If we learnt anything from 2024, it’s that workplace dynamics between employer and employee are evolving quicker than ever before.
The modern workplace must now meet evolving expectations, balancing flexibility, wellbeing, and innovation while creating spaces that employees truly want to be a part of. At The Old Street WorkRooms, we understand that these shifts present unique challenges and opportunities, and so we’re here to help businesses thrive.
Workspaces That Attract and Engage
With hybrid and remote working now indispensable to professional life, the office is no longer just a place for business as usual. It must be a destination, a place that employees feel inspired to travel to regularly. An office must become a place that combines functionality, personality, and the amenities that a worker can’t always get at home.
Our workspace has been designed to do just that. Close to Clerkenwell and the Silicon Roundabout, our versatile layout, top tier facilities and welcoming community-focused environment encourages connection and creativity, making it easy for businesses to provide a destination workspace that employees love.
Hybrid Work: A Win-Win Solution
The rise of hybrid and flexible working continues to transform how, what and where we work. Since April 2024, employees now have the right to request flexible working arrangements from day one of employment, rather than the former requirement of 26 weeks. This reflects the growing demand for flexibility, with more than a quarter of working adults now operating in hybrid roles.
Employers are seeing the benefits too:
- Remote workers are 55% more likely to feel engaged and go above and beyond for their company. Many workers are even prepared to leave their jobs if hybrid or flexible options are not supported
- Over 90% of CEOs acknowledge that hybrid models help lower operational expenses.
At The Old Street Workrooms, we support businesses navigating this shift. Our spaces are tailored for remote and hybrid workers, with meeting rooms equipped for seamless collaboration and hot desks that encourage flexibility.
Employee Wellbeing
As we approach 2025, creating roles that promote work-life balance and encourage a sense of belonging in alignment with a positive company culture has never been more important.
A recent study has revealed that 9 in 10 UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year, with contributors including poor sleep (64%), financial uncertainty (53%), money worries in general (53%), poor physical health (46%) and feelings of isolation (43%). Employers must therefore take proactive steps to create supportive environments where employees can thrive, with a strong focus on physical and mental wellbeing.
Design for balance: Workspaces should include quiet zones for recharging, breakout areas for socialising, and interiors that enhance creativity.
Flexible working hours: Provide employees with the choice of when and how they work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
A sense of community: Enable connections through events, networking opportunities, and shared spaces that bring people together.
Practical initiatives, such as mental health first aid training, monthly self-care days, or robust wellbeing policies can also create a culture of care that benefits both employees and organisations.
Upskilling for a Future-Ready Workforce
The 2020s are being hailed as the “decade of upskilling.” As industries evolve at speed, transferable skills are more valuable than ever as employees frequently move between roles, industries and careers.
Investing in employee growth will therefore be essential in future proofing organisations, so that it becomes an environment in which employees feel supported and valued. A survey has found that 67% of employees are likely to switch jobs within a year and strongly consider skill-building opportunities in their decision-making.
At The Old Street WorkRooms, we offer workspaces designed for training and development. Whether it’s peer-to-peer learning or formal workshops, our spaces help teams to grow together.
Building a Collaborative Culture
The ‘office’ needs to go beyond functionality and become a hub of connection. It’s where workers can gather to brainstorm, share knowledge and ideas, and prioritise both personal and professional development.
At The Old Street WorkRooms, our workspaces inspire creativity and teamwork, offering everything from co-working lounges to community-driven events.
Supporting Employees in Challenging Times
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, employees need more than just a paycheck—they need tangible support. Sure, everyone would love a pay rise, but where employers will stand out is in their initiatives to support members of staff through alternative means that ultimately will have a greater impact.
Employers can make a real impact with initiatives like:
- Subsidising commuting costs or providing childcare allowances.
- Transparent compensation strategies that reward skills fairly.
- Perks that matter, like wellness stipends or cycle to work schemes.
These small but meaningful steps can foster loyalty and trust, making employees feel valued even during tough times.
The importance of communication tools
With 23% of global jobs expected to change in the next five years due to technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, communication tools are more vital than ever in ensuring connectivity, collaboration, and productivity.
In an increasingly geographically dispersed work environment, tools that bridge physical distances and enhance collaboration have become invaluable. From mobile integrations and productivity apps to AI-driven platforms, technology is transforming how teams work together across time zones and regions.
At The Old Street WorkRooms, we design spaces that seamlessly support this evolution, offering:
- Hybrid-ready meeting rooms equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure effective communication between in-person and virtual attendees.
- Dedicated zones for collaboration, allowing teams to switch effortlessly between teamwork and solo work.
- Flexible layouts that accommodate both solo work and large group sessions.
The Growth of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and redefining how we work. Over 70% of CEOs expect AI to fundamentally change how their companies create and deliver value in the next three years, while 10% of leaders already use AI to make critical decisions.
One of the most transformative developments is Generative AI (GenAI), with its ability to create targeted content, automate existing workflows, and streamline processes to enhance productivity. However, this rapid growth also highlights the importance of human skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence—that AI cannot replicate. Businesses must invest in their employees, so they are not left behind.
Human-led leadership
The move towards human-centric leadership has led to a move towards more than just a “people-first” mindset, and is about helping each team member find fulfilment at work while adapting leadership behaviours to suit each individual and their situational needs.
Key attributes of human-led leadership include:
Authenticity: Building trust through genuine communication and transparency.
Empathy: Placing emotional intelligence at the forefront to support employees’ personal and professional growth.
Visionary thinking: Encouraging collaboration and innovative ideas while steering teams through transformation with clarity and confidence.
By focusing on people and creating opportunities for growth, businesses can lead with confidence and building teams that thrive.
Sustainability and the Role of ESG
The future of work is green, with environmental and social responsibility remaining high on the list of priorities for both businesses and workers.
At The Old Street WorkRooms, sustainability is woven into our DNA. From energy-efficient design to recycling initiatives, our workspace can align with your company’s environmental goals, helping you attract talent that shares your values.
Embracing the Future of Work Together
The workplace is no longer just where we go to work—it’s where we go to connect, create, and grow. At The Old Street WorkRooms, we’re committed to supporting businesses as they navigate this exciting new chapter.
Our modern, flexible spaces bring innovation, wellbeing, and community under one roof. As we move into 2025, join a workplace that inspires the best in all of us.
Who’s up for the challenge?