Duties and geopolitical tensions, CEOs and CFOs looking for resources even with smart working

Duties and geopolitical tensions could relaunch the role of smart working. Hybrid work is many things and among these it can also be a source of resources thanks to the savings it allows. After all, many managers, even during the pandemic, had estimated a significant reduction in the spaces needed with the hybrid working method. In 2020 at the Rimini meeting, the then CEO of Leonardo, Alessandro Profumo, had spoken of a 30% reduction in the spaces needed. A reduction in spaces that led to many reorganizations of the offices and also cuts, with a consequent reduction in rents, management and energy costs. All resources that today, in this unstable macroeconomic situation, are considered interesting by managers.

A survey by the International Workplace Group (IWG, which owns brands such as Regus, Copernico, Spaces and deals with flexible workspaces) conducted on 1,000 CEOs and CFOs of large American and English multinationals shows a very clear trend: 87% of managers are worried about the impact of macroeconomic instability on their activities and 86% are developing measures to protect their companies. In this situation, cutting costs can become a priority and hybrid working seems to be one of the most effective strategies. In fact, 83% of managers consider it crucial for reducing costs. In a context in which 67% of companies are downsizing or planning to reduce operating costs due to rising rates, hybrid working offers a concrete solution.

Hybrid work on the one hand involves reorganization, but on the other it can also lead to savings and help find resources to invest. 77% of managers agree that hybrid work has helped significantly reduce overheads, freeing up valuable resources for strategic investments and creating a buffer against market fluctuations. In a time of uncertainty, quickly adapting to market changes can also prove to be a guarantee for business continuity. Not surprisingly, 79% of companies are actively exploring additional flexible workspaces.

The adoption of hybrid work has led not only to savings, but also to improved productivity, according to 83% of executives. In addition to their increased satisfaction, making it a crucial factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Finally, 74% of CEOs and CFOs say that hybrid work has opened up new opportunities for geographic expansion, expanding the growth potential of companies.