The world of remote working and flexible office space is continuing to grow as more and more businesses are realising the benefits that this way of working brings. Flexible workspace providers who are offering serviced offices, co-working spaces and managed private offices have responded very quickly to the Government’s guidelines on COVID-19 secure offices. Like many others, here at McCue House, we have gone beyond the mandatory measures in order to help our members feel safe and welcome in our office spaces.
What most business owners don’t realise is that when the phrase ‘shared office’ is mentioned, people automatically think of big, open coworking spaces with little privacy. This is not always the case, as many serviced office providers offer a mixture of private offices alongside coworking desks.
If you are considering making the move into a shared offices space, here are some of the main reasons which might help sway your mind.
1. Time Is Money
One of the biggest advantages of running your business from shared office space is the cost. If you were to rent out your own office, rent costs would be much higher, and that is before you have even thought about the ongoing expenses of broadband, electricity, heating and business rates. You would also need to purchase furniture for the office too, which can quickly start racking up the pounds.
Flexible office spaces are very quick and easy to move into as all the facilities and furniture are there ready. Time is money, and if you can rent an office space that requires no additional thought other than taking your own laptop in each day, it is a much better option.
2. Grow Your Business
With flexible office spaces, you can rent the exact size space needed for your business at a given time. So if you are a one-man band, a coworking area might be best, to begin with. However, as your business grows, you could then move to a larger two or three-person private office. This is a much cheaper option than renting a traditional office and only occupying a small proportion of the space in the early years of your business. You would literally be paying to heat an empty space in winter!
Flexibility is the main thing that separates shared office spaces from traditional offices. They are much more cost-effective, and if your business grows (or shrinks) then there is the option to move into a different size office to suit your needs.
3. Professional Service
Serviced offices take a lot of stress and pressure away from business owners as all of the utilities, security and equipment are all there ready. This means that you can focus on running your business, rather than on tedious administrative tasks.
As part of your all-inclusive monthly bill, you will have access to a range of other services from utilities and office maintenance to a staffed reception desk and 24/7 access. This means you can take advantage of a wide range of services without having to cover the full cost of these yourself.
4. Prime Location
Traditional offices in city locations are always incredibly expensive to rent and are often way out of reach for start-ups or smaller businesses. Flexible office spaces are commonly found within these prime locations and give you the best of both worlds. Allowing you to work within a central, city location but at a fraction of the cost of renting your own space as you are sharing the office.
5. Collaboration Opportunities
Flexible offices can include private, shared, managed and co-working spaces. Those shared areas give businesses the chance to talk and collaborate with like-minded individuals which whom they may not have connected outside of the shared office space.
Traditional offices are very secluded and whilst there maybe a couple of businesses working within the same building, everyone keeps themselves to themselves. Complementary businesses often operate from shared offices, which helps to build the referral network between them. If you would prefer your own office space that is also an option, we provide both here at McCue House.
6. Breakout Areas
Taking several breaks during the day is really important, which has been highlighted even more during the pandemic where the lines between home and work have become very blurred for most. Breakout areas are usually present in coworking spaces and are a great place for employees to relax away from the desk. They also provide a networking opportunity as other businesses will use these areas at different times throughout the day.
Breakout areas in shared office spaces often include gaming areas or coffee bars which can give employees a proper break from work. Helps their productivity to increase in the workplace too.
7. Impress Your Clients
Flexible office spaces are often kitted out with the very latest, high-spec furniture and equipment. Think modern furniture, brightly decorated offices and a boardroom or meeting room with a 4K television. This attractive environment is not only motivating for employees, but it can make a real impact on new potential clients.
The facilities provided, such as a receptionist welcoming them into the building, can really help to give your business a more professional feel. You want to leave them with the best possible impression of your business so they will sign up for your services, so why not invite them to your office for a meeting rather than heading out for coffee?
8. Expand Into New Markets
Flexible office spaces are popping up everywhere in the big cities, and even our office spaces are quickly filling up as we are providing such a unique, modern offering. Moving your business into new locations has never been easier with flexible office spaces – you could have a serviced office in Lincolnshire at the same time as a virtual office in London.
If you are interested in finding out more about our serviced offices, and how renting one could really benefit your business please contact us today on 01472 287766.