Serviced offices are becoming increasingly popular in all parts of the world. These fantastic alternatives to traditional office spaces have become a staple in the corporate world – for a good reason.
In this article, we will discuss 15 benefits associated with using a serviced office, as well as go through why you should consider it for your company. But first, let’s start by defining, what is a serviced office?
What is a Serviced Office?
A serviced office allows your business an opportunity like no other. Such offices are fully furnished and come with ready-to-use equipment and facilities, like printers and Wi-Fi, that can help get business underway faster and make your job much easier.
Serviced offices are available in many different sizes too. Depending on your building operator, you may be offered anything from a single serviced office to an entire floor, comprised of such offices.
Serviced offices are also known as executive offices, managed offices and business centers.
Key Benefits to Serviced Offices
Below is a list of some key benefits that accompany using a serviced office:
- Flexibility
Serviced offices are remarkably flexible. For the most part, you’re in charge. You can decide how long you want the office, how much space you need and whether you need it for a half-day, whole day, or even months. These options are quite limited when it comes to renting out independent, unfurnished office spaces, but luckily that’s not the case with serviced offices.
- Cost-effective
Your business will only have to pay for the space it needs and will gain direct access to a number of privileges, like top-notch office equipment, without having to buy them from scratch.
- No downtime when moving in
Serviced offices are quick and accessible. You don’t have to worry about finding a place and paying rent while you wait for it to be furnished and filled with equipment. Instead, you can sign the deal one day and start working there the very next morning. It’s that simple!
- Facilities
These offices come with a handy bunch of useful facilities, including a kitchen, lunch area, cleaning service and a fully staffed reception. Some buildings also offer additional pay-as-you-go services that you can access for a clearly indicated price. Apart from those, there are no hidden costs and your staff will be provided with everything they need to successfully make it through the day.
- Access to new markets
You can rent a serviced office anywhere in the world to help you branch out into the local market with low risk. You won’t need to buy or rent a massive office space, furnish it, pay for equipment or make arrangements for Wi-Fi and cable. Alternatively, you can simply call up a reliable serviced office in the area, book a space for your staff and have them move in the very next day for as long as your business needs!
- A chance to network
Buildings that contain serviced offices typically have many other businesses based within them, too. This allows business leaders to cross paths every now and then, opening up an all-new gateway to networking!
- Not bound by time
One of the best things about using a serviced office is the lack of commitment it demands. You can choose to rent the workspace for as long as you like, whether that means a month, a year or more!
- Cleaning staff
With COVID-19 making a major impact on small businesses, cleaning has become a much more important need both for safety and productivity. Your new office space comes with a maintenance guarantee. Signing a lease deal brings you more than just a set of new desks where your staff can work. You’ll also be receiving a group of people who will keep your space clean.
- Maximized productivity
Now that you know your building operator will be handling the cleaning, furnishing and background work, you and your staff can spend all your time working hard at that new project you’re blazing ahead on!
- Wi-Fi
Internet problems are one of the most testing things to deal with. Luckily, your operator will handle it. All you have to do is report the complaint to the building’s managing operator and watch as the problem seemingly resolves itself.
- Professional look
Serviced offices are designed to radiate professional power. So, next time a client walks in, you can wow them with how well set-up the place looks.
- Prime location
Buying an office in a prime location can cost a fortune…so why not rent one instead? Serviced offices can be found at the heart of the city, allowing you to work from a prime location, which has a set of undeniable benefits. These include proximity to high-profile businesses, added brand visibility, access to transportation hubs and more.
- Talented staff
The kind of talent you find heavily depends upon where your office is located. Setting up your business in a prime location will allow you access to a large pool of highly skilled individuals in search of a job.
- Creative opportunities
Just like coworking spaces, you might be allowed to somewhat customize your workspace. You can add a banner, for example, to advertise your company’s name within your serviced office – letting everyone know that your business is based there.
- Receptionist
Most serviced offices come with a receptionist who can direct important calls your way. They can also serve as the front line for visitors and deliveries, which then streamline operations.
As you can see, there are many impressive benefits associated with using a serviced office.
Who Uses Serviced Offices?
Serviced offices are open for anyone who needs them.
Typically, serviced offices are used by new start-ups, professionals or anyone who wants to take advantage of their flexibility and convenience. Serviced offices are especially popular with new companies, as they may find it challenging to pay for furniture, a receptionist, kitchen utilities and all the other elements that go into building usable office space. So, to save up on running costs, they may choose to form a temporary bond with a serviced office that can cater to their needs for a finite amount of time.
Start-ups also run a higher risk of shutting down, which is why many of them are not willing to invest in a formal office space too soon after commencing their business. Instead, they may turn to a serviced office to provide them with what they need.
Temporary pop-ups may also prefer to use a serviced office instead of renting out an unfurnished space. This includes businesses that are looking to branch out into new areas and hire staff there, usually only for a short time. Serviced offices allow them a chance to put down roots in a new area without placing the weight of permanent commitment on their shoulders.
Amenities in Serviced Offices
Serviced offices typically come with the following amenities:
- Fully furnished space: Serviced offices are always completely furnished and ready for use right away.
- Kitchen and lunch area: These offices typically contain a small but efficient kitchen and a lunch area.
- Wi-Fi and landline: Serviced offices include a Wi-Fi contract. Internet and landline services are provided at no extra cost.
- Office equipment: Serviced offices contain all the important office equipment your staff will be needing. This includes facilities like a printer, photocopier and other office technology.
- Onsite Staff: Your office’s main building is likely to have staff present at the main entrance for both security and help if you need guidance.
- Reception: Your office space likely won’t be granted an independent reception; but, in most cases, you will find one that’s fully staffed and equipped, ready to take calls on your behalf at the base of the building. However, your business won’t be able to treat this reception as 1000% its own and will be sharing it with other businesses present within the building.
How Does it Compare to Coworking Spaces?
Many people tend to confuse serviced offices with coworking spaces. They may be similar in some respects, but they are actually two entirely different concepts.
Coworking spaces usually cost significantly less than serviced offices. So, if you’re in a crunch with your budget, it might be better to opt for a coworking space before switching over to a serviced office when you can afford it.
Serviced offices are more private than coworking spaces. Rather than a combination of common areas and private offices, a serviced office mostly focuses on private dedicated space with limited common areas. Whether you opt for a serviced office or coworking space heavily depends upon your budgets and needs.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many undeniable benefits associated with renting a serviced office. Convenience, flexibility and professional-looking workspace. Get access to all this and more when you sign up for a serviced office!
