More and more modern professionals and businesses are adapting flexible workspaces. This work solution allows you to work whenever and wherever you want on a flexible basis that suits your needs at the time. This article delves into three workspace solutions that are transforming how we work: meeting rooms, hot desks and private office spaces. Let’s get started.
What is flexible working?
According to the UK government, flexible working ‘is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, for example having flexible start and finish times, or working from home’. Although this explanation already indicates what flexible working is, we use the term somewhat more broadly:
Flexible working is a way of working that allows modern professionals to choose where and when they work to meet their changing needs. This approach enables them to work from external, flexible workspaces during their preferred hours of the day without signing a contract for a long period. These workspaces include a meeting room, office space or hot desk.
What is a flexible workspace?
Like flexible working, many use the term ‘flexible workplace’ differently. That’s because you can interpret the term in different ways. For example, some people think that it is one office space with several desk layouts. Therefore, we came up with our own term.
A flexible workspace is a physical space you can rent short-term (for an hour, a full day or a week), designed to accommodate the dynamic needs of today’s workers. These spaces can be meeting rooms, hot desks or serviced offices, often found in coworking spaces. Flexible workspaces are designed for adaptability, collaboration, and cost-efficiency, catering to freelancers, remote workers, business travellers, startups, and even enterprises.
Reading tip: Find Your Ideal Workspace for Maximum Productivity
Traditional vs. flexible workspaces
Flexible workspaces differ significantly from traditional workspaces when it comes to details such as structure, purpose, and adaptability.
Traditional workspaces
Traditional workspaces are fixed locations you rent for five years or more. Expanding, downsizing or relocating your business is difficult because you have signed for a fixed contract. So you can’t just say, “Today, my business expands, so I’m moving to another location”. Also, you often have to manage any equipment and service yourself, which makes you spend a lot of money to invest in both.
Flexible workspaces
Flexible workspaces are the opposite of the traditional ones. You can rent the workspace on a flexible basis when you need it. You can even rent the space at the very last minute, for example, when you are travelling for business abroad and are looking for a meeting room to meet with clients or a hot desk to work. Also, these flexible spaces are fully equipped with all the facilities you require. For example, high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, and shared amenities like kitchens and a game room. You don’t have to think about these facilities and can get straight to work.
| Flexible workspaces | Traditional workspaces | |
| Duration | Short-term (for one hour to a week) | Long-term (usually 1 to 5 years or more) |
| Upfront costs | None to minimal (can include a deposit) | High (security deposit, renovation costs, and more) |
| Furnishing | Fully furnished, plug-and-play | Unfurnished |
| Scalability | Flexible (based on your current needs) | Hard (requires finding new tenants or office space) |
| Maintenance | Handled by provider (all-inclusive service) | Handled by the tenant |
| Facilities | Pre-installed (internet, printers, and others) | Requires setup (IT installation often separate) |
| Shared spaces | Access to shared rooms | No access to shared spaces (must rent separately if needed) |
The difference between flexible and traditional workspaces
The rise of flexible workspaces
You might be wondering why flexible workspaces have suddenly gained so much popularity. While they may seem like a new trend, they’ve actually been a go-to solution for freelancers and start-ups for years, offering a cost-effective alternative to long-term office leases. What’s different now is that a growing number of professionals across various industries are embracing flexible working. But where did it all begin?
COVID-19 in 2020
It was in the year 2020, the start of a global pandemic: COVID-19. The way we worked changed drastically. Offices, stores, and many more buildings were forced to close to avoid spreading the virus, which suddenly required us to adapt to working from home. Despite this drastic change, substantial costs, such as rent, were still being incurred for spaces that weren’t used. As companies sought to cut expenses and adjust to the office culture, many began questioning the necessity of traditional, fixed office spaces. This shift led to the rise of flexible workspaces, offering cost-effective, adaptable solutions aligned with the new way of working. Flexible workspaces became the right fit. Today, flexible workspaces are no longer the domain of freelancers and start-ups alone. They have become a go-to choice for many organisations, from large corporations to small businesses.
7 benefits of a flexible workspace
A flexible workspace is a perfect fit for modern professionals and organisations because it offers you several benefits. Let’s look at seven of them.
1. Flexible
A flexible workspace allows you to adapt quickly to your needs. Do you need a work spot for just a day, because you are travelling abroad? Choose a hot desk. Are you mediating between two parties? A meeting room on neutral ground is an excellent choice. This adaptability saves time, energy, and resources.
2. Hassle-free
Flexible workspaces take the stress out of managing office logistics because these spaces are fully equipped with everything you need as a professional. With everything from high-speed internet to ergonomic furniture already in place, you can focus on your work without worrying about setup or maintenance. You simply walk in and start working.
3. Professional
You and/or your employees have access to a well-designed, modern environment, especially when you and/or they can’t or won’t work from home or in a hotel room. Imagine you are a freelancer and want to meet with a client. Meeting at your home does not look very professional. A flexible meeting room is a better solution to increase your credibility.
4. Saving costs
You pay only for the time and space you use, which means no wasted expenses on unused office space. Also, high-quality facilities and amenities are available, so you don’t need to invest much money in it.
5. Convenient facilities
Flexible workspaces come equipped with convenient facilities that cater to your needs. These spaces often include high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, and access to shared amenities like kitchens and breakout areas. Some venues even offer extras such as fitness centres, cafés, or relaxation areas to enhance your work-life balance.
6. Nearby amenities
Flexible workspaces are often strategically located in bustling areas, providing easy access to a wide range of nearby amenities. Whether you fancy a quick coffee break, travel by public transport, or want to unwind after a productive day, you’ll find everything you need just a stone’s throw away.
7. High-quality support
Last but not least, you have support from an on-site team. Whether you need help with a technical issue at your hot desk or setting up your presentation in a meeting room, the dedicated support team is always on hand to assist. The support team makes your workday as smooth as possible.
Reading tip: Last Minute Booking of a Flexible Workspace
3 flexible workspace solutions you need to know
When you are looking for a flexible workplace, there are several options to choose from. At Wezoo, you have three options: a meeting room, flexible office space and a hot desk. Let’s explore these three flexible workspace solutions you need to know and discover how they can elevate your work experience.
1. Meeting rooms
A meeting room is a dedicated space designed for activities such as collaboration, discussions, and presentations. Whether it’s a boardroom, conference room, or training space, these rooms are thoughtfully designed to support productivity and professionalism. These modern meeting rooms are often equipped with essential tools and technology to streamline effective communication, such as high-speed internet, a video conferencing setup, a whiteboard and ergonomic furniture.
- Duration: From one hour up to a full day
- Perfect for: meet with colleagues, partners, or clients
2. Flexible office spaces
A flexible office space is a serviced, private office that you can rent on a flexible basis to suit your needs. Whether you need it for a single day or several months, flexible office spaces adapt to your timeline (more details below). The office layout is often fully furnished and equipped with (shared) amenities like kitchens, lounges, and high-speed internet, providing a professional yet convenient workspace to focus on your tasks.
Private day office
A private day office is an office you can rent for just one day at a short notice. This can be, for example, for an offsite meeting. These offices provide a professional setting for individuals or small (international) teams to collaborate, brainstorm, or tackle projects face-to-face with minimal disruption. The on-demand flexibility allows you to book a space only when needed.
- Duration: A day
- Perfect for: Small (international) teams or individuals
Short-term flexible office space
A short-term private office is an excellent choice for businesses adopting hybrid or remote work models. You can rent these private offices every week, or every other week, for a couple of days a week for team activities and work remotely, for example, from home, on other days. This approach is ideal for modern businesses seeking to reduce costs while still offering their teams a dedicated, professional environment.
- Duration: One to three days, every week
- Perfect for: Hybrid teams
Longer-term flexible office space
A longer-term private office offers businesses a permanent workspace on a monthly basis. This flexible solution allows you to expand, downsize, or relocate easily without multi-year leases’ financial commitments or constraints. This makes longer-term flexible offices an excellent option for businesses navigating growth, seasonal demands, or evolving market conditions.
- Duration: One to several months
- Perfect for: Businesses that require a more permanent space
3. Hot desks
A hot desk is a desk in a coworking space available for every modern professional looking for a temporary, flexible place to work. It means the desk isn’t dedicated to someone (which is the case with a dedicated desk), but you can choose between adaptable workstations or another seat upon arrival. Besides, you can use the shared facilities and amenities, such as a kitchen area, printing services and breakout rooms.
- Duration: a day
- Perfect for: Business travellers, remote workers, and freelancers
What is an example of a flexible workspace?
A great example of a flexible workspace is X+Why The Kenrick in London. This venue offers a beautiful meeting room, ‘Reception Meeting Room’, equipped with tools such as a conference phone setup, a large display, and a whiteboard. Another example is Spacemade Beton in London, where you can book a hot desk with coffee, tea, and natural light. And for a private office space, Venture X White City offers you fully furnished, ready-to-move-in spaces.
Need more inspiration? Check out our article with the best coworking spaces in London.
Who uses flexible workspaces?
Flexible workspaces are used by different kinds of modern professionals and businesses, each benefiting from them.
- Business travellers often use flexible workspaces to find a productive spot while on the move, ensuring they remain efficient and connected.
- Freelancers and consultants appreciate the professional setting and networking opportunities.
- Small businesses find flexible workspaces ideal for scaling operations without the burden of long-term leases, allowing them to grow.
- Global companies and enterprises use these spaces for their teams, particularly for short-term projects or when they want to offer a professional location for their employees.
How can you find a flexible workspace?
Finding a flexible workspace is easier than you think. At Wezoo, you can find several flexible workspace options, from a meeting room to a hot desk. We’ve created a map that shows, at a glance, which co-working has available hot desks and meeting rooms and what amenities are included. Are you looking for a flexible private office space? Please contact us; we will help you find the perfect office space near you or your preferred location.
5 things to consider when using a flexible workspace
- Location: Choose a flexible workspace in a convenient area. For example, it is close to transport links and essential amenities.
- Size: For meeting rooms or office space, ensure the location comfortably accommodates your team and equipment.
- Budget: Decide what your budget is. Some flexible workspace locations are more expensive than others.
- Amenities and facilities: Look for spaces with the necessary amenities, such as high-speed internet and meeting rooms, to support your work needs.
- (Future) plans: Consider how the workspace can adapt to your evolving business goals.
Book your flexible workspace option at Wezoo now
Flexible workspaces are becoming popular due to their adaptability and cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional offices with long-term leases, flexible workspaces can be rented short-term and come fully equipped with necessary high-quality facilities like internet and furniture. Whether you are an individual and want to book a hot desk when travelling abroad, want to meet with (international) clients in a professional meeting room or are looking for a flexible office space that easily adapts to your needs.
Book a hot desk or hire a meeting room at Wezoo now and see how easily the booking process works. You can also contact us if you are looking for a flexible office space.
