Different Kinds of Offices

Apart from your home, your office is the one place people spend most of their time. Finding an office that suits both the needs of your business and those of your employees is therefore key when it comes to productivity and job satisfaction. In recent years there has been a major shift away from traditional office spaces with the rise of flexible work patterns. This has led to more and more alternative offices becoming available throughout the UK, offering a wider range of workspaces for businesses. Regardless of industry or size, all businesses should be able to find an office space that works for them in the modern digital age. From private offices to temporary and virtual ones, discover the various types of office spaces in this guide. 

Types of Office Spaces

Finding an office space for your business can be time-consuming, especially with the many types of office spaces available today. Below, find some of the most common types of office spaces used in London and other major UK cities today.

1. Private Offices

As the most traditional type of space, private offices are often what we might imagine when thinking of an office. These spaces tend to have a mix of private desk areas and meeting rooms, and are used by one organisation alone. However, with exclusivity comes a certain price tag which might be out of reach for smaller businesses or startups. Instead, private offices are often used by larger companies due to the more expensive overheads. It is essential that cost is taken into consideration when looking at your office options as this can largely impact your search criteria. 

2. Serviced Offices

A similar office type is serviced spaces. As a type of private office, serviced offices come fully furnished, saving businesses the hassle of organising the space before moving in. Typically, serviced office spaces will come with any amenities you could need including meeting and break rooms, quick internet, phone lines, building management, kitchen facilities, printers, desks and more. Companies with a bigger budget can therefore benefit from the ease of serviced offices and get to work as soon as they sign the lease. Much like traditional private offices, however, serviced offices also come at the pricey end of UK offices so keep this in mind. 

3. Shared/Coworking Offices

Alternatively, you could opt for a shared office also referred to as a coworking space. These office types provide a good balance of an office space without the high rental costs as the space is rented by multiple teams or individuals who split the rental price between each other. Shared offices are therefore a much more cost-effective way to enjoy all the perks of an office space while minimising any overheads, which might be the perfect office solution for freelancers, startups, and small businesses. 

4. Temporary Offices

Temporary offices also provide a more flexible approach to a business’s working environment. These temporary spaces can be rented for a shorter period than a standard lease agreement with some offices rented by the month, day, or even hour. For teams on project-based or seasonal work, temporary offices can be ideal as they are only rented for when they are required meaning you can save a substantial amount of money depending on how often you’re likely to use the space. Temporary offices can also be a good idea for those who want to get a feel for an area before committing to a longer rental agreement, so they are definitely worth considering.

5. Virtual Offices

Finally, virtual offices have become a popular choice amongst many businesses in recent years. With a virtual office, organisations can benefit from a mailing address in their chosen area without paying high rental prices. For example, if you’d like to establish an office in Mayfair but are unable to budget for a physical office space, you could get a virtual office in the area which comes with a Mayfair mailing address and phone answering services. This is perfect for startups or those operating a remote working policy as you can still be based in the area and save money in the process. 

Which Type of Office Is Best?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to offices, unfortunately, but that is part of the fun. Figuring out your business needs and requirements is key before you can decide on an office type. Perhaps you could try a temporary or virtual office first before moving to a private or shared space. Whatever you choose, there are numerous office types out there so hopefully, you’ll be able to find the one for you.