In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the workforce and workplace are undergoing significant transformations. Remote and hybrid work models, rising labor costs, a tight labor market and a competitive marketplace have reshaped how we approach our work environments.

As we’ll share, there is increasing evidence that shows the value of having a physical office space. It helps employee productivity, engagement and retention – so long as it’s a space employees find useful and productive.

The right workplace solutions partner can help assess and identify the core needs of your physical space in a way that accounts for all critical business functions.

How Labor Trends Are Impacting the Workplace

Remote and Hybrid Work

According to a recent CBRE report, 99% of organizations have a physical office space available to their employees even though only 14% of businesses have a fully in-office policy. The most common policies are “mostly in the office” (36%, defined as 3+ days/week) and employee choice (28%). 

The shift to remote and hybrid work models creates an opportunity to reimagine these physical spaces to be more flexible and collaborative spaces. Offices need to be much more than a collection of desks, conference rooms and other workplace stables.

Not only is this important for employees’ experiences, but also for companies’ bottom line. The same report shows a strong correlation between in-office attendance and employee retention. Of the various attendance policies, fully remote companies had the highest employee turnover rate at 16.5%, followed by employee choice at 12.8%. Considering it costs between 50% and 60% of an employee’s salary, on average, to replace them, having staff routinely come together in a shared space can help companies curb avoidable recruitment expenses.

More than ever, investing in workplace environments can have a clear, significant ROI while also enhancing employee engagement.

High Cost of Labor

The Labor Department report for Q1 2024 showed labor costs increasing, again. The Employee Cost Index (ECI) jumped 1.2%, following a 0.9% increase the previous quarter. Since the onset of COVID-19, labor costs have spiked and remain high across all categories. This trend shows no signs of decreasing, putting pressure on businesses to find cost-effective, yet efficient solutions, to manage their workforce.

Competitive Market

The labor market is more competitive than ever, with skilled workers often commanding higher salaries than non-skilled positions. The hospitality industry is one that was recently singled out by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as struggling to retain workers. The same report notes health services as a sector that has consistently had some of the highest number of open job postings.

Workers Shifting Industries

Many workers didn’t return to their pre-pandemic industries, opting instead for roles that offer better pay or more flexibility. This shift necessitates a strategic approach to recruitment and retention, focusing on attracting talent from diverse backgrounds.

Things to Consider When Workplace Updates Are Needed

Don’t Forget the Little Things

From ensuring that your new CEO has a comfortable office chair on their first day to managing a full-scale office relocation, attention to detail is crucial. Small oversights can lead to significant disruptions, so it’s essential to plan meticulously. WeSolve’s move-ready checklist can assist in making sure nothing gets overlooked.

Plan Earlier Than You Think

The earlier you start planning, the smoother the transition will be. This includes everything from IT setup to furniture arrangements. Early planning helps identify potential issues and allows for timely solutions.

Project Management Is Key

Effective project management ensures that every aspect of the office update is on track. This involves coordinating various teams, managing budgets and adhering to timelines. A dedicated project manager can make a world of difference.

Consider Bringing in a Partner

Navigating workplace changes can be overwhelming. Bringing in a workplace solutions partner like WeSolve can provide the expertise and resources needed to manage the process efficiently.

Good Qualities in a Workplace Solutions Partner

Reliable and Clear Communication

A good partner should communicate clearly and reliably, in writing, ensuring that all parties are on the same page. Transparency and collaboration are key to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring smooth operations.

Trustworthy and Budget-Conscious

Choosing a partner who manages projects within budget and meets expectations is crucial. Look for a partner who offers a personalized experience and a menu approach to services, ensuring you only pay for what you need.

Customizability and Flexibility

Given the dynamic nature of today’s work environments, your partner should offer customizable and flexible solutions. WeSolve tailors its programs to meet clients’ unique needs, from quick furniture deliveries to large-scale relocations.

Why WeSolve?

WeSolve is uniquely positioned to be your reliable and flexible workplace solutions partner. 

Here’s why:

• Expert Curation and Planning: From pre-planning to project management, WeSolve covers all aspects of workplace transitions.
• Comprehensive Services: WeSolve offers a range of services, including relocation, space allocation studies, space planning, furniture specification, AutoCAD drawings, decommissioning, freight management/forwarding and more.
• Experienced Team: WeSolve’s experienced and tenured team becomes an extension of your own, understanding your needs, workflows and culture to create a customized plan. Our senior leadership team has a combined 215 years of experience, and our project managers have an average of 26 years of experience.
• Rigorous Screening: Every contractor/vendor goes through stringent requirements and screenings, ensuring the best talent is on your project.
• Quantified Success and Reliability: WeSolve boasts a proven track record of unmatched customer and vendor satisfaction performance for 29 consecutive quarters of delivering a client Net Promotor Score (cNPS) and vendor NPS (vNPS) of 92 or better. Additionally, we’re proud to maintain an industry-leading claims ratio of 0.01%.

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Navigating workforce and workplace changes requires a strategic approach and the right partner. WeSolve offers the expertise, flexibility and the comprehensive solutions needed to manage these transitions seamlessly.

Ready to transform your workplace? Contact WeSolve today to get started on a customized plan tailored to your needs.