Hybrid working is high on the list of wants for employees now, with many candidates turning down jobs that do not offer flexible working arrangements. Growing a ‘big business’ does not necessarily mean more people in the same building anymore.

Likewise, smaller, more agile entrepreneurial businesses will attract more freelancers and talent who may not otherwise be available to them with a more flexible approach to the work place.

How do you choose what works for you? Here’s our quick guide to coworking vs office space

Is coworking for me?

Coworking is ideal for individuals and is a perfect, low-cost, low-commitment option for start-up entrepreneurs from most industries. Some coworking providers specialise for particular sectors including creatives. Others, like us at DeskSpace, offer a space to all sectors making a brilliant, in-house Sheffield business network, ready and waiting for you!

However, coworking isn’t just for individuals. Many companies now take up coworking spaces either on an ad hoc basis for team members who travel around or for small numbers of people to work locally together at any one time. It’s a great way to tackle the isolation many home workers and freelancers experience. With flexible working being high on employees list of expectations now, it’s a good compromise and an overall saving on office rent for most businesses.

Some employers may even allow home workers to select their own coworking provider and simply foot the bill each month, as it still provides real savings for the business as a whole, and of course, attracts and retains a happier workforce.

Depending on your provider, your coworking subscription will include some or all of the costs associated with using the office. At DeskSpace your fees cover all the bills, wifi, use of the full facilities in the building as well as member socials and offers.

Is coworking for me?

If you enjoy flexibility, networking and low-commitment costs, a coworking space is ideal.

What do you get with a serviced office?

A serviced office is a room or rooms exclusively for you and your team, although you may be in a building with a mixture of coworking and other offices where multiple different companies are based. Great for more established teams or companies who handle a lot of sensitive information, are on the phone a lot or who have lots of equipment or who simply like their own space. An office is yours to shape and control on a day to day basis.

Generally you have a landlord or a service provider who manages the building, the contracts and all of the facilities. Within your office agreement, generally you have flexibility in terms of the layout and furnishings of your own private office space, while they take care of the rest of the building.

Still offering an all bills included model to our office users at DeskSpace, all of the shared facilities are also available. Our offices come with self contained kitchens and break out areas. In other providers you may find these are communal spaces and that some, all or none of the bills are included.

Cleaning, mail and wifi are all part of the package we offer, and are questions you need to ask when shopping around for your new office.

So is coworking or a flexible office best?

As ever the answer is really down to what you need and what you can afford! Look for low cost, low commitment offers to start with. Subscriptions to both our coworking and office spaces offer both with Sheffield coworking at DeskSpace starting at £150 and flexible office space from £250.

Location is important, as are facilities such as showers for the fitness fans and free parking for those who need to be on the move quickly.

Make sure you are clear on the operating policy for access and security of your office when you choosing one. All our workspaces are secure but also open to members 24/7.  

The final decision is going to come down to the size of your team, your equipment and your preference for privacy while you work but with a bonus of being able to mix with others in a multi use serviced space provider.

Still not sure?

Most providers will offer some kind of free trial where you can get a real feel for the location and journey time, as well as the space you would be working in. We advise you to try before you buy and get talking to the people there and the other office users. The right space will feel like you’re meant to be there and we’d say that’s the top reason for choosing between coworking or a serviced office