If you’re interested in finding a flexible office arrangement, it might feel overwhelming about where to start looking. With hundreds of sites online, the quest for a suitable office space can be time-consuming and lengthy. But worry not, at Desk London we’re here to help find the space for you. Flexible offices have boomed in popularity over recent years due to the adaptability they provide. Whether you want a hybrid working pattern, co-working space, or shared office, flexible offices can come in a range of workspaces and can suit the needs of various businesses, both big and small. Discover how you can find a flexible office space below.
What Is A Flexible Office Space?
A flexible office can include a variety of different spaces. Often, flexible spaces are ones that do not have assigned desks for employees, instead, the space can be adjusted based on the needs of those in the office on any particular day. Alternatively, a co-working space is a type of flexible office where the space is shared by a range of professionals and teams who can all benefit from the office facilities, without the full weight of the rental price.
Flexible offices are essentially spaces that do not operate in the same way as a traditional office. They are typically favoured by small businesses, startups, and freelancers as they can be more affordable than private spaces and have shorter rental periods. Particularly when combined with the increased uptake of hybrid and remote working models, flexible offices are a modern solution to the corporate business world.
How To Find A Flexible Office Space
To find your dream flexible office space, there are certain steps that can help you in your search. It is important to find the space that can best suit your business and employees so do not settle for the first office you stumble upon. Be sure to do your research and think critically about where you see your team.
Establish A Budget
First things first, you’ll need to figure out the budget for your working space. You might need to allow for rental costs depending on the type of flexible office you choose, as well as any set-up costs such as furniture and equipment. This way, you’ll automatically narrow down your search to see which spaces fall within your budget. There is no point in viewing spaces or properties that are too expensive as this is simply a waste of time and energy.
Narrow Down Location
Next, you should narrow down your location options. Try to be as specific as possible. For example, don’t just opt for flexible offices in London, instead decide on the district you’d like to be in and go from there. As this is one of the biggest factors when it comes to offices, you might want to consider transport links, surrounding businesses, and what the area is known for before finalising your decision. If you’re in an art-based industry, you might be looking at offices in Soho. Whatever you decide, make sure the area reflects your business and has all the local amenities you could need.
Compare Providers
You will then be in a position to search online at reliable property providers to see the types of flexible offices currently available. This will give you an understanding of the types of spaces available within your budget and in your chosen area. Be sure to compare providers across multiple sites to find the best office for your needs as each provider will offer different property types and agreements.
Arrange Viewings
Once you have narrowed down your options, you can start to tour potential flexible offices. Make sure to view every potential property in person as this will give you a much better feel for the place and whether you could see your team working there. Plenty of co-working and shared offices have tours available, as well as private spaces, so it is worth getting in touch with the provider to sort out viewings. It is also good to look around the local area, not just the space itself. Take a wander down the surrounding streets to see where you could potentially be located.
Look Over The Contract
The final step is to thoroughly look over your contract. Even with flexible spaces, you will possibly have a rental contract depending on the space, so make sure you read all the terms and conditions before signing. You don’t want to learn you have signed a lease for longer or shorter than expected. If you’re unsure, seek legal advice as this can help provide clarity over the situation. Once you’ve signed you’ll be free to move in and get settled into your new flexible office.
