The Office Group, a leading provider of flexible workspaces, today announces a significant rebranding initiative, merging its entire portfolio under the single brand name of Fora. This move, following the merger of The Office Group (TOG) and Fora in September 2022, positions Fora as a dominant player in the Central London flex workspace market.
More than 70 premium workspaces, accounting for over 3.2 million sq ft, will now form part of the newly branded Fora network. This consolidation results in one of the largest networks of individual premium, flexible workspaces in London, further expanding to nine key cities in the UK and extending into Germany. This extensive network is set to offer members greater value, with increased access and benefits across the combined portfolio. The rebranding aligns with the company’s strategic focus on meeting the evolving needs of the modern workforce and addressing occupier demand for premium, flexible workspaces.
Enrico Sanna, CEO of The Office Group, emphasises the importance of this rebranding as a milestone in the company’s growth journey. He highlights the company’s sustainable growth over the past 20 years, driven by its ability to respond to the changing requirements of the workforce. Sanna notes the high demand for premium spaces like Fora’s, as evidenced by occupancy rates exceeding 90% in established locations. The Fora brand, deriving from the plural of ‘forum’, represents the company’s commitment to fostering dynamic workspace experiences that cater to various workstyles.
Fora’s research, conducted in partnership with the Institute for Employment Studies, sheds light on current workplace trends. The study, involving 2,000 knowledge workers, reveals that nearly half feel their performance is compromised by their work environment, with this sentiment being even more pronounced among those under 35. London scores particularly low in employer appreciation of individual work styles, with 28% of knowledge workers perceiving their employers as oblivious to their preferences. The research also highlights a disparity in workplace satisfaction, with a notable difference between those who feel supported by their employers in their work styles and those who do not.
Sanna comments on the research findings, underscoring the need for workplaces to adapt to the diverse needs of individuals and teams. He advocates for workspaces that offer flexibility and support for various working styles, which is crucial for fostering a productive and engaged workforce. The research also points to a lack of employer awareness of individual preferences on working patterns and facilities, with 25% of employees feeling that their employers are not attuned to their individual workstyles.
The Office Group, supported by Blackstone and Brockton Capital, has witnessed a 36% increase in revenues year on year to October 2023. The expansion of its portfolio, including the opening of new workspaces like Chancery House and the Blue Fin building in London’s Bankside, reflects the company’s robust growth trajectory.
Astrid Allen, a research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies, remarks on the findings, highlighting the significance of worker autonomy. The research suggests that many organisations are not effectively supporting individual worker choice, potentially impacting both organisational performance and employee wellbeing. Allen’s observations underscore the need for employers to adopt more personalised approaches to workplace management.
