Workplaces have been through an evolution similar to digitalization. In the manner how digitization changed our life and dependency on technology, Flexi Office spaces have as well redefined our working culture.
Traditionally, workplaces had a different aura of professionalism. Flexible spaces bring in a lot of flexibility which sparks Creativity. Walking along with the latest trend-setting workplaces, managed offices are the better choice.
This article briefs on its traits and distinguishing features that set managed offices apart from traditional and coworking spaces.
Managed Offices, Traditional Offices, and Coworking Spaces
Managed offices and traditional offices are quite opposite. Traditional offices have been around for decades and managed offices and coworking spaces are the latest addition.
Traditional Office Space
Traditional workplaces are more about professionalism and hierarchical order. The layout of traditional offices somewhat looks like a coworking space but consists of cubicles and separate cabins. Technology and other areas of the office are the company’s responsibility.
Flexibility is not the trait of traditional offices since they endorse privacy. Having a professional work culture is the basic idea of traditional spaces and is the reason why they do not probably have trendsetting open workspaces.
Ownership of the place is exclusive to the brand in the traditional workplace and they do not share it with any other communities. Also, if a company chooses to hire a space, they need to make long-term lease commitments.
Coworking Spaces
Brad Neuberg in 2005 hosted San Francisco Coworking Space at Spiral Muse, the first coworking space in history. He was the first person to pin down the definition of coworking spaces, and we have simplified it for your reference.
A coworking space is open to use for all of its members irrespective of the brand they work for, or the community they belong to. The service provider that manages the members of the space also takes care of the amenities of the work area.
The amenities include technology, stationery, refreshments, housekeeping, and more. Coworking spaces are the perfect workplace solutions for effective collaboration.
Managed Offices
A managed office is a workplace solution for Large-size companies. The service providers provide a tailor-based workplace solution via managed office spaces, to fulfill the needs of the brands.
Companies prefer this workplace solution because they provide flexibility and a collaborative work environment.
Companies can choose the designs for the spaces and even pick the style and theme in which they wish to introduce their brand. Lease agreements of such a workplace solution do not require long-term commitments.
Companies would own the place to themselves, and they can sign the contract for a tenure they would want to. The structure of managed office spaces is designed to overcome the shortcomings of a traditional workplace, such as upfront payments and high costs.
Looking for a Managed Office?
Thank You!
We have recieved your request. One of our experts will get in touch with you soon.
If you want assistance right away, contact us at +91 743 488 3388
Comparison between Managed Offices, Traditional Offices and Coworking Spaces
Here is the draft of parameters for those who want an even better idea of all the workplaces. We have included multiple parameters of managed offices, coworking spaces, and traditional offices.
Location & Building Preferences
In managed and traditional offices, companies get complete liberty to choose a location. Contrarily, coworking spaces owners can choose from a location and shortlist the available coworking properties. The process is limited to the availability of properties for coworking, which do not leave them with much of a choice in terms of a building they want.
Design Flexibility & Customization
In managed and traditional office spaces, companies can choose the vibes, aura, design, and the setup of the office and customize the spaces as per their needs. This is however not feasible for the coworking space owners who prefer to hire a desk and some core amenities by an hour or a small period.
Privacy & Data Security
Brands owning managed and traditional spaces get the luxury of privacy and data security. Rights to all the amenities and facilitations belong to the brand in both the aforementioned setups. Amidst sharing spaces in coworking spaces, owners do not get the full privilege of privacy
Separate Brand identity
The area solely belongs to the brand for both managed and traditional setups and hence they get to establish a separate brand identity. This is however not a part of the perks that coworking space owners get.
Zero Capex
Coworking spaces and managed offices let brands implement the latest business trends without taking on any sort of financial risks. It is because the brands with flexible work setups do not have to make heavy upfront payments. This is not available in traditional offices wherein brands have to pay upfront charges for infrastructure and may be short on funds.
Culture Preservation
Traditional offices and managed offices have the space to introduce the kind of culture they wish to. The basic work culture of traditional offices is professionalism. On the other hand, managed offices endorse better social interaction.
Culture preservation is however not a part of coworking spaces, since the spaces are shared by the community or members.
Community
Working in the community and collaborating is feasible for the work setups of coworking and managed spaces. This is however not a part of the traditional office setup.
Feasibility to upsize
Since the lease agreements are flexible for both managed as well as coworking spaces, they have the feasibility to upsize as per their requirements. This however becomes difficult for traditional offices until and unless they are on better terms with their landlords.
Lease Commitment
Lease commitment duration for coworking and managed spaces are of shorter periods from 6 months to a couple of years. Also, this agreement is extendable.
Facility management
The service providers in coworking and managed structures help companies with facility management. Companies with traditional office setup are on their own here.
Design excellence
Designed and created by experts in the industry, coworking spaces and managed offices get the luxury of design excellence. Companies have to fulfill such excellence on their own in traditional office setups.
Allied services
Coworking spaces and managed offices get the assistance of the service providers, wherein dedicated managers and a team of experts is designated for the assistance. Traditional offices have no such facilities.
Tech Controlled Spaces
Tech is a part of the feasibility provided by the third-party providers to coworking and managed spaces owners. Traditional office setup companies have to devise a plan and implement the same in case they want tech-controlled spaces.
Looking for a Managed Office?
Thank You!
We have recieved your request. One of our experts will get in touch with you soon.
If you want assistance right away, contact us at +91 743 488 3388
Difference between Managed Offices, Traditional Offices, and Coworking Spaces
This section drafts the differentiations between all types of work setups.
Managed Office Vs Traditional Office
- Traditional offices often require long-term lease commitments. Managed offices lease agreements are flexible and easily amendable.
- Companies with managed spaces can move in quickly and are not obligated to upfront capital investment. Traditional spaces require companies to make upfront payments and it would be a while before they can move in.
- Companies with managed office setup have a team provided by the service provider who would take care of the design, set up, maintenance, and utilities of the office. A dedicated manager is as well provided to such companies. Companies with traditional office setups have to create and maintain an in-house team to fulfill their infrastructure requirements.
Managed Office Vs Coworking Spaces
- Managed Offices do have the lease flexibility, although it could be limited to a certain extent. While Coworking Spaces provided the most extensive lease flexibility.
- Moving in to the new workspaces is quick with Managed Office Services, ranging from 30-60 days, while coworking spaces can accomodate clients more quickly than Managed Offices. It could be as quick as next day of the booking.
- While aesthetics of both these offerings will be exceptional, personalization will be only available in Managed Offices. Which is critical component considering brand guidlines and company environment for employees.
Coworking Spaces Vs Traditional Offices
- Unlike Traditional Offices, Coworking Spaces do prove to be the most flexible offering available, where lease terms can be as low as one week.
- While traditional offices provide a kind-of ownership of the place it asks for a very high initial capital investment. Whereas Coworking Spaces provide the same level of ownership at a lower cost.
- Since traditional offices are owned by you, the additional resources related to house-keeping and operations are also to be hired and managed by you. Contrarily coworking spaces take care of all these hassles for you.
Conclusion
This guide includes all the facets of managed offices, traditional offices, and coworking spaces, which helps a manager make the right decision. Weigh in all the factors – the pros and cons as well, of all the structures.
Attempt a comparative analysis among all the three structures, which would let you decide which establishment would better serve your needs.
While we have mentioned the key differences and comparisons amongst these workspace types, there isn’t one fit for all. Every organization would be having a different set of requirements including office environment, inclusivity, flexibility, etc.
It is easy for an office space expert to identify the right fit for organizations, where as if you are an amateur or even a slight bit puzzled around the right workspace offering for your organization, you can consult with us.
Drop an email at connect@devx.work with your detailed queries and we will try our best to assist you with the same.
Thanks for sharing good information about Free Coworking Resources . It was clear, concise and helpful for various issues, Coworking Office Space
Well this is awesome post and written very well. Your point of view is very good.