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Flexible Office vs Coworking: What’s Right for Your Growing Team?
- Smithfield Offices
- May 29
- 3 min read
As your business begins to scale, one big question comes up: where should your team work from? For many small businesses and startups in London, the decision often comes down to two options: a flexible office or a coworking space.
Both provide alternative solutions to traditional office leases, but they serve different needs when it comes to privacy, productivity, and long-term growth. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each so you can decide what’s right for your business as it grows.
This blog will cover eveything you need to know about Flexible Office vs Coworking.
Flexible Office vs Coworking: What’s Right for Your Growing Team?
While they might sound similar, flexible offices and coworking spaces offer very different experiences.
Flexible offices are private or semi-private spaces leased within a shared building. Your team gets its own area, often lockable and branded, with access to shared amenities.
Coworking spaces are open-plan, communal environments where individuals and small teams work side by side, usually on hot desks or in casual seating zones.
The choice often comes down to how your team works and what kind of professional environment you want to create.
Pros and Cons of Flexible Offices
Pros:
Privacy and focus: Your team has its own space to work without distractions.
Branding options: You can add your signage and make the space feel like home.
Client-ready: Great for hosting meetings, interviews, or partner visits.
Customisable contracts: Ideal if you want short-term leases with the ability to scale.
Cons:
Slightly higher cost than coworking
Less social and spontaneous than open-plan setups
Interested in finding out more about our private office spaces? Explore our serviced offices.
Pros and Cons of Coworking Spaces
Pros:
Community feel: Great for solo entrepreneurs and small teams to network.
Lower cost: Typically more affordable for early-stage businesses.
Flexibility: Come and go as needed, often with drop-in access.
Cons:
Lack of privacy: Phone calls, meetings, and sensitive work are harder to manage.
Distractions: Noise and movement can reduce productivity.
Scaling challenges: Difficult to accommodate a growing team without upgrading.
Want the benefits of flexibility with more structure? Check out our virtual office plans as a hybrid solution.
Which Is Better for Team Growth?
If your team is growing beyond a few people, flexible offices often offer more stability. You can build team culture, collaborate more effectively, and create a professional space that evolves with your business.
Coworking spaces are perfect for solo workers or small partnerships. But once you need room for four or more people, consistent workflows, and regular meetings, the flexibility and privacy of a private office really start to shine.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Understanding how your team works best is key. Whether you need the buzz of a coworking space or the focus of a private office, Smithfield offers both options in the heart of London with short-term flexibility and no long leases.
Ready to find your next space? Contact us today or explore our flexible office options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a flexible office the same as a serviced office?
Not always, but they are often similar. A serviced office typically comes fully furnished with services like reception and cleaning included, and is offered on flexible terms.
2. Can I start in a coworking space and move to a flexible office later?
Yes, many businesses do this as they grow. It is a great way to manage cost and scale gradually.
3. Are flexible offices more expensive than coworking?
Generally, yes. However, the value comes from having your own space, better privacy, and the ability to grow.
4. What’s the minimum team size for a flexible office?
Flexible offices are ideal for teams of 2 to 10 or more. Solo founders sometimes opt for one-person private spaces too.
5. Do both options offer meeting rooms?
Yes, but access and booking terms vary. Flexible offices often include private meeting rooms, while coworking spaces usually charge extra.
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