Flexible Workspace is Not Shared Office Space

Ok, well it is, kind of… but not exactly.

Flexible workspace is shared as in several companies operate in one business centre (or flexible workspace centre) under one roof.

The companies are within their own private, lockable office suites and, effectively, share services such as utilities, receptionist services, buildings insurance, IT and telephony infrastructure, and office cleaning services – which, incidentally, are already excellent (they had to be) but have now been taken to laboratory-like standards by all office and workspace providers – as well as other operating overheads.

This shared nature creates efficiencies, convenience and flexibility as these offices and workspaces are ready-to-go and turnkey in effect.

Additionally, the services are rolled into the monthly fee payment making these workspaces ‘all-inclusive’.

Flexibility is further enhanced by the fact that the licences that the offices and workspaces are held on are flexible contracts that are ‘easy-in and easy-out’, and also allow companies to rapidly upscale and downscale their workspace footprint at short notice.

Co-working spaces are also ‘shared’ workspaces – members of these spaces enjoy the above benefits, however, the desks and workstations are laid out in more open settings.

Pre-social-distancing, users of co-working spaces, in the most part, tended to work a fair distance from each other in these shared workspaces, for the reasons of privacy and personal space.

Many providers also incorporate ‘pods’ into their fit-outs, too as many users have always enjoyed the option of the extra space and privacy that they provide.

So, social-distancing rules in place or not, users will work, as they always have done, at fair distances from each other.

That being said, formalised protocols are currently being drawn up by all providers and operators that provide the unique benefits of flexible workspace whilst strictly adhering to government guidelines.

If you would like to discuss the nuances of flexible workspace, the various products under the umbrella term, and how it can add flexibility into your company’s real estate strategy, we are here to help.

You can contact the team for free advice at: contactus@theofficeproviders.com

And UK (Freephone) 0800 0843 061 and +44 (0) 203 051 2375

We are regulated by RICS and our flexible workspace advisory, acquisition and tenant representation services are FREE, always.