Serviced Offices vs. Coworking Spaces: Know the Difference

Are you considering renting office space for your business? If so, you may be wondering if a serviced office or coworking space is the right option for you. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between these two types of spaces and the top advantages of each to help you decide which is best for your needs as a modern business.

What is a coworking space?

Coworking spaces are open flexible workspaces that can be used by a variety of people who work independently but together in the same space. They often feature modern, collaborative amenities such as communal areas,  breakout spaces, meeting rooms, and internet access. This type of space is popular among freelancers and entrepreneurs looking for an affordable workspace outside of their homes or office.

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Advantages of Coworking Spaces

Speed and Accessibility

Coworking spaces are often available on a month-to-month basis, which makes them ideal for businesses that need quick access to office space. You can also start working as soon as you sign up because of the plug-and-play setup.

Flexibility

You don’t need to commit to long-term contracts when renting a coworking space, which offers flexibility and the ability to easily scale up or down as your business needs change. 

Convenience

Coworking spaces are usually located in convenient locations, near public transportation and other amenities making them easily accessible to your team.

Price

Many coworking spaces are more affordable than traditional office spaces, making them a great option for cost-conscious businesses, especially startups and small businesses.

Open Layouts

Coworking spaces typically feature open layouts, allowing you to create a more collaborative environment. With no set cubicle or workspace, you or your team can move around freely and foster more creative working relationships.

Networking

Coworking spaces provide many opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs and freelancers, through events, meetups, and other activities. These networking events are great for businesses looking to expand their reach and make valuable connections that could lead to business partnerships.

Collaboration

Coworking spaces encourage collaboration, as you can work on projects with others in the space. It also allows for more face-to-face interactions, which can help with both productivity and creative problem-solving.

Community Events

Many coworking spaces offer community events, such as lectures and workshops, to enrich the experience of their tenants. You could use it to your advantage to learn new skills or stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Modern Feel

Coworking spaces usually feature modern, trendy decor that can be inspiring to work in. It is perfect for those who are not used to the traditional office setup and want a more relaxed atmosphere.

What is a serviced office?

Serviced offices are traditional office spaces that come fully furnished and equipped with amenities such as internet access, meeting rooms, reception services, and other administrative support. These spaces are ideal for businesses that need a dedicated workspace with the convenience of having all their needs taken care of in one place.

Advantages Of Serviced Offices

Flexibility

Serviced offices offer both short-term and long-term leases, allowing you to customize your space and the terms according to your business needs. Flexible terms allow you to easily scale up or down when needed which is an advantage for all businesses no matter the size.

Professional Appearance

Serviced offices are usually located in high-end buildings in prime locations, giving your business an air of professionalism and prestige that is hard to come by in other types of office spaces. Having a premium business address in a central location will increase your visibility and attract clients.

Ready-Made Infrastructure

Serviced offices come fully equipped with all the necessary amenities, such as internet access, meeting rooms, and reception services, so you can start working right away. This eliminates the need to set up your own infrastructure, saving you time and effort.

Support Services

Serviced offices come with the added bonus of having administrative and other support staff on hand to help with tasks such as filing paperwork, answering phones, and more. This allows you to focus on growing your business without worrying about mundane tasks.

Compartmentalization

Serviced offices offer more privacy and are better suited for businesses that require a more traditional atmosphere.

Customization Options

You can customize serviced office spaces to your exact specifications like desk setup, office layout, and more. This allows you to create a workspace that is tailored to your business needs.

Cost Savings

Although serviced offices are generally more expensive than coworking spaces, there are still some cost savings to be had. Many serviced office providers offer discounts for long-term leases or special packages which include additional services such as allowing you to create the perfect workspace for your business.

What is the difference between a coworking space and a serviced office?

The key difference between a coworking space and a serviced office is the level of privacy they offer. Coworking spaces are open and often filled with other people working in close proximity, whereas serviced offices provide more privacy, allowing businesses to focus on their work without interruption. Of course, this comes at an additional cost since serviced offices are typically more expensive than coworking spaces. Additionally, serviced offices come with the added bonus of having administrative and other support staff on hand to help with tasks such as filing paperwork, answering phones, and more. Ultimately, the decision between which one is best for your business comes down to your budget and specific needs. If you’re just starting out and need a more cost-effective option, then a coworking space may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for an atmosphere that’s tailored specifically for your business and offers more privacy, then a serviced office is the better choice. Take some time to compare both options and make sure you choose the one that best suits your business needs.

Find flexible working solutions at Mobo Co

Located within the stunning new MOBO building towering above South Bank, Mobo Co has the Mobo Co Coworking Lounge for smaller teams and solopreneurs. If you want to have larger teams housed at the MOBO Building, Mobo Co also offers furnished Office Suites where you can collaborate, meet and present with next-generation technology and acoustically engineered boardrooms. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated, private office space or a vibrant shared coworking space with plenty of networking opportunities, Mobo Co has the perfect solution for your business. With state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled amenities, Mobo Co is the best place to start or grow your business. Contact us today to learn more about our serviced offices, our coworking space, and other office space solutions we offer.

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