Finding the perfect office: steps to renting flexible space

In an ever-changing professional world, flexible workspaces are becoming an essential solution for companies. Agile, modular and adapted to different needs, these new-generation offices meet a variety of challenges: optimizing costs, improving team well-being, and adapting flexibly to unforeseen circumstances. But how do you find the right flexible space for your business? At workin.space we always have the solution! Here are the key steps to a successful office rental project.

1. Define your needs: which space for which activity?

Before starting your search for the ideal flexible office, take the time to lay the foundations of your project. It's essential to ask yourself the right questions, and not to rush headlong into anything. Among these, ask yourself whether you want to open up telecommuting and access to flexible offices to all your teams or not? to all geographical territories? to all functions? ... Once you've laid the foundations, ask yourself whether your team is likely to grow rapidly, what facilities it needs (meeting rooms, fixed workstations, collaborative spaces, rest areas, etc.), and how often you want to offer this service? ...
The questions are numerous, as you can see, and it's crucial to find the right answer.

Note also that flexible offices often offer a multitude of options, from hot desking (shared offices) to fully private spaces. Your answers will guide your choices.

2. Understanding the benefits of flexible offices

The rise of flexible office space is no accident: it meets the evolving needs of businesses, offering them valuable agility.

Thanks to their contractual flexibility, these spaces can be rented without long-term commitment, with monthly or annual options adapted to current requirements. When it comes to savings, these spaces stand out for their "à la carte" model, where you only pay for what you use, while avoiding the fixed costs associated with the purchase or maintenance of a conventional office. At the same time, they stand out for their modern facilities: ergonomic furniture, high-speed Wi-Fi, connected meeting rooms... everything is designed to maximize team comfort and efficiency. Finally, their collaborative and stimulating environment encourages interaction between colleagues, and even between companies, notably in coworking spaces. These assets make flexible offices an ideal solution for fast-growing start-ups, SMEs looking to rationalize their costs, or even large companies wishing to diversify their locations.

3. Exploring the flexible office market

As demand for flexible workspaces has exploded in recent years, the supply has diversified considerably. And all over the country! These spaces now cover all major regional metropolises, as well as smaller urban agglomerations and even some rural areas. The market is therefore relatively dense, and it's not easy to find one's way around, or to compare offers and spaces. Here are a few tips for exploring the different areas:

• Specialized platforms: Platforms like workin.space (what else?!) bring together all the coworking and flexible office spaces in France and internationally. You'll find market leaders like WeWork, Spaces, Wojo, as well as more thematic spaces.
• Virtual and physical tours: This has been the big trend since Covid. The majority of suppliers now offer both online and in-person visits to evaluate locations.
• Options analysis: Compare offers by price, services included and cancellation conditions.
• Tip from one professional to another : spaces located in city centers or strategic areas can be more expensive. Evaluate the importance of location in relation to your real needs.

4. Negotiate rental conditions

Flexible spaces, while offering a variety of formulas to meet business needs, nevertheless require careful attention to the terms of the contract.
The length of the commitment is a key point: some contracts provide for termination at short notice, while others impose a minimum commitment of several months. It's also crucial to examine ancillary costs: utilities, additional equipment or access to meeting rooms can all have a significant impact on the total cost.
Finally, check out the options for future growth: does the contract allow you to expand or reduce your leased area according to your future needs? Good to know: negotiation is often possible, especially for long-term commitments or the rental of several spaces, which can enable you to optimize your contractual conditions.

Flexible office rental is clearly a response to the challenges faced by today's businesses. Whether you're a young, fast-growing start-up, an SME looking to optimize costs, or a large corporation looking for agility, these spaces offer unrivalled freedom. By following a methodical approach, from needs assessment to space customization, you maximize the benefits of this solution. In today's fast-moving world, flexible offices are more than just a space: they're a reflection of the new way of working. So, are you ready to take the plunge into flexibility?