New online platform to support ‘flexible’ workforce.

 

Officeworks has launched an online procurement platform offering customisable office supplies for the “flexible” workforce.

 

The new service, called ‘Flexiworks’, enables businesses to select a range of fit-for-purpose office supplies, furniture or technology for their employees. Each employee is then set up with an allowance to access and order what they need to work effectively from anywhere, at any time.

 

Sarah Hunter, managing director of Officeworks, said: “Working from anywhere is here to stay. Flexiworks is a platform for employers to ensure their hybrid workforce is always supported with what they need to work productively and safely from home, or anywhere. Flexiworks will save employers time on time-consuming logistical and administrative work, it will also make setting up or upgrading home offices easier for employees.” 

 

Research commissioned by Officeworks also found that almost two-thirds of employees reported being more satisfied (65 per-cent) and productive (62 per-cent) with their work from home arrangements than previous in-office arrangements, with 76 per-cent agreeing flexibility helped them maintain a better work-life balance.

 

The same number of employees (two-thirds) indicated that they would not consider a workplace if there was no working from anywhere or flexible working option available.

 

More than 70 per-cent of Australian employees reported experiencing adverse impacts on their health while working from home; 41 per-cent citing back or neck pain and 31 per-cent reporting eye strain. To combat this, Flexiworks offers ergonomic design advice and recommendations on products that may improve their work environment. 

 

Only half (55 per-cent) of employees said they had worked in a dedicated office or study when working from home, with the other half repurposing areas of the home such as the kitchen or living area (32 per-cent), spare room (29 per-cent), or bedroom (22 per-cent) to become work stations.

 

PHOTO: Officeworks' Lismore store under water during last week's floods.