In the coming weeks, kids across the country will be preparing to return to school after a long summer break. For working parents, this can be a stressful time as this requires significant adjustment to transition from chaotic and fluid summer schedules to a more structured routine. For companies, it’s critical to help support employees through this time to ensure they have the right resources to maintain a healthy work-life balance while also remaining focused and productive at work.

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have been struggling to get many of their employees back into a traditional office space. While it’s true that most employees don’t want to return to the office full-time, the hybrid work model is becoming more common, balancing the benefits of both remote and in-office work.

Hybrid work is actually good for your bottom line. Gartner’s 2020 ReimagineHR Employee Survey of five thousand employees revealed that at typical organizations where employees work a standard 40 hours per week in the office, “only 36 percent of employees were high performers. When organizations shift from this environment to one of radical flexibility where employees have a choice over where, when, and how much they work, 55% of employees were high performers.”

The good news is that back-to-school is the perfect time to transition your team into a new work environment since they are already in the process of shaking up their typical routine. The key is highlighting the benefits of shared office space for working parents and working with them to make the transition as seamless as possible.

1. Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexibility is key to helping parents manage their responsibilities effectively while maintaining their focus at work. Distracted employees are less productive, and companies that support working parents can boost productivity in the workplace. Shared workspaces offer flexible membership options that allow working parents to choose schedules that accommodate their unique family commitments. Whether they need full-time access or part-time use of offices and meeting rooms, shared workspaces empower parents to tailor their work hours around school drop-offs and pick-ups, extracurricular commitments, and other parental duties.

2. Enhanced Work-Life Balance

Shared workspaces provide dedicated working environments separate from home which can help working parents achieve better work-life balance. While there are many benefits to remote working, it often leads to difficulty in separating work from personal life since your family is always in your workspace and you never get to officially leave your home office. The separation that shared workspace offers allows them to focus more effectively on work tasks during office hours and fully engage with their family responsibilities outside of work.

3. Reduced Commute Times

Many shared workspaces are strategically located near urban hubs and schools to minimize commute times, saving valuable hours that working parents can spend with their families or on personal pursuits. This convenience is particularly advantageous during the hectic back-to-school period when schedules become more regimented.

4. Access to a Supportive Community

Working parents benefit from the supportive community atmosphere often found in shared workspaces. These spaces frequently host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings that foster connections and provide emotional support. Such communities can be invaluable for navigating the challenges of balancing career and family life. Shared workspaces are especially useful for professionals that are looking to advance their career by networking with other people from diverse backgrounds and industries.

5. Cutting-Edge Technology

One of the downsides of fully remote work is that everyone’s access to technology and internet speed varies. Shared workspaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, ensuring seamless and consistent integration of digital tools and systems necessary for efficient work processes. This access eliminates the need for individual companies to invest in costly technological upgrades, saving both time and money while enhancing productivity.

Embrace Back-to-School with an Office Upgrade

As businesses transition to hybrid work models during the back-to-school season, shared workspaces emerge as an ideal solution for supporting working parents. These spaces not only provide the physical infrastructure needed for productive work but also foster a supportive environment conducive to professional and personal growth. At Lakeside Workspaces, our team is here to support your transition to a shared work environment through flexible office arrangements, professional work environments, and the latest technology. Contact us today to learn more.