employees under one roof. 
• Offer flexibility in scheduling for other activities since they operate 24/7, allowing one to schedule for other activities such as workouts, meetings, and the real job. 
• Increased productivity as it improves workers discipline and the business environment, thus boosting employee morale. 
• Networking: connections are a big part of our lives, and coworking offers this chance to connect readily. 
• Cost effectiveness as it saves the cost of renting a whole floor for a small organization or an individual who lacks enough starting capital to pay for rent. serviced offices, meeting space, and other amenities needed for work. 
• Work-life balance: Having and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Most coworking spaces understand the need for a healthy work-life balance, which is why many include amenities like on-site gyms, yoga studios, pet-friendly policies, and more. 
• Technology Integration: Tailored coworking spaces can incorporate cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to serve the unique needs of their tenant firms. This includes things like high-speed internet, modern conference rooms, and smart office equipment. 

Why Does Coworking Make Sense In The Business World Today?

Rented meeting spaces are a whole new idea for the old office system. They’re the best bet for boosting efficiency and cutting expenses. With the rapid development of technical infrastructure, the need for all individuals in a single company to physically meet at a centralized hub in order to work together is being eliminated. 

TBE’s Tailored Offering

TBE offers a wide range of coworking services suitable for a wider group of individuals and companies. It offers a variety of plans for different organization needs, including dedicated desks, shared desks, and access to meeting rooms. The organization can customize its services to meet the needs of individual clients. This flexibility makes it the future of coworking, as it can adapt to the ever-changing business world. What Makes TBE suited for the future of coworking? One of the factors that makes it suited for the changing business world is its flexibility and possibility of adapting to changing business trends. In addition to that, here are some more advantages: 

• Networking: TBE’s coworking spaces are designed to foster a sense of community among their members. This can be a great way to network with other professionals and make new connections. 
• Shared resources: TBE’s coworking spaces offer a variety of shared resources, such as meeting rooms, printers, copy machines, coffee, and the internet. This can save businesses money on these amenities. 
• A professional environment: TBE’s coworking spaces are designed to provide a professional environment for its members. This can be important for businesses that need to project a certain image to their clients. 
• The rise of remote work: As more and more people work remotely, the need for coworking spaces that offer a professional environment will increase. TBE’s tailored offering can accommodate both remote workers and those who need traditional office space. 
• Growing popularity of hybrid work: Most organizations are adopting the hybrid model, and employees can work some from the office and others remotely. TBE’s structure becomes the first thought when it comes to those working remotely, as the organization’s structure is well suited for the future of work. 

Conclusion 

In a nutshell, TBE’s tailored offering is the best fit for the changing business world. It has the flexibility to adapt to changing trends and serve organizations as well as individuals appropriately. You can contact TBE and get the deal of your life in starting your business in a conducive coworking space Johannesburg for any business.

A Shift in the South African Commercial Property Market

As we navigate the evolving landscape of work, one of the areas where change is most visible is the South African commercial property market. Until recently, traditional office arrangements, which are frequently characterised by lengthy leases and fixed spaces, dominated this landscape. However, these conventional models are no longer sufficient to meet the changing needs of businesses and employees in today’s world. Our work environments have undergone a significant shift towards flexibility, freedom, and choice, which has been largely fueled by the global pandemic. As we slowly move into a post-pandemic world, dynamic and flexible workspaces have become the new norm, reflecting the diverse needs of modern businesses and their employees.

The Emergence of a Hybrid Work Culture

We are currently witnessing the rise of a new standard in the world of work, a blend of remote and in-office work known as the hybrid work culture. This approach leverages the best of both worlds by offering employees the flexibility and work-life balance they seek, while also ensuring businesses have the opportunity for in-person collaboration that is essential for innovation and growth. But to support this hybrid work culture, we must fundamentally rethink our workplaces. It calls for a thorough reevaluation of the tools and materials we offer to our teams, as well as a fundamental reshaping of the ways in which we interact with one another and collaborate in our workspaces.

Why Serviced Offices are the Ideal Solution

In the face of the emerging hybrid work culture, businesses are discovering the immense potential of serviced offices. Serviced offices provide a flexible, ready-to-use solution that perfectly fits the rapidly changing needs of modern businesses, in contrast to traditional office spaces that come with the burden of long-term leases and property management responsibilities. They provide fully furnished, professionally maintained workspaces on flexible terms. But the true value of serviced offices extends far beyond the provision of physical space. These innovative workspace solutions also offer a wide range of support services and amenities that enhance not only in-office work efficiency but also significantly facilitate remote work practises.

The Role of TBE in Shaping Flexible Workspaces

In the ongoing transformation towards flexible workspaces, The Business Exchange (TBE) has positioned itself at the forefront. Recognising the emergence and importance of hybrid work cultures, TBE has tailored its serviced offices to support this trend. We offer a diverse range of workspace solutions, from private offices to coworking spaces and virtual offices, each designed to meet the unique business needs of our clients. At TBE, we understand that the rapidly changing business landscape renders a one-size-fits-all approach ineffective. Instead, we strive to offer flexible, customisable workspace solutions that cater to the distinct needs and work styles of each business.

Advantages of Rented Office Space

The trend towards rented office space is much more than a fleeting change; it represents a significant shift in business strategy. Renting office space gives businesses the flexibility and agility that traditional office leases simply cannot match. This approach enables businesses to adapt the size of their workspaces and the services they provide to their changing needs. Additionally, choosing to rent office space releases priceless resources, including time and money. Instead of getting bogged down with property management and maintenance distractions, businesses can direct these resources into their core business functions.

TBE’s Offerings: More Than Just Space

The offerings from TBE extend far beyond just the provision of physical workspace. We also offer a range of coworking spaces and virtual offices, each designed to serve as nurturing environments that foster a strong sense of community, enhance productivity, and inspire creativity. These spaces come equipped with a host of amenities and support services, from high-speed internet and state-of-the-art technology to professional networking events and personal growth workshops. Moreover, our flexible membership plans give businesses the freedom to choose a plan that best fits their specific needs and budget. Whether you’re a freelancer who needs a coworking desk a few days a week or a larger company seeking a fully equipped private office, TBE is here to cater to your needs.

Keeping Pace with Business Property Trends

The rise of the hybrid work culture is not just changing how we work; it’s also fundamentally reshaping business property trends. To keep pace with this new normal, companies must shift from traditional, rigid office models to flexible workspace solutions that cater to their evolving team demands. At TBE, we are committed to helping businesses navigate this transformation by providing workspace solutions that are not just adaptable to change but are also specifically designed to foster growth, collaboration, and success in the modern business landscape.

Preparing for the Future with TBE

As the hybrid work culture continues to gain traction, there has been a corresponding increase in the need for flexible workspace solutions. TBE, a leading provider in the South African commercial property market, is steadfast in its commitment to helping businesses navigate these changes and succeed in this new world of work. Our wide range of workspace solutions cater to varying business needs, offering flexibility, operational support, and a collaborative environment that fosters growth and innovation.
Ready to step into the future of work? Take the next step in your business journey with TBE. Contact us today to learn how our flexible workspace solutions can support your business’s evolving needs in this dynamic new landscape. Get in touch today to find out more.

A Revolution in the South African Commercial Property Market

The South African commercial property market is undergoing a significant transformation. In the past, this industry has been characterised by traditional office spaces that have long leases, high overhead costs, and a lack of flexibility. While these traditional office models are dependable, they are losing ground to more innovative, flexible alternatives that are better suited to the changing needs of modern businesses. Introducing serviced offices, a revolutionary concept that is not just reshaping the foundation of the commercial property market but also instigating a reassessment of conventional business workspace paradigms. Companies from all industries are now choosing to work in these more flexible and dynamic workspaces, avoiding the restrictions of long-term leases in favour of a more adaptable and economical strategy.

The Emergence of Flexible Workspaces

A new trend is reshaping the face of the business landscape — flexible workspaces. Agility and adaptability are essential in today’s fast-paced, dynamic business environment, and flexible workspaces are built with both of these qualities in mind. Serviced offices, which give businesses fully furnished, ready-to-use office space without the commitment and expense of customary long-term leases, are an example of this shift towards flexibility. These flexible terms enable businesses to modify their workspace arrangements in response to shifting market conditions, variable team sizes, and various project requirements in an era where business needs can change in the blink of an eye. This adaptability is a lifeline for companies navigating the uncertain seas of the modern marketplace.

The Advantages of Serviced Offices in Today’s Market

Serviced offices provide much more than just a physical location for companies to function. These innovative solutions provide a wide array of features, amenities, and support services, all designed to enhance productivity, foster a collaborative atmosphere, and drive growth. A serviced office is more than just an office; it’s a holistic business ecosystem that eliminates the need for businesses to concern themselves with operational chores such as office maintenance, utility management, and IT infrastructure. By taking care of these often time-consuming and costly aspects of running a business, serviced offices allow companies to focus on their core operations, freeing up time and resources to drive innovation and growth. Additionally, serviced offices’ inherent flexibility enables companies to scale up or down their operations in accordance with their needs, which is a big plus in a volatile and quickly changing business environment.

Rented Office Space – An Emerging Trend

Rented office space is quickly becoming more than just a blip on the radar in the world of commercial real estate. Renting offices is becoming more and more considered a long-term solution rather than a temporary measure as companies of all sizes recognise the financial and operational benefits provided by these flexible workspace solutions. The recent global health crisis and the acceleration of remote working practises that followed have further highlighted the advantages of flexible workspace solutions. This is where the concept of virtual offices comes into play. Virtual offices offer businesses all the essential resources and support they need to operate effectively and efficiently, irrespective of where their teams are physically located. In a world where remote and distributed workforces are becoming the norm, virtual offices offer a solution that marries flexibility with operational efficiency.

The Future of Business Property Trends

As we examine current business property trends, it becomes abundantly clear that flexibility is at the heart of the commercial property market’s future. An important turning point in the market’s development can be seen in the rise of flexible workspaces, serviced offices, and rented office space. As traditional, rigid office models make way for more adaptable, agile alternatives, we see an industry poised to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses head-on. These new, flexible workspaces are not just about providing a place to work; they’re about fostering an environment conducive to innovation, collaboration, and growth. As businesses continue to grapple with the challenges of an uncertain market, these flexible workspaces are fast becoming a crucial tool in their survival and success kit.

Ready to Embrace the Future of Work?

The business world is in flux, shaped by rapid technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviour, and changing socio-economic factors. Businesses that aim to thrive in this new environment need to adapt and align themselves with these changing tides. At The Business Exchange, we are leading the charge in the transformation of the South African commercial property market. We provide a comprehensive suite of flexible workspace solutions, including private offices, coworking spaces, virtual offices, and tailored membership packages. These offerings are designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, across diverse sectors. If you’re ready to embrace the future of work, we’re here to help you navigate the journey. Get in touch with us today and discover how we can help you maximise your business potential in this dynamic new landscape.

With more South African companies looking to meet employees’ expectations for a hybrid work environment, the physical office space stands to go through a significant reimagining. In fact, a global survey has found that nearly 8 in 10 CEOs say their organisations will need less space in the post-COVID world.

Like all business owners, David Seinker, CEO of flex space solution, The Business Exchange (TBE), knows the challenges of starting and growing a business all too well, not to mention navigating a pandemic that directly affects your industry.

We chat to Seinker about his business journey, lessons learnt and managing growth.

Q. What made you decide to start your own business, and why the office space business?
I worked at a property group before starting my own entrepreneurial journey. I was one of the first employees, but we grew the business to over 200 staff managing over a billion rand of property assets. I eventually broke away from the firm and I started my own company connecting entrepreneurs to my network of investors. Whilst doing so, I had an office at a business centre, and I saw a gap to continue doing what I did, together with providing office space for startups and growing companies.

Q. Tell us a bit about your startup journey, and did you get your first tenants on board?
I launched TBE in 2014, together with our funding partners Raizcorp, who have been instrumental in our growth. Our first tenants came through our networks which we leveraged given my background, but we also gained great traction through our strong digital advertising platforms.

Q. Can you share some of the hardest startup lessons you learnt?
Managing cash flow, expectations and people – these were my greatest challenges when starting out. However, these had nothing on what we experienced with frustrations relating to the Covid pandemic.

Q. What impact did Covid have?
For 2 years we were in limbo, and we were seriously concerned in 2020 as there were so many unknowns. However, we started gaining confidence last year as the new trend topic was “hybrid working”. 2022 has been our most successful year yet as we have signed up new sites, launched in Cape Town and Mauritius, and have three new major corporate clients totaling 200 seats.

Q. What’s your top tip for managing growth?
We are now approaching eight sites, and we will be scaling to 20 throughout the continent. You need great people and great partners to share your vision and help you grow. Processes are of paramount importance.

Q. What would be your top 3 pieces of advice to share with fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Partner with people and who have the same values as you do.
2. Don’t try grow too quickly, rather learn first.
3. Listen. Don’t think you know it all.

Q. What are your top growth goals for the next few years, and how are you planning to achieve them?
Our main goal is to have 20 sites by 2025, throughout Africa. There is a lot of focus on my management team to help achieve this, and processes in the business.

 

With more South African companies looking to meet employees’ expectations for a hybrid work environment, the physical office space stands to go through a significant reimagining. A global survey has found that nearly 8 in 10 CEOs say their organisations will need less space in the post-COVID world. Given how well-being, flexibility, and work-life balance have become top of mind for workers, businesses are turning to flexible office spaces that can more easily scale to their needs.

“The Business Exchange (TBE) model is designed with this customisability in mind. There has been a significant increase in demand for our sophisticated and spacious office locations as companies look to move away from a conventional model, preferring one where they can rent a tailored office environment and significantly reduce investment risk. Being able to tailor the office in more creative ways to improve employee productivity and mental health have become significant competitive advantages,” says David Seinker, CEO of The Business Exchange.

TBE tenants can attest to the importance of meeting in hybrid work requirements while offering a customised office space to drive business value.

Digital foundation

Nerdware, a Full Service Digital Marketing Agency, has first-hand experience of how the landscape is evolving to put the spotlight on customer engagement across a variety of channels.

“We have added augmented and virtual reality solutions to our clients’ marketing strategies to increase their engagement, generate leads, and increase sales. Our focus remains on creating digital experiences to transform and boost brands. We have an in-house production studio which develops vodcasts, interactive social media content and online television series for clients to take control of their narratives and improve their brand sentiment,” says Shiko Mamotheti, Director of Strategy at Nerdware.

Furthermore, the company has built omni-channel marketing campaigns for clients that are developed using its proprietary artificial intelligence-powered solution.

“Clients immediately see the impact of these solutions on their businesses which is why, despite challenging market conditions, Nerdware has been able to create 25 new jobs over the past 12 months alone. Of these, 20 positions have gone to women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who are now working in a male-dominated industry,” she says.

Grabbing opportunities

For Carel Martin, CEO of business-critical solutions provider Grand Communication Networks (Grandcom), the post-COVID world has created many opportunities for organisations around the world.

“Hybrid working arrangements have become mainstream and digital transformation is replacing traditional workflows. Companies must operate according to the premise that their customers may be working remotely and have limited access to solutions that may otherwise have been available in an office environment. Simple tasks such as printing, signing, and scanning documents are not always possible, resulting to inefficient two-way communications,” he says.

This has contributed to companies moving towards unified communications with their customers and empowering them with the power of paperless interactions through innovative solutions that include digital signing, mobile document uploads, and mobile on boarding.

“However, businesses who themselves have adopted hybrid working models now have to use technologies to monitor their own employees to ensure that production, communication, and security levels are maintained. To mitigate against the risk of people not meeting their objectives, we have seen a move to softphone technologies, virtual private networks, and online team meetings and chats. But this does mean that spontaneous, in person interactions in the workplace have suffered. The manager-employee relationship is critical to foster the employee experience and build a connection to the business and its culture,” says Martin.

He believes that COVID will have a lasting impact on the future of work. It is therefore key that executives evaluate how their physical office environments will likely change and the consequences this will have on them meeting their strategic objectives.

“Grandcom has been able to respond in various ways and are proud to have assisted many businesses adapt to new hybrid ways of working. Communication technologies are more important than ever. The hybrid generation of employees expect to be able to communicate where, when, and how they want to. Being able to integrate these communications across platforms such as email, SMS, chat, and VOIP will be critical for success. Through our networking, connectivity, and communications solutions, our clients have been able to allow their staff to enjoy hybrid working arrangements and further enable unified communications with their customers using our state of the art technologies to drive this digital transformation,” he says.

The human touch

Dirusha Ganapathy Juta, founder and managing director of a multiple award-winning Human Capital consultancy Beyond Transform, says the pandemic has brought about a great degree of change both at personal and professional levels for people that has impacted on the psychological, emotional, social, and financial areas of our lives.

“The need for rapid change and transformation to align new ways of working and fit-for-purpose HR models have become paramount in the face of an ever complex, fast changing, and uncertain world. With increased pressure on leadership and HR to manage in a dynamic environment, it requires an adaptable organisational and human mindset to navigate the transition from a more structured environment to a highly flexible one that embraces disruption as a catalyst to propel the organisation to a more fluid state,” she says.

As such, the work Beyond Transform is involved in, relates to building the economy and supporting organisations on several post-COVID interventions when it comes to the future of work and driving a high performance culture yet balanced working environment. These include understanding digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impact on Human Capital. Furthermore, the organisation focuses on job creation with the creation of a bespoke employability readiness programme that simulates the work environment building key skills and capabilities required for workplace success.

“South Africa is no different to any other market that needs to find ways to bridge the gap between the traditional office and a new environment that better caters for hybrid work. TBE gives them the means to do so and helps to remove concerns around the physical environment freeing executives to focus on meeting the core objectives of the organisation,” concludes Seinker.

The COVID pandemic gave how we conduct business a complete overhaul as employees transformed from full-time office workers to remote, hybrid workers. The pandemic was also responsible for the rapid digital transformation that companies had to adjust to, as remote working became a reality for many employees during lockdown.

Interestingly, large companies and corporates, such as Microsoft, saw a significant increase in productivity during the first few months of lockdown. However, it seemed that this prolonged work model of working at home full time resulted in a negative state of mind that ultimately affected productivity and job satisfaction. It is for this reason that many companies are now embracing a hybrid work model.

What is a Hybrid Work Model?

The hybrid work model is a flexible work model that involves the blending of in-office and remote work. Team members can migrate between various locations depending on the type of work that they need to get done. Recent studies confirmed that 70% of people are working from home at least once a week and, according to Gartner, 48% of employees will likely work some of the time remotely post COVID-19 compared to before the pandemic.

Why is Hybrid Work Gaining Momentum?

Moving into a post-Covid working environment, a recent survey conducted by Loom, a video messaging platform, found that 90% of employees are happier with a hybrid working model rather than returning to the office full time. 

Hybrid Work Benefits for Employees

Hybrid working is a people-first approach that manages the workforce to drive increased productivity and job satisfaction while addressing the major challenges of remote work, such as isolation and lack of community. Daily commuting has proven to be expensive and, in many cases, unnecessary for many employees who are happier and less stressed having this level of flexibility. The additional time saved in travel, costs and stressors have led employees to more balanced work lives with time to sleep, exercise, run errands or spend more quality time with their families. The ultimate benefit to employers has been an increased productivity rate from their employees, which is ultimately good for the business’s bottom line. In other words, employee well-being equates to greater efficiency.

Furthermore, this newfound freedom of hybrid working, results in a push from highly skilled employees who are actively seeking a more human-centred approach in their search for a work-life balance. The days of a salary being the only benefit on offer to employees are long gone, and companies will have to have to change their ideas about workspaces if they want to continue to attract skilled workers.

Coworking Benefits for Businesses

However, the hybrid work model also has significant benefits for companies. Coworking spaces are not only cost-effective but highly flexible too. This agility is linked to the flexible monthly rental of the commercial lease, which allows businesses to quickly and easily up or downscale their office size, depending on their current requirements. As an example, a company can save up to 70% of their total lease investment over five years with fully furnished office space. This includes the traditionally large rental deposits, fit-out and furnishing costs. 

This “plug in and play” solution also drastically reduces the various payments to different service providers that a company would have to administer every month. This includes:

• Electricity, water, and rates
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Telephones / PABX
• Reception services
• Cleaning, maintenance, and general consumables
• Security
• Generator equipment and maintenance
• IT support

Tenants also only pay for the space that they use or need. Meeting rooms and event facilities are hired as and when required. Another benefit for corporates in a serviced office space environment, such as The Business Exchange, is them now being able to have a specifically tailored, fully fitted, and furnished solution that suits them with the newly launched ‘Tailored By TBE’ offering.

Another major hinderance during lockdown included data breaches, with organisations such as the banking sector finding that many of their employees could not work from home securely. Coworking office spaces provide a highly secure IT environment that includes an experienced IT team. Loadshedding also continues to play a role in the decreased productivity of employees working from home, especially those who are not fortunate enough to have a backup power supply. A shared office space provider will always have a generator with sufficient capacity to keep its tenants’ businesses operational.

Businesses who want to remain relevant in this modern-day way of working cannot ignore the pace of this workplace transformation. Hybrid working is here to stay.