More than a desk
Using the benefits of a shared office, and how organisations work and grow more efficiently with coworking concepts and flexible desks.
Imagine your organisation working in a space that is more than a desk. A space that connects teams, inspires creativity and reduces fixed costs at the same time. This is exactly where shared office and coworking concepts come in. Shared offices offer flexible desks, encourage exchange and open new ways of working together. This article shows what shared office and coworking mean in concrete terms, which benefits they offer, which challenges to watch for and how to make the change successfully.
Definition: a shared office is a model in which desks and infrastructure are used together by several organisations or teams. Coworking is a variant of it in which community, events and exchange are central as well.
Background and context
Why now? Organisations are under pressure to lower costs, raise agility and win talent. Shared office and coworking answer these needs, offer room for cooperation and increase visibility.
Lower cost and more flexibility: shared office models allow lower fixed costs per workplace and more flexible rental terms, which is ideal for growing or changing teams.
Access to infrastructure and services: organisations often gain access to meeting rooms, community events and technical infrastructure without a large initial investment.
Network and community effects: in a coworking environment, exchange with other teams and companies emerges, and that encourages cooperation, innovation and visibility.
Location advantage and appeal for employees: a well located shared office can motivate people, encourage presence and signal a modern working culture.
Easier scaling and growth: when your team grows, adding space within a shared office environment is usually simpler than under a long conventional lease.
Identity and culture in shared spaces: in shared space it can be hard to keep your own identity. Tip: design clearly defined zones of your own, use your brand colours or book meeting rooms exclusively for your team.
Availability and commitment: flexibility can also create uncertainty, for example too few fixed desks or changing surroundings. Tip: define binding times when your team is on site together.
Acoustics and concentration: open coworking areas can make concentration harder. Tip: use focus rooms, headphone zones or a booking system for quiet phases.
Check the rental model: flex desk, fixed desk, team room.
Clarify the infrastructure: internet, technology, cleaning, services.
Analyse the community services: events, network, visibility.
Define culture and identity: how does my organisation show up in the space?
Apply rules and processes: booking, cleaning, visitor management.
Step 1, analyse the need: examine how many desks your team needs, how often people work on site and which infrastructure is required.
Step 2, choose a suitable model: compare providers, locations, contract terms and services. Decide whether a community coworking environment or a privately rented team room makes more sense.
Step 3, set up space and organisation: design your space with lounge and meeting zones, quiet areas and branding elements. Set up processes for check in, replacement desks and reservations.
Step 4, integrate it into the team culture: guide your team towards presence and hybrid work. Set fixed hub days. Encourage exchange with the other members of the hub.
Step 5, monitoring and adjustment: track measures such as utilisation, cost and satisfaction. Adjust the rental model or the layout when needed. Establish feedback rounds with your team.
The market for shared office and coworking keeps growing. New models such as neighbourhood workspaces in residential areas or hubs for specific industries are emerging. Providers also rely more on technology, for example room booking via app or intelligent building control. Organisations that follow this trend early secure an advantage in flexibility and employee retention.
Shared office and coworking concepts mean more than saving space. They open opportunities for flexibility, community, growth and cost optimisation. With a clear strategy, a suitable setup and an active team culture, the entry into this modern working world succeeds.
Arrange a viewing in our shared office hub or contact us for an individual consultation.