Businesses can capitalize on the evolving nature of the office by striking a balance that combines virtual and physical work space. Unless you have been on vacation for the past few years, you are probably aware that the workplac we know it its rapidly changing. The 9-to-5 routine spent in an "official' office is giving way to the virtual work environment; the at-my-desk-by-8:59 is becoming the on my Blackberry 24/7, and the Starbucks coffee break has become the Starbucks "home" office. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Businesses can capitalize on the evolving nature of the office by striking a balance that combines virtual and physical work and space. This could eventually increase productivity and lower costs without giving up company culture or individual motivation. Information technology has changed the ideas of where work happens and the role of buildings. Innovative corporate leaders have already recognized that technology allows their employees to be mobile, to work with colleagues remotely and across time zones, and to get work done in a variety of settings both inside and outside of the traditional office. These businesses have saved money, increased work fexibility, and made the best use of their real estate. And these new flexible workplaces are also providing gains in worker productivity. Today, companies are increasingly focusing on work done (which is traditionally thought to require an enclosed office space) while also allowing for the significant benefits of open andflexible office environments, including creativity, knowledge, teamwork and coordination. We know that open environments can promote interaction and knowedge sharing So what is the solution? Enter the hybrid workplace. Hybrid environments provide a mix of enclosed and open work spaces that are available for users to occupy on an as-needed basis. The mobility we now have allows individuals to choose how and where they work best. A flexible work environment can balance the needs for individual work with the need for interaction. The arrival of mobile technology and mobile ways of using apace means that companies don't really need to decide between openness versus enclosure when designing a workplace. Hybrid work spaces offer both open and closed environments that can be useful in a variety of ways. In a hybrid workplace, employees have the option of working individually in a quiet space or working with their colleagues in open, collaborative team areas or rooms