Part 1: A Beginner’s Guide to Shared Office Spaces – How Do Shared Office Spaces Work?

Workstyles of today’s average employee have greatly evolved. In the past, work generally meant going to the office and sticking to a 9-to-5 schedule. Today, the work day has taken on a different form because it no longer requires the employee to be in one place to complete a day’s work. This does not mean that the traditional office setting is dead. It still works–it just needed some tweaking to better serve the new and ever-changing needs of today’s businesses as well as a younger generation of talented employees. This is where the flexibility of shared office space has met the needs of both evolving businesses and a younger generation of workers.

What is a Shared Office Space?

A shared office space involves a setting where multiple people or businesses use the same office space. Many of these spaces are leased out by offices that have oversized facilities, although there are now companies specializing in shared spaces, renting out desks and other office amenities. Because essentially everything a company or business would need is already in the facility, shared office spaces also take away the hassle of furnishing an office, which allows a tenant to save on those costs.

Who is a Shared Office Space Best Suited For?

Using a shared office space is a great option for small business owners, freelancers, and even telecommuters. While larger businesses almost always have their own office, they may still consider a shared office space when expanding to other locations, using the facility before they acquire their own. But since shared office spaces generally include what a company needs to function day-to-day, it is not unusual for even larger businesses to opt for long-term stays in shared offices.

What to expect

Shared office spaces vary in size and layout, which may affect the kind of arrangement enforced within a facility. For instance, some may have pre-assigned areas or desks while others follow a simple hot-desking rule where tenants are free to use any desk or cubicle as long as it is vacant.

Payment options and billing arrangements will also depend on the shared office facility. Some charge customers daily, while others operate on a weekly or monthly basis. There are also cases where customers can opt to pay separate fees to use other amenities and services, like conference rooms and secretarial services. Paying for just what you need is great for small businesses and start-ups that have to be particularly mindful of their spending.

Shared office spaces offer a great deal of flexibility to address the exact needs of their tenants but expect general rules to be in place to ensure everyone in the facility is able to do the work they set out to do. Make sure you know all terms, conditions, and rules enforced in a facility to ensure that your stay in a shared office space is a pleasant one.

Ready to dive into the world of shared office spaces? If yes, make sure you choose the best one by learning what makes for a good shared office space. Read on for more!

Kathlene Buchanan

As the founder of Metro Offices, she has championed workspace innovation since 1989, inspired by the creativity and drive of their 30,000+ clients. Woman-owned and locally focused, the company tailors its spaces to meet the unique needs of every business.

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