FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
A shift to hybrid working due to the impact of Covid-19 has seen franchise partnerships rise by 350 per cent in the first half of this year, according to flexible offices business IWG. It’s recorded a 350 per cent rise in the number of new flexspace locations signed up by franchise partners so far in 2021, compared with the same period last year.
A total of 20 new franchise partners joined the IWG (formally Regus) brand between January and the end of June – new deals that will see more than 110 new flexspace locations enter development internationally.
“Multiple studies have shown that businesses of all sizes are planning for a hybrid future,” says IWG Founder and CEO Mark Dixon. “In fact, our own research of the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 has shown that three times the number of listed businesses are looking to use a hybrid model, compared to those looking to carry on in the same way as pre-pandemic.”
“For several years, we have seen companies across the world begin to shift their operations to the suburbs and towns where their employees actually live. During the past two years, IWG has opened almost all its new centres in non-city-centre environments.”
In the UK, demand for flexible workspace was up 15% per cent in June 2021, compared with pre-pandemic levels. In the USA, there’s been an incredible 43 per cent surge in demand, according to IWG data.
Dixon added: “Hybrid working is already delivering “spectacular benefits for employees and employers alike,” Dixon argues. The change in working culture that’s been accelerated by the pandemic is irreversible.”.
“At IWG, we are aiming to expand our network, mostly by franchise, to provide a flexible workspace in every village, town and city. The future of work is already with us, and it’s only going to improve.”
