Flexible office spaces have become quite popular these days. These adaptable environments support the changing needs of modern professionals. Whether they need an office for a day or for a few months. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the concept of flexible office spaces, exploring their advantages and the diverse options available.
In this article, you will read:
- What is a flexible office space?
- The evolution of flexible office spaces during COVID-19
- 3 different flexible office space options
- 8 reasons to choose for a flexible office space
- Who uses flexible office spaces?
- Factors to consider when choosing a flexible office space
- How do you find a perfect office space?
- The future of flexible office spaces
What is a flexible office space?
The term ‘flexible office space’ can mean different things to different people. At Wezoo, we see flexible office spaces as serviced offices that you can rent flexibly to meet your changing needs. You can rent a flexible office space for as little as one day or stay for several months. These spaces are often fully furnished and include (shared) amenities like kitchens, lounges and high-speed internet. It is an ideal solution for businesses such as start-ups and established companies that require overflow space. Flexible office spaces can often be found in flexible coworking spaces or a shared office space, where you can also find hot desks, dedicated desks and meeting rooms.
Flexible vs. traditional office space
You may be wondering what the difference is between flexible office spaces and traditional offices. The main difference is that flexible office spaces offer flexibility for your changing needs. So if you expand, downsize or relocate your business, you are not stuck with a contract for a longer period of time. After all, traditional leases might well be 5 years or more.
Another difference is the price, or the costs. Traditional office spaces often come without any furniture, amenities, and other essential equipment. This means you must make investments in advance and, in the worst case, wait a long time before you can use the office space because of the construction work. In contrast, flexible office spaces are often offered as ‘turnkey’ or ‘plug and play’, meaning the space is fully equipped with furniture and more. It not only reduces costs, but it is also a practical solution for, for example, professionals who are temporarily working abroad and do not have the time and money to set up from scratch.
The evolution of flexible office spaces during COVID-19
COVID-19 forced companies to rethink their operations drastically. Before the pandemic, traditional office setups were the norm, with employees commuting daily to fixed locations. Freelancers and start-ups primarily used flexible office spaces as a cost-effective solution without commitments for years.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, working from home became the norm and office buildings were left empty for long periods while costs, such as rent, were still being incurred. This situation led to a growing need for adaptable workspaces, driven by the shift towards remote and hybrid working models with the comfort of working from home.
Today, different kinds of organisations, from large corporations to small firms, are adapting flexible office spaces. These spaces now cater to different, changing needs, providing the flexibility that companies want.
3 different flexible office space options
Several flexible office spaces are available, designed to suit different business needs. Whether you’re searching for a private day office or a longer-term private office. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the specific features and benefits of each option.
1. Private day office
A private day office is ideal for professionals who need an (off-site) office for a day at short notice. Booking a private day office allows small (international) teams to use it as a collaborative space to brainstorm or tackle projects in person. The on-demand nature of these offices means you can secure a space precisely when you need it, without the commitment of a lease for several years.
- Duration: A day
- Perfect for: Small (international) teams or individuals
2. Short-term private office
A short-term private office is ideal for organisations that have adopted the hybrid or remote working method. Every week, or every other week, they rent an office of their choice for a couple days a week. The other workdays are spent elsewhere, individually or as a team.. These offices perfectly fit modern businesses looking to save costs while providing their teams with a dedicated, professional environment. Short-term private offices are provided as a turnkey solution, complete with essential amenities, including high-speed internet and ergonomic furniture.
- Duration: One to three days a week
- Perfect for: Hybrid teams
3. Longer-term private office
A longer-term private office provides businesses with a permanent environment on a monthly basis. It is a cost-effective solution that allows businesses to manage their costs without the burden of traditional leases for several years. They can expand, downsize or relocate their business as required. Longer-term private offices can also be fully furnished and equipped with essential amenities, allowing you to save on costs, move in, and start working immediately.
- Duration: One to several months
- Perfect for: Businesses that require a more permanent space
8 reasons to choose for a flexible office space
A flexible office space has many benefits. Let’s look at eight of them.
1. Flexible
Flexible office spaces allow you to choose a duration that suits your needs, whether it’s short-term or longer-term. You can book an office space for a day or a few months without committing to a lease for several years.
2. Professional
Flexible office spaces provide a professional environment for your employees when they can’t or won’t work from home or in a hotel room. This not only increases your team’s productivity, but also builds trust with visiting clients and partners.
3. Saving costs
Temporary office rentals eliminate the need for significant investments in furniture and other equipment. Instead, they provide a turnkey solution; fully equipped and ready for immediate use.
4. Adaptable to your needs
Whether you start small and expand over time or downsize when necessary, flexible office spaces can be easily tailored to fit your business needs. You can often change your contract on a monthly basis to avoid a financial burden on the company.
5. Convenient facilities
You have access to essential facilities to make your working day more productive. Typically, these spaces are equipped with high-speed internet, ergonomic office furniture, and shared amenities such as kitchens and a game room, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. Facilities may vary from location to location.
6. Nearby amenities
Having nearby amenities such as cafés, restaurants, and public transport is a significant business advantage. Flexible office spaces are often strategically located in prime areas to ensure these benefits are within easy reach.
7. Service and support
Flexible office spaces come with service and support, from reception to IT assistance. The availability of professional services allows you to focus on your business and transforms your workspace into a seamless, professional environment.
8. Fully equipped and ready to use
From high-speed internet to ergonomic furniture, these flexible spaces are designed to support your business needs. You can enjoy the convenience of ready-to-use offices with minimal setup required.
Who uses flexible office spaces?
Flexible office spaces cater to a wide range of users. Previously, start-ups and freelancers with small budgets mainly used these spaces. Nowadays, a wide range of companies use flexible office spaces, mainly due to flexible contracts. They can be large international organisations, small companies, consultants, travelling professionals and much more.
Factors to consider when choosing a flexible office space
Do you want to rent a flexible office space? Good choice! But before you decide, looking at your requirements is a good idea. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Location: Ensure the office is easily accessible for you and the employees.
- Company size: Choose a space that can accommodate your current team, not too small or too large.
- Budget: Decide what your budget is. Some flexible office spaces are more expensive than others.
- Amenities: Check the availability of essential facilities such as high-speed internet and (shared) kitchen areas.
- Future plans: Consider future plans to decide which office space best suits your company. Are you looking for a permanent place? Or do you want to offer your employees a workplace on an ad hoc basis?
How do you find a perfect office space?
Finding a flexible office space is easy with the right approach. You can find these office space solutions through Wezoo. Contact us with your flexible office space request and you will discover flexible offices near you or your preferred location.
The future of flexible office spaces
After COVID-19, we can’t ignore hybrid working models any longer. With the rise of remote working, flexible office spaces are becoming indispensable. More and more venues are opening their doors, offering professionals a flexible contract for office spaces. The future of flexible office spaces is bright and promising, fuelled by the growing demand for working environments that provide adaptability and convenience, ensuring that businesses and their employees can thrive.
Are you looking for more trends? Read our article about the future of coworking.
