Page 6 - Diffuse Work

Right:
Diffuse work and the systems that facilitate it
This page:
The evolution of flexible working
Data source:
1 “FlexJobs & Global Workplace Analytics Report”, by Flexjobs, 2019.
2 “Global Workplace Analytics' analysis”, 2017.
3 “The Workspace Revolution: Reaching the Tipping Point”, International Workplace Group, 2018.
4 “Remote Work Statistics: Shifting Norms and Expectations”, by B. Braccio Hering, 2020.
first time. In particular it allowed them to assess their psychological response.
The pandemic obliged companies to adopt remote work as a survival mechanism, regardless of their size and sector. It became a sort of real time global experiment, the result of which has been to help us understand the potential of this way of working and to cast the role of the office in a new light. In particular it empowered people to work from anywhere.
One particular model has come to the fore. This is the diffuse office, which looks at the workplace as an ecosystem of spaces3, composed of traditional office spaces, domestic and other remote locations (or so- called third spaces) and digital spaces. This technological component is the defining characteristic of diffuse work.
As a model, the diffuse office takes the best from existing remote working models, then applies new and emerging technology to take them to another level. In the diffuse office, technology not only represents a means of communication, but also becomes a real place in its own right.
CONVENTIONAL WORKING PATTERNS
Traditional approach to working modes
FLEXIBLE WORKING PATTERNS
Shifting towards flexibility increases the mobility of employees
RADICAL WORKING PATTERNS
Individual choices will dictate the workflow
1980s
First companies began officially experimenting with flexible work.
1998
WiFi is released for consumers.
2001
The laptop with integrated wireless launched, offering employees increased mobility.
2015
Millennials and Gen Z-ers start joining the workforce.
2020
COVID-19 disrupts all predictions about the uptake of flexible work, accelerating its adoption.
2025
Personalized working hours becomes the new reality.
2035 and beyond
A full integration of personal life and work will be achieved, enabled by technology.
THE EVOLUTION OF FLEXIBLE WORKING
was the growth of 340% households with a
computer between the years 1989 and 2000.1
was the increase 70% 140% in remote work
between 2005
and 2017.2 53%
of the world's population works remotely at least once a week and the
for at least half the week, in 2018.3
56%
of US employees desire a flexible work arrangement, in 2020.4