Flexible workspaces add $254bn to local economies and contribute to worker well-being, study finds. A new report from IWG's operating brand Regus finds that the introduction of a flexible workspace adds an average $16.47m and a better quality of life to local economies.

According to a new report from Development Economics and commissioned by Regus, flexible-office space will contribute $254bn (£196bn) to local economies over the next 10 years. The research is an indication that providing more office space closer to home and cutting down on commute times is having a significant impact on both job creation and employee well-being, with the demand for flexspace on the rise in response to the changing nature of work.

Mark Dixon, the CEO of International Workplace Group (IWG), believes this growth in out-of-town workspace is partly down to support for a flexible working policy among employees: “When people commute into major cities, their wallets commute with them,” he says. “Working locally keeps that spending power closer to home. What this study shows is that providing more opportunities for people to work closer to home can have a tremendous effect, not just on them, but on their local area too.”

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The first major socioeconomic study of its kind, it found that the presence of flexspace created up to 128 new jobs and a Gross Value Add (GVA) – or sandwich economy – of $16.47m (£12.7m) per area.

The independently-conducted report examined 19 countries from Belgium to Brazil, and also revealed the positive impact a local workspace can have environmentally and socially. A local flexspace is expected to save an average of 7,416 hours in commuting time per year – and also help to save 118 metric tonnes of carbon in the process.

Globally, this amounts to 2,560,000 tonnes a year – the equivalent of 128,000 flights between London and New York – which has huge implications for the way we think about the where and how of work in the 21st century (especially when green issues and worker well-being are considered).

According to its author, Steve Lucas, the report shows a profound change in global working culture: “This study reveals a shift in jobs and capital growth moving outside of city centres, where it has been focused for the last few decades, into suburban locations,” he comments.

As the trend for a flexible-working policy continues to spread, the numbers are getting bigger too: from the roles created by running the building itself, to the ancillary jobs that spring up to serve the new business community. Amongst these many economic benefits, flexible office space is predicted to add a staggering $254bn of value to local economies around the globe over the next 10 years – roughly the same as the entire economy of the Czech Republic in 2019. It’s perhaps another indication that growth is still an important part of an economy – but it’s shifting location, and it’s doing so with the potential to be more evenly distributed.

 

As the world’s leading workspace-provider, the global reach that Regus provides means it can spread a positive influence that goes beyond the merely practical: its size allows it to make a real socio-economic impact on a local community, and a positive impact on quality of life. As new generations enter the workforce, question the old way of doing things, and respond to the various challenges presented by life today (from environmental considerations to a better work and life balance), flexwork appears here to stay.

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Check out Regus' flexible workspace locations to find a base for your international team!

 This content has been sponsored by IWG - an XpatAthens Brand Partner.
Originally published at Regus.com

How is your married life if you are married? How do you like your work? Do you live a life that makes sense to you? Talk about all this. Share your thoughts first with yourself, your partner, your children (depending on their age). Begin to recognize your emotions, to hear them, to express them. Accept them without criticism. I know it’s not easy. But this way you will come closer both to yourself and your loved ones. ☺

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Who Is Nadia Georgiou?
 

Nadia Georgiou is an international life coach and writer devoted to leading you to a life-changing journey by unveiling your infinite power and unlimited potential.

As a strong believer in "taking my responsibility in order to bring results" she founded "It's my life" life coaching services after more than 25 years in international corporate communications and while on top of her career. The creator of the seminars "Become Who You Really Are" for women and "We Are Not Born Parents. We Become Parents" for parents, she works with women who dare to live life on their terms, with parents who dare to try new approaches and with children of all ages, especially teenagers, who dare to take charge of their life early on - from all over the world.

Working together, like a coach and an athlete, she will be your avid supporter, your close and trusted partner, who listens to you while gently pushing you with care to discover your personal strength, break your fears and move from your "comfort zone" to the area of unlimited possibilities that exist within you. Nadia will give you the tools, know-how, and confidence to conquer your every new goal.

Nadia is also certified in Yoga Laughter, Pranic Healing and Body Mirror System of Healing and Self Knowledge. A Greek-American based in Athens, she's conversant in French and Italian. Trained at the Robbins Madanes Training Center and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management and a Master's in Communications and Public Relations. Nadia is married and has a daughter; she loves traveling, the arts, children's laughter and red wine.

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Read Nadia's first article, here
Visit Nadia's website, here

 

 

Greece is a beautiful country, with picturesque landscapes, amazing beaches and many more. Hence the fact it was voted one of the best countries in the world! Also, don't miss the chance to let some drone footage of Crete take your breath away!

Who would have expected that? Greece is making important steps towards a smoke-free country through campaigns and strict fines! Also, if you're thinking on going on an excursion then look no further, because Sparta might be the right destination for you! Discover more details in our newsletter.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, who would have known that this tradition also existed in Ancient Greece? Learn all about the ancient celebration in this week's newsletter!

Progress is good, no matter how small. That's why we're excited that our city, Athens, has been in the spotlight for some major changes. From a disabled lift being installed at the Acropolis of Athens to the UOA being the first university in the country to offer an undergraduate degree taught in English!

Two Greek museums, the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth and the Angelos Sikelianos Museum in Lefkada, have been nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) for 2020. The nominations were announced at the European Museum Forum, which gives out the award.

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth

The Museum of Ancient Corinth was founded in 1932 to house the objects brought to light by the archaeological excavations that were carried out in the area. In 2015 the east and south wings were refurbished, and the museum now hosts a new exhibition on ancient Corinth, which spans from the Geometric Period until its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC.

The Angelos Sikelianos Museum

The house of Angelos Sikelianos, which houses the homonymous museum, was acquired by the National Bank of Greece in 2009. After being renovated and transformed into a pioneering museum, it was inaugurated in October 2017. This unique museum that not only exhibits memorabilia of the famous Greek poet but also travels visitors into every aspect of his life and works through a groundbreaking architectural and museological approach!

 

EMYA is a prestigious European museum award which aims to promote innovative approaches in the museum sector throughout Europe. The European Museum Forum (EMF) Annual Conference and European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) Ceremony 2020 will take place in Cardiff, Wales, from 29 April to 2 May 2020.

To read more about the awards, please visit: The European Museum Forum
Photo Credit: Archaelogical Museum of Ancient Corinth

ReBrain Greece, a new pilot program for the repatriation of at least 500 Greek professionals with significant qualifications and expertise, was presented on Monday by Giannis Vroutsis, the Greek Minister of Labor, Social Insurance, and Social Solidarity.

The program aims to tackle the Greek brain drain issue by facilitating the gradual repatriation of highly-qualified Greek nationals who left Greece during the economic crisis in search of better-paying jobs.

The ReBrain Greece initiative guarantees the repatriated Greeks a minimum wage of €3,000 monthly month for at least two years. The program commits to paying €2,000 per month, while the employer companies will cover the remaining amount. At the end of the two years, the companies will continue to employ the professionals for at least one more year, continuing to pay a minimum monthly salary of €3,000.

 

Greeks aged between 28 and 40 with recognized international scientific and professional experience and post-grad academic credentials who are willing to the Greek labor market needs in new technologies will be able to register in the ReBrain Greece platform.

Greece does not only have breathtaking beaches and landscapes, but also a great variety of mouth-watering food! If you're in the capital, don't miss our recommendations for the top street food and sandwich spots in town. And of course, the best places for coffee lovers!