There are many different types of offices and it is important that you pick the right type for your business. Having the wrong type of office can have a huge impact on your business operations, your team’s productivity and mental health and all around work satisfaction. 

Within this article we are going to discuss all the different types of offices out there – Managed/Private Offices, Serviced Offices, Co-working Offices, Virtual Offices – and give you guidance so you can choose which type is best for you, your team and your business. 

Managed/Private Offices

Understanding Managed/Private Offices

A managed office will offer you a flexible space that is managed by a landlord or company. Managed offices are different to other types of offices, such as serviced, as they require input from the tenant. The office space will be a blank canvas and as the tenant you must define your exact requirements, from the number of desks, chairs and meeting rooms etc. Once you have done this, the provider can deliver exactly what is needed, effectively making a managed office a custom-built workspace. You will also normally be required to to term of 12 months but rather than pay per desk, a tenant pays for the amount of space they occupy.

Benefits of Managed/Private Offices 

With managed offices, you will be in complete control of what the space looks like as it will be a completely blank canvas before you move in. This will allow you to cater to your different business needs such as if you need a meeting room for meetings with clients. You will also be able to ask your team for input. Many people work well in open plan office spaces but others find them intolerably. You will be able to figure out if you need to have separate areas with doors for your team. 

If you are a more established business with a larger team, they can also prove to be much more cost-effective and the longer lease will add a form of stability. 

Also, it will only be you and your team within the space. You will not have to share any spaces such as the meeting rooms or break rooms. This will add an extra layer of security and also make the space look more professional to any visiting clients.

Ideal Candidates for Managed/Private Offices 

Managed offices are best for more established companies who know what they want and need from an office and who have the stability to sign a 12 month lease. 

They are also great for businesses who need confidentiality because it will only be you and your team within the office space, unlike co-working spaces. 

Serviced Offices

The Appeal of Serviced Offices

A serviced office is a fully furnished office space that’s ready for use with facilities provided and an operator to manage the property. Unlike private offices, serviced offices charge all-inclusive monthly bills covering everything from the space itself to Wi-Fi, reception staff, and cleaning. Also, unlike private offices, you will not have to sign a long three to five year lease. You will be able to have a monthly rolling contract. 

There will be a range of services and facilities available with the serviced offices such as meeting room, furniture, computers, printers and WI-FI. 

All maintenance and repairs will be taken care of by the owner or landlord so your business costs will be low within a serviced office. 

Advantages of Opting for Serviced Offices

There are many benefits to a serviced office. Firstly, they offer a great deal of flexibility when it comes to the lease. This allows businesses to grow and evolve without having to worry about outgrowing their office space. With a serviced office you can upgrade, downgrade or move completely with very little notice. 

Secondly, they come fully furnished and equipped with all the necessary equipment and amenities such as WI-FI, electricity, heating etc. And this will all be ready to go the day after you sign your lease so you will be able to quickly get to work. 

Who Should Consider Serviced Offices?

Serviced offices are great for start-ups and small to medium businesses as they have the flexibility that is good for less established businesses. You will not be trapped in a long lease for an office that no longer works for your needs. 

They would also be good for businesses in transition. Whether this is an office move or renovation, as serviced offices have rolling monthly contracts they will be the perfect solutions for short-term needs.

Co-working Offices

The Rise of Co-working Offices

Coworking is an arrangement in which workers for different companies share an office space. It allows cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructures, such as equipment, utilities and receptionist and custodial services, and in some cases refreshments and parcel acceptance services. Nowadays, co-working spaces are very much the norm for many businesses.

Why Choose Co-working Offices?

The benefits of this type of office are that there are less overhead costs because co-working spaces use shared amenities such as meeting rooms, printers, WI-FI etc. which save business owners huge amounts of money. Co-working spaces also do not have long-term leases. You can pay monthly, which allows you to change your office, if and when you need to. This will allow your office space to grow with your business. There is also a greater chance to network with other local business owners.

Suitable Users of Co-working Offices 

Co-working spaces are excellent for freelancers and remote workers. They give them a cost-effective space in which to fully focus on their work. They can help if you don’t have a home environment that is conducive to work or if you just want to be around people for a change. 

Virtual Offices

Exploring the Virtual Office Concept 

A virtual office is a service that enables employees and business owners to work remotely by providing a range of business functions accessible through the internet. It also enables organisations to  have a business address that is separate to their home address. This will add extra security and also help them to create and maintain a presence in a desirable location without the need to pay rent for an actual space. 

Advantages of Virtual Offices

The advantages of a virtual office are that you can have the best of both worlds. You can have a business address in a desirable business location without having to pay out any huge costs. 

They also give you a high level of flexibility because you aren’t restricted to one location. Utilising a virtual office means you and your team can work anywhere, and at any time.

Who Benefits from Virtual Offices? 

The businesses that would benefit from virtual offices are remote companies and international enterprises, for obvious reasons and small businesses.

Small businesses will benefit because a virtual office will keep business costs down whilst allowing them access to a range of business functions. It will also give them a business address which will add a professional air to their business. 

What Type of Office Are Best?

It is really important that you choose the right type of office for you, your employees and your business. It needs to align with your business needs, work styles and growth plan. 

Before choosing your office space you need to consider your operational requirements, budget, and long-term objectives. 

We hope this article has helped you with your decision and if you decide on serviced offices, we offer serviced offices within some of our stores. Please click here to see if your local store has them on offer.