Along with the spread of the flexible working model, we became sure that offices will remain an essential element for the functioning of companies. The transformation of employees’ expectations as to the way they perform work, will only change their functions
The announcement of pandemic has become one of the turning points for the office sector. At the beginning of the year, flexible office space market experienced an investment boom. In all large business centers in the country, the number of co-working spaces and instant offices grew rapidly. The increase in supply was followed by the growing demand for this type of work space. Everything has changed after the March breakthrough. In the current reality, flexible offices have a chance of return onto the path of growth. They offer a ready, well-equipped space in an attractive working environment, and also very comfortable lease terms along with reasonable prices.
– Almost half of the companies that are thinking about changing their workplace strategy consider taking up on the offer of instant offices and co-working centers available on the market. Flexible office spaces are increasingly more adapted to both new tenants’ requirements and growing sanitary requirements. Clients look for such solutions, especially if they take into account the duration of the lease agreement or the opportunities they bring in the event of a need for rapid expansion or reduction of office space. Workplaces in some flexible office spaces can be leased for a very short period of up to one month, and in some facilities it is possible to lease them per days or hours – says Krzysztof Foks, Analyst at Walter Herz.
Optimal prices
The advantage of flexible spaces is certainly a simple form of cost control. Instead of paying rent, service charges and paying for utilities, as is the case with regular lease, the tenant only pays one fixed amount to the landlord. All basic fees are included in this price, and often includes access to conference rooms.
The reasons for the return of popularity of co-working spaces and instant offices can also be found in the need to optimize costs, which is associated with the rapid transition of companies to remote work, most often in the hybrid model – informs Krzysztof Foks.
The new market situation prompts companies to use a hybrid model that focuses on combining long-term lease agreements with short-term lease of co-working space, which allows to offer the employees the opportunity to work remotely, not only from home. Flexible offices are becoming an increasingly desirable market solution, as the number of freelancers and people who do not want to commute to the company’s premises and cannot constantly work from home increases. From March 2020, employers create and develop networks enabling work to be performed in various locations. This increases the demand for flexible and easily accessible office space.
Warsaw with the greatest flexible offer
According to the data included in the report – Co-working and instant spaces in Poland 2020, prepared by Walter Herz, Warsaw has the largest amount of flexible work spaces, where there are nearly 2/3 of the national resources of this type of space. The central locations and Mokotów are the most popular places among the companies looking for such offices in the capital. Nearly 75 per cent of Warsaw co-working centers are concentrated in these locations. After Warsaw, Cracow occupies the next place on the map of the supply of flexible office space in Poland, with 13 per cent of the domestic offer. It is followed by Wroclaw (7 per cent), Poznan (3 per cent) and the Tri-City (3 per cent).
Instant offices and co-working centers offer several forms of space lease. The cheapest option is HotDesk, when the tenant gains access to office space where they can take any free rotational space. Another option is dedicated desk, when the tenant gets a designated, permanent place in the open space or in the office. One can also choose a private office in an office dedicated to only one tenant.
The price of leasing flexible space includes many amenities for users, which in the case of a standard lease, the employer would have to organize himself. It includes, among others, access to common areas such as the kitchen and leisure areas. Tenants can use Wi-Fi and basic office equipment, such as scanner and printer, as well as enjoy coffee, tea and water. They also have access to reception desk services and access to lockers and telephone booths. For an additional fee, the facilities usually offer correspondence services, a virtual address, accounting, legal and consulting services.
