Insights

When it comes to flexible office spaces, nobody’s looking for a vocabulary lesson. The advantage of choosing a flexible office setup is its inherent simplicity. But when you’re in the thick of decision-making, trying to figure out which style best aligns with your company’s needs, the last thing you want is a bunch of jargon thrown at you. This makes flexibility seem inflexible. 

If you’re reading this, you may not know, but office spaces, are broken down into two core sections: flexible and leasehold office space. Before diving into subcategories of flexible offices, let’s just identify the major difference between flexible and leased properties.

Leasehold properties come with longer-term commitments. Opting for a leasehold typically means committing to a 3, 5, or even 10-year lease. Rent is paid directly to the landlord, and the occupier is responsible for managing pretty much everything. If you want to find out more about leaseholds, stay tuned to our next blog post!

Flexible spaces are exactly as they sound – flexible. Opting for this route is a fantastic strategy for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to maintain agility in times of fluctuations in profitability or overheads.

In today’s landscape, especially in Central London, most flexible offices offer amenities such as wellness centres/gyms. Flexible offices come with multiple benefits around culture, productivity, employee performance and networking opportunities.

Flexible offices are split into 2 core sections:

1. Serviced office/co-working
2. Managed office

Serviced offices are move-in ready, and the service office provider gives you everything you need from the get-go. This typically includes all-inclusive monthly bills, with provider-covered facilities management, an on-site support team, communal kitchens/break-out spaces, meeting room access, collaborative spaces, and cleaning/maintenance services. Serviced offices offer flexible, fully furnished spaces with shared amenities and shorter leases. They are ideal for businesses seeking immediate, hassle-free setups with networking opportunities and maximum flexibility to accommodate changing headcounts. 

Serviced offices also offer co-working facilities. When it comes to co-working, you can simply book a single seat and work in a co-habituating environment with other businesses. They are a great, cost-effective office solution and are ideal for start-ups and single professionals looking for shared office dynamics.

Managed offices are leased for longer durations as self-contained units to single businesses, providing more privacy and personalised branding options. They suit those who prioritise exclusive, tailored, and seamless properties. A managed office bridges the gap between serviced environments and your stand-alone leases. Think of it as a hybrid product that sits between the two markets. They are often considered the step before committing to a full leasehold property. 

Once you’ve decided that flexible office space is the route for you, the next difficult decision is whether serviced or managed is the right fit for your current business model. In a nutshell, making the right decision can be complicated. It’s paramount to take these considerations into account:

Written by Olivia Hunt