The press, and even specialized magazines, often refer to coworking spaces and flexible spaces as synonyms; however, there are differences between them. In fact, coworking spaces are a type of flexible space, but they are not the only ones. In this article, we explain the different types of flexible spaces that exist, and the differences with coworking.
Different types of flexible spaces
Flexible spaces have emerged to respond to a growing need of companies and freelancers. Little by little, they have been adapting to different needs and demands, creating mixed spaces in which common and private areas coexist.
All flexible spaces are offered fully equipped with Internet, furniture, printers, reception service, meeting rooms, etc., and allow you to start working from the first moment, without having to take care of anything. These types of spaces are highly variable, and in many cases end up converging and hybridizing between their different categories, so it is necessary to think of flexible spaces as a range of possibilities, rather than a catalog of disjointed options.
These are the main types of flexible spaces that we can find in our country:
Business center: These are private offices that include all services, and are increasingly incorporating more common areas, and additional training services can be contracted. They are normally requested by both freelancers and companies.
Spaces for events and meetings: Rooms that are rented for very short periods of time -days or even hours- for holding meetings, events, workshops, etc. They are equipped with everything necessary, and are in demand by all types of profiles.
Turnkey solutions: This is a space normally rented for a company, which is specifically adapted to its needs. In exchange for a monthly fee, the company can not worry about all the services, maintenance, and needs of the space, which will be covered specifically and personalized so that it can carry out its activity.
Accelerators and incubators: These spaces are aimed at start-up companies, they are usually completely open spaces to maximize collaboration, since the main attraction of these spaces is that they allow you to work with mentors for a certain time, with the aim of getting help to launch the company.
Coworking spaces: Although there is no universal definition of coworking spaces, they are usually differentiated by the fact that there are no private spaces within them, and all activity takes place in common spaces. These spaces emphasize the exchange of information and the creation of synergies between professionals in the same sector. They are usually used mainly by freelancers and small companies, as it makes it easier for them to socialize and stay in touch.
More and more companies are interested in flexible spaces as a means to retain and attract talent, especially the young talent of the new generations. New technologies also favor mobility and flexibility at work, allowing tasks to be developed in different environments. That is why there are more and more types of flexible spaces, and solutions adapted to the needs of companies and freelancers.
What would be your favorite flexible space to develop your work?
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