IWG, the world’s leading provider of flexible workspaces with brands including Regus and Spaces, and around 3,500 buildings in more than 120 countries, plans to expand its global network by more than 1,000 new locations over the coming year.
In 2021 alone, IWG added over two million new customers to its global network of flexible workspaces. During 2020 and 2021, 287 new centres were opened, delivering on the strategy of operating near-to-home centres in commuter areas along with prestige locations in metropolitan zones. 83% of the Fortune 500 are now amongst IWG’s global customer base.
Research undertaken by IWG demonstrates a surge in demand for hybrid working. Almost half of office workers would quit their job if asked to return to the office five days a week, while three quarters would prefer the long-term ability to work flexibly over going back to the office five days a week with a 10 per cent pay rise.
The growth of IWG’s network has been increasingly focused on suburban locations, emphasizing the demand for workspace solutions in the heart of local communities. 77 per cent of employees say a place to work closer to home is a must-have for their next job move with workers four times more likely to choose an office close to home than a city center.
The unprecedented increase in demand for hybrid working has enabled IWG to add several brands to its portfolio, including The Wing in the US and the Italy-based Copernico, both of which have ambitious expansion plans. The Wing is a female-focused co-working business, and its acquisition provides exciting opportunity to expand its offer to women during a time of growing demand for alternative work environments.
IWG has also launched a new retail-based office-space concept: ‘OpenDesks’, with a more open plan environment. The company continues to invest in industry-leading technology and focus on ensuring that all people have the opportunity to fulfil their talent.
Both IWG data and consumer research show that businesses around the world are realising the benefits of flexible working and turning their back on the traditional office footprint, instead opting for flexible office space. Research by Global Workplace Analytics found that businesses can save over to $11,000 per year, per employee by implementing hybrid working, with savings generated by increased productivity, lower real estate costs reduced absenteeism and turnover.
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG said: “2021 was a year of extraordinary transformation for IWG, for our employees, clients and for the markets we serve. Hybrid working is now an established model and businesses of all sizes are planning for a hybrid future. The shift from fixed workspace to flex is now irreversible and the business will continue to accelerate its growth adding a thousand locations in the next year alone.”
“Beyond this, we are seeing the benefits of hybrid working not just for employees but also employers, who are able to save up to £8,000 per year, per employee by implementing hybrid working and while doing so, reduce their overall carbon footprint.”
