External growth and flex office

2024, like the previous year, was marked by a complex economic context. This year has resulted in numerous consolidations or external growth transactions.

External growth covers all transactions leading to the merger of two companies (mergers, acquisitions, equity investments, etc.). Such an operation makes it possible to develop the business more quickly or to diversify.

These operations make it possible to achieve synergies, but also to rationalize or pool costs, especially in terms of premises. In particular with the implementation of the flex office. This solution offers flexibility and optimization of spaces, meeting the new needs of businesses and their teams.

However, such a change can be complex to implement. It requires careful planning and effective communication. It is therefore necessary to adopt the right tool for the transition to take place in the best conditions.

Relocation, redevelopment and Flex Office

An external growth operation requires the company to manage a multitude of logistical and human challenges. Office rearrangements and relocations are often necessary in order to reduce costs, consolidate activities and simplify management.

These changes are also aimed at improving collaboration, strengthening team integration and, above all, optimizing workspaces.

Undeniable competitive advantages

Cost reduction is a major motivation behind these rearrangements and removals. According to a study by JLL, grouping activities on the same site makes it possible to:

Reduce rental costs by 30%;
Reduce by 25% on energy.

Businesses also need to ensure that new spaces promote collaboration and team spirit. It is therefore necessary to respect and harmonize the different corporate cultures in order to create a common identity. Also, the optimization of spaces is crucial to maximize the efficiency and well-being of employees.

Indeed, according to Actineo, 84% of employees find that a reorganization of their spaces improves their well-being. The University of Paris-Dauphine speaks of an average increase in productivity of 12%, within optimized work environments.

The impact on team performance and well-being

Flex office can improve productivity and well-being of employees during a move or rearrangement. Through spaces adapted to various needs, it improves job satisfaction and performance.

A JLL study finds that 60% of flex office employees consider the social climate in their company to be good. Moreover, it would seem that this working mode creates more proximity with managers, according to 51% of employees.

Anticipate and adjust according to the needs of the company and the teams

To successfully carry out such a project, it is necessary to anticipate how you want to manage the premises. If management chooses to switch to a flex office, it will then be necessary to assess the needs of the company.

Assessing needs

In order to best start this transition, you must first pass through an analysis phase. This makes it possible to understand the diverse needs of the company, but also the expectations of employees.

It is important to define your workstation/collaborator ratio, or expansion rate. Employees often work in 0.7, but it is possible with the right tool to organize themselves to move to 0.5.

Arrangement of spaces

The layout of spaces must be thought out in a strategic way. It should include collaboration areas, focus areas, meeting rooms, and relaxation areas. Each space must be designed to promote optimal use and meet the different needs of employees.

Optimize the implementation of flex office by adopting the right tools

Setting up a flex office work environment requires adapted tools. The objective is to optimize the use of spaces, improve communication and guarantee the well-being of employees.

Automating teams and making work organization more flexible

By implementing an ergonomic and intelligent solution, employees can better organize their working time. Thus, such a tool guarantees a simple and fast typing experience. This allows for real organizational autonomy and increased flexibility in work organization.

Optimization of the use and reliability of the management of the occupancy of workspaces

Workspace occupancy indicators allow employees to anticipate and adjust their work organization. Using a tool helps teams to clearly see site visits and space occupancy rates. This makes it possible to optimize the implementation of the flex office, and this in a serene way.

In short, the current macroeconomic context shows that the number of external growth transactions will continue to increase. The rearrangements of the premises will follow accordingly. The flex office must therefore be implemented intelligently in order to promote the growth and development of businesses.