If you’re looking for office space and have come across the term “flexible workspace”, you may be wondering: What is a flexible workspace, and how does it work? Flexible workspaces offer businesses ready-to-use offices and desks where they do not have to pay for an office fit-out or sign a long-term lease.
In this blog, we’ll look at what a flexible workspace is and how it differs from a traditional office space. We’ll also cover the main types of flexible workspace and how to choose the right option for your business.
Understanding the Flexible Workspace Model
The flexible workspace model generally offers flexibility in two main areas: the terms of the agreement and how the workspace is used. These can shape everything from how long a business uses the space to how employees work in their day-to-day.
Flexibility in Lease Terms
Traditional commercial leases often require significant upfront capital, including security deposits and office fit-out expenses. Flexible workspaces offer shorter agreements, allowing businesses to adjust the amount of space they use as their team grows.
This can also be useful for businesses or companies testing a new location. Rather than committing to more space than they need, businesses can adjust their workspace as their circumstances change.
Flexibility in Work Structure
Flexible workspaces can also change the way teams use an office from day to day. Many support hybrid work, where employees split their time between home and the office. Hotdesking is another common option, where staff may use any available desk instead of maintaining a fixed seat.
This can suit businesses where staff do not need to be in the office every day, as well as teams whose sizes vary by project or contract.
Serviced Offices vs Coworking Spaces
Two of the most common types of flexible workspace are serviced offices and coworking spaces. While they share some similarities, each offers a different way for businesses to use office space.
Serviced offices are private, fully furnished offices available on flexible terms. They suit businesses that want a dedicated space for their team while still having access to shared amenities such as reception services and meeting rooms.
Coworking spaces, on the other hand, are shared work environments where individuals or small teams work alongside other businesses in an open or semi-open setting. These spaces are well suited to freelancers, solopreneurs, or small teams who want a professional environment without the cost of a private office.
Amenities Commonly Found in Flexible Workspaces
Flexible workspaces often include a range of amenities, many of which are covered by membership plans at no extra cost. These amenities are designed to remove the operational burden of running an office.
Common inclusions are:
- Business-grade internet: Reliable, secure connectivity so your team can work without interruptions.
- Meeting and boardrooms: Fully equipped rooms available for booking, useful for client meetings or internal collaboration without needing a dedicated space full-time.
- 24/7 secure access: Access to the workspace outside standard business hours, allowing teams to work early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends.
- Reception services: A professional team that greets visitors, manages mail, and provides administrative support.
- Plug-and-play coworking desks: Desks that are ready to use immediately, with power, internet, and furniture already set up.
- Networking opportunities: Regular networking events and time spent with other businesses can make it easier to meet new people, build professional connections, and exchange ideas.
- Secure lockers: Storage for personal belongings, useful for those who don’t have a fixed desk.
- Lounge and kitchen areas: Common areas for breaks, informal meetings, or a change of scenery during the workday.
Beyond these, many flexible workspaces also offer printing facilities, parking, and end-of-trip facilities such as showers for those who cycle or walk to work. The exact amenities available can vary between providers, with some offering more facilities than others.
Who Benefits From a Flexible Workspace?
Flexible workspaces can suit a wide range of businesses, with different businesses choosing them for different reasons.
- Startups and small businesses often choose flexible workspaces to avoid the high upfront costs of fitting out a traditional office while also benefiting from the amenities already included with the workspace.
- Established businesses may use flexible workspaces when expanding their operations, allowing them to test a new location or accommodate a larger team before committing to a longer-term lease.
- Remote and hybrid teams benefit from having a professional base to work from occasionally, without needing a permanent desk for every employee.
- Freelancers and contractors frequently use coworking spaces as an alternative to working from home, gaining access to a professional environment and networking opportunities without the overhead of a private office.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Flexible Workspace
Before signing an agreement, it’s worth considering a few practical factors:
- Location: Consider the location of the workspace, as a good location will put you closer to public transport, cafes, clients, and nearby restaurants.
- Included amenities: Confirm what is included in the membership, such as meeting room credits or printing allowances, and what incurs additional charges.
- Contract flexibility: Check whether the lease term is flexible, with options such as monthly agreements rather than a long-term commitment.
- Capacity for growth: If your business is likely to grow, ask whether the provider can accommodate additional desks or a larger private office within the same building.
Taking the time to compare these factors with your business needs will help ensure that the space you choose supports how your team works.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
To answer the question, “What is a flexible workspace?”, we can say that a flexible workspace offers flexibility in both lease terms and how businesses use the space. Whether through a serviced office or a coworking space, businesses can access a professional environment and practical amenities, adjusting their space as their business needs change.
Connect Offices offers flexible workspace options designed around different business needs. Book a tour to see the space firsthand and find an option that suits your team.