The strength of new flex spaces is their breadth 

An interesting aspect of my role running the trade association for the UK’s flexible workspace industry is the opportunity to visit different flexible workspaces. So far in 2023, I have spent time in well over 30 different ones, providing an insight into the variety of designs, services and locations available.   

Included in this number are the workspace tours and roundtables the Flexible Space Association organises. We’ve taken groups from our member companies to visit workspaces in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Reading and London so far this year.   

I’m always struck by how enthusiastic the managers of each workspace are about showing people around their spaces, clearly proud of what they’re offering to clients.   

At some point on the tour, there is usually a discussion on how whilst everyone there is technically in competition with each other. Visiting different workspaces highlights that they’re all sightly (or even dramatically) different in what they’re offering. They appeal to different individuals and businesses looking for a professional place to work. 

So, what is it that differentiates flexible workspaces from one another? While I don’t think different workspace brands can be pigeon-holed into specific categories, there are themes that draw some together.   

Function at the heart 

There will always be a place for functional workspace that focuses solidly on providing a place to work alone or with others in a business environment.  Access to a desk, wi-fi and kitchen facilities will be all that some people are looking for and, so long as it’s quiet and comfortable, the design or wider range of facilities is of less importance. 

An alluring environment 

For some larger businesses, it’s about being able to offer workspace and facilities that encourage staff to leave their home environment and join colleagues. Beautifully designed buildings with a wide range of facilities and a programme of events are attracting many businesses, including large corporates utilising the opportunity of flexible workspace to enable their staff to work in a number of locations.   

Experiential spaces 

In recent months, I’ve stood on roof terraces overlooking Bristol, Manchester and the City of London. I’ve been in gyms, yoga studios, basement bars and even an indoor golf driving range! Dedicated podcast studios in workspaces may sound niche, but they’re proving a popular facility. 

Once upon a time, if you wanted to watch a big sporting event on a large screen with others, you might head to the local pub or park, but it’s possible to find flexible workspaces offering rooms with large sofas and the opportunity to view major events with colleagues.   

Fostering collaboration 

The opportunity for collaboration is often key in choosing flexible workspace. This can take many forms, from coworking space that allows people from different businesses to make chance encounters which lead to new business opportunities, to bringing the staff of one company together in shared but private offices. The number of individual desks is often reducing to make way for space and facilities for staff to collaborate – from beanbags to meeting tables. Some workspaces offer auditorium facilities, perfect for running their own events, or for hiring out.   

The design of workspace can naturally result in businesses of a similar nature coming together. The design of space that suits a tech start-up may not necessarily suit a law firm, and vice versa. I’ve seen meeting rooms decked out with sharks or robots, and others with beautifully designed furniture that would look at home in a five-star hotel. 

As the number of flexible workspaces continues to grow, the diversification in what they offer will only continue. That is good news for the industry, as every business can find its USP in the market, and for the clients, whose differing needs can be met by finding the workspace that works for them.