Hybrid working started as a necessity which then grew into a trend and evolved as the new norm for many organizations around the world. The State of Hybrid Work Report 2024 revealed that 27% of workers are currently working in a hybrid format, with 41% stating 3 days a week are in-office.
With this number predicted to continue to rise, it’s important that all businesses looking to introduce a WFO policy are equipped to make the transition as seamless as possible for the entire team. Investing in office management tools you can rely on can make a huge difference, so here is our guide to the top 5 we recommend for hybrid working.
- Space Managament
- Space Manager
- Desk Booking App
- Wayfinding Digital Signage
- Workplace Indicators (PAL)
Office Management Tools for Hybrid Working 2025
1. Space Management
Are you pressured to fully utilize your space? Do you find it difficult to make mandates a reality and accommodate team dynamics or individual WFO preferences?
We understand that it can be quite overwhelming to address all your specific priorities and limitations, so our hybrid intelligent platform – Space Management – takes all your requirements into consideration to build a hybrid plan for you.
It considers factors such as the number of workspaces and employees you have, your employee office day preferences, work from office (WFO) mandates, team dynamics and individual needs.
From here, Space Management calculates and defines a customized plan – which can be adjusted as your organization evolves – so you can execute the perfect hybrid pattern for you. It can also be integrated with other tools mentioned below.
2. Space Manager
Our Space Manager helps you visualize the customized plan Space Management has created for your business through its admin portal and make adjustments if and when needed. It gives you the ability to manage and adjust space usage based on demand, allowing you to fully maximize your space in different days of the week. By allocating spaces that meet both team and business needs, you can enhance the in-office experience. Power your hybrid plan by using Space Manager from Freespace.
3. Desk Booking App
To enhance the in-office experience even more, leverage the Desk Booking App. This App enables more than just ‘booking desks’, it empowers your workforce to easily reserve the spaces they need, enhance collaboration by connecting teams instantly and optimize workplace efficiency through 1 intuitive platform.
You can quickly pre-book desks, meeting rooms, car parking, lockers and more, based on your organizational preferences and team’s or individual needs. Plus, by using ‘My Circle’ and ‘My Teams’, you can coordinate schedules with colleagues and within departments. If anyone’s schedule changes, you will be able to stay up to date with the app’s live status reporting, making office days’ work for you and your team.
With over 8 million bookings in 2024, our Desk Booking App is trusted by organizations globally. Clients, like Mastercard, leverage our app with Space Management to optimize space usage across the week, align with WFO mandates, and meet both team and individual needs, all while boosting collaboration. We help them deliver a successful, tailored hybrid work experience.
4. Digital Signage
Wayfinding Digital Signage allows you to display real-time occupancy data captured from Workplace Sensors in your office space – often placed in lobbies, hallways or open spaces. Live wayfinding and interactive floorplans help employees and visitors easily find their way around the floor or building, ensuring a smooth return to the office.
You can enhance accuracy even more by integrating the Desk Booking App to include data captured which automatically updates on Digital Signage screens. Not only this, but Signage can be fully tailored to your organization; from branding requirements and informative announcements to meeting room statuses.
Working towards a smarter, more efficient office experience comes with its own challenges, but make your team feel more comfortable by providing seamless visibility and navigation with Wayfinding Digital Signage.
5. Workplace Indicators (PAL)
Take visibility even further with Workplace Indicators. Our Proximity Assisted Light (PAL) Indicators are intuitively color-coded to show real-time space availability of different types of workspaces. From desks to meeting rooms, phone booths to collaboration areas, your team will easily see which spaces are available when returning to the office.
Uncertainty about space availability is one of the most prevalent forms of situational anxiety with hybrid working which can be overcome by using PAL Indicators. No matter whether you’ve booked through the Desk Booking App or arrived to the office unprepared, your employees can quickly find available workspaces without hunting or confusion.
Our workplace intelligence platform can help you deliver hybrid, your way by designing a unique plan that addresses your specific priorities and needs and execute it with tools for employees and space managers.
Implement a successful hybrid model for your business, book a demo today or get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
