As companies struggle to balance return-to-office plans and the demand for remote work from today’s workforce, learn how satellite offices benefit employees and why they might be the flexible workspace solution both employees and employers are looking for.
What is a Satellite Office?
A satellite office is a branch of a company that is physically separate from the organization’s main office.
They can range dramatically in size, housing anywhere from one employee to hundreds. Likewise, companies both big and small may elect to invest in satellite offices, depending on the specific needs of their business.
Satellite offices have numerous benefits for companies from cost efficiency to proximity to new markets or the ability to tap into local talent. But, satellite offices also have tremendous benefits for employees including workplace flexibility, professional development opportunities, and more.
6 Ways Satellite Offices Benefit Employees
1. Flexibility
Nearly 97% of workers surveyed by the Harvard Business Review said they consider the ability to work flexibly a key component of their job. Satellite offices have emerged as a transformative solution to meet this need. For some, satellite offices provide flexibility by allowing employees to choose where they work or reducing long commutes that are associated with higher levels of stress. For others, satellite offices come with versatile workspaces, granting employees the freedom to work in an environment that suits their preferences. Satellite offices at CIC also provide employees with access to state-of-the-art technology found in traditional headquarters that support employees seeking flexibility through hybrid work arrangements. In addition to providing a stronger sense of autonomy, the flexibility that satellite offices provide can lead to a happier workforce.
2. Sense of community
Satellite offices can help transform offices into a hub of collaboration and innovation by fostering a strong workspace community. In addition to providing employees with a place to work, satellite offices tend to be smaller in size compared to a headquarters and create opportunities for employees to build positive relationships with their colleagues. These smaller size, close knit teams often lead to increased collaboration, better communication, and teamwork. Many shared workspace providers, like CIC, offer both public events and members-only events to help companies build these strong connections among their employees without having to plan them themselves.
3. More connected to workplace culture
No amount of Zoom meetings can replace an organization’s culture. Even remote first companies recognize the importance of offsites and creating time for in-person connection. Satellite offices help bridge the gap between remote work and traditional offices by serving as an extension of an organization’s culture. After all, feeling connected to a workplace culture leads to greater employee satisfaction. Employees who visit satellite offices benefit from experiencing a company’s mission and values in ways that are difficult to grasp through virtual means only.
4. Professional growth opportunities
Another way satellite offices benefit employees is by leading to professional development and career growth opportunities. Working in the office leads to an increase in mentorship from an employee’s colleagues. One survey also found that employees who come into the office spend 25% more time on professional development than those who work fully remotely. For workers looking to grow in their career, the face-to-face connections made at a satellite office can be invaluable.
5. Inspiration
In today’s competitive world, a satellite office in an innovation focused shared workspace can be a powerful tool for keeping employees feeling inspired. But, it’s not only the physical design of a workspace that can lead to inspiration. When professionals from different industries and backgrounds come together in a shared workspace, it fosters a culture of cross-pollination of ideas, increase in collaboration, and fresh perspectives. These workplace collaborations are not only something that employees value, but something that drives innovation, morale, and efficiency.
6. Amenities & perks
Satellite offices have revolutionized the way employees work. In addition to providing flexible space, they should also provide the amenities and perks that employees consider when accepting a job offer. CIC provides all-inclusive amenities that employees love and that employers don’t have to worry about providing themselves. From fully stocked kitchens to wellness areas and corporate discounts, satellite offices in a shared workspace can give employees access to perks they don’t have at home. This combination of convenience and state-of-the-art workspace contributes to a more satisfied workforce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, satellite offices offer multiple advantages for employees from increased flexibility, to building a strong workplace community, to providing a more tangible connection to a company’s culture. Additionally, innovation thrives in these environments by creating opportunities for collaboration, the cross-pollination of ideas, and new perspectives that can invigorate employee creativity. As businesses navigate the challenges of balancing demands for flexible work from employees and the need for in-person collaboration that comes from working in an office, satellite offices emerge as a potential solution by creating a fulfilling workplace experience for employees.
If you’re interested in launching a satellite office for your organization, the first step is to find the right location. To help you with this crucial decision, check out our comprehensive guide on how to find the perfect satellite office location. Finding the ideal spot for your satellite office is crucial for your business’s success.
Is your organization ready to launch a new satellite office? With a presence in eight dynamic cities around the world, CIC is here to help your company set up a satellite office to support your business’s needs. Explore our flexible office space solutions in a culture that fosters innovation.
