In a recent conversation with Tom Redmayne, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales at Industrious, we explored how wellness and sustainability are shaping the industry and where it’s headed.
The flexible office industry is increasingly setting new benchmarks in health, well-being, and sustainability. Operators are redefining what it means to create workspaces that serve both people and the planet. Industrious, a leader in the sector, offers a shining example of how these principles can be woven into design, operations, and partnerships.
In a recent conversation with Tom Redmayne, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales at Industrious, we explored how these trends are shaping the industry and where it’s headed.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation
1. Experience Meets Sustainability
Flexible office providers recognize that creating exceptional tenant experiences is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As tenant demands evolve, sustainability has emerged as a cornerstone of this strategy. By focusing on environmentally conscious design and operations, operators align with tenants' growing expectations while delivering better outcomes for the planet.
Industrious exemplifies this trend with its guiding principle of enhancing tenant experience through Net Promoter Score (NPS). Their focus on welcoming, empowering, and delightful spaces demonstrates how sustainability and experience are increasingly intertwined in the flexible office sector.
2. A Holistic Approach to Differentiation
Across the industry, flexible workspace providers are embracing innovative practices to stand out:
- 15-Minute City Strategies: Many operators design spaces close to residential areas, reducing commutes and encouraging sustainable transportation like walking or biking
- Health-Conscious Design: Features like natural light, biophilic elements, and high indoor air quality are becoming standard to promote wellness.
- Community and Inclusion: Flexible offices are fostering meaningful workplace connections, addressing loneliness, and integrating local initiatives into their offerings.
Industrious serves as a leader in this holistic approach, notably with its "Powering Purpose" program that connects workspaces with community-driven initiatives.
3. Sustainability Through Collaboration
The flexible office model is uniquely positioned to drive sustainability through landlord partnerships. Operators who prioritize management agreements, like Industrious, can collaborate closely with building owners to integrate sustainable practices from the ground up. Whether it’s repurposing materials or aligning with broader ESG goals, these partnerships benefit tenants, landlords, and the environment.
4. Industry-Wide Certifications
Building certifications such as the WELL Coworking Rating are gaining traction across the flexible office industry, establishing benchmarks for health and sustainability.
Providers undergoing these certification processes are challenged to embed sustainability into every aspect of their operations, from initial design to daily management. Industrious, a WELL Coworking Rated space in the UK is one example of how these frameworks inspire operators to innovate further.
The WELL Coworking Rating was designed in line with best practice, and in partnership with operators. The attainability of the rating relies purely on the workspace operations rather than building and facilities operations, reducing a major barrier for operators in achieving sustainability certifications.
5. The Future of Flex: Sustainability-Driven Growth
Redmayne affirmed over the next five to 10 years, demand for sustainable and wellness-focused workspaces is expected to grow exponentially. Flexible office providers are uniquely suited to lead the charge by optimizing building usage, leveraging smart technologies, and delivering superior experiences.
Leaders like Industrious demonstrate how the sector can adapt to these growing demands, influencing landlord partnerships, site selection criteria, and operational strategies. As the industry evolves, sustainability will play an increasingly central role in shaping its future.
Final Thoughts
The flexible office industry is proving that sustainability and wellness aren’t just trends—they’re increasingly becoming part of the foundation of the future workplace. Industrious, with over 250 locations and 7 million square feet globally, serves as a prime example of how operators can lead the way.
By embedding sustainability into every aspect of operations, the industry is redefining what it means to create workspaces that are good for business and essential for the planet.
To become a WELL Coworking Rated workspace provider, get in touch with our team.
