The Great Debate Between Serviced and Managed Office Spaces

As hybrid work arrangements have surged into the spotlight, numerous companies are bidding farewell to conventional long-term leasing in favour of more adaptable choices. Managed offices or serviced spaces could be the perfect answer if, like many enterprises, you embrace innovative work styles or are an expanding startup seeking additional space.

These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, and while some similarities exist, a significant distinction exists. In reality, a managed office and a serviced office space serve different purposes. It is crucial to comprehend how they vary when considering your options.

Do not fret because we have you covered. You will understand what serviced and managed office spaces entail and their differences and similarities. This will help you decide which option is best suited for your enterprise.

The Insider’s Guide to Managed Offices

A managed office acts as a perfect bridge between a conventional lease and a serviced office. They provide tailored work environments crafted according to the tenant’s unique needs. This encompasses the design, arrangement and finishing touches of the workspace. In contrast to serviced spaces, managed offices typically demand a minimum commitment of twelve months, with expenses determined by the area occupied rather than the count of desks.

This type of office is especially appealing to companies with a strong brand presence that want a customised workspace. It offers a solution without the long-term financial and managerial commitment.

These features are typically involved in your charges when leasing a managed office:

• On-site security/ CCTV
• Essential furniture
• Office customisations
• Cabling
• Waste removal
• Allocated parking
• Cleaning services
• Communal kitchen area
• Rent and utility

What Is a Serviced Office in Comparison to Managed Offices?

When contrasted with managed offices, service offices resemble all-inclusive resorts in the landscape of workspace solutions. These are fully-furnished environments available under flexible agreements. They provide everything from high-speed internet to desks and even administrative assistance. Businesses generally commit to lease durations ranging from one to twelve months, with a clear, all-inclusive price per desk each month.

Serviced options provide a straightforward solution for enterprises looking to launch quickly without the hassle of setting up an office. This approach eliminates substantial upfront costs. It also removes the long-term commitments tied to traditional office rentals.

A serviced office generally puts forward the following in-house services and amenities:

• All-inclusive monthly bills involving utilities
• A fully furnished office space
• Short-term and flexible leases on a rolling renewal basis
• Breakout areas and communal kitchens
• Collaboration zones
• Cleaning and maintenance services
• Office providers to take on facilities management expenses
• On-site crew and staffed reception desks
• Networking spaces and meeting rooms

Let’s Unpack the Distinctions Between Shared and Managed Offices

Lease Arrangements

A serviced office is typically billed per workstation and represents the most adaptable option with the briefest terms. These office spaces can be rented on a short-term basis starting from three months, or you might opt for a pay-as-you-go model or a monthly coworking membership for even greater flexibility.

In contrast, you are usually committed to a lease of at least eighteen months with managed offices, as the space has been customised to fit your specific requirements. Also, you may be responsible for the expenses of restoring the office to its original condition before your departure.

Privacy

With managed offices, you will enjoy exclusive access to the entire space. It is your standalone floor or building, complete with private entry to meeting rooms and other shared areas.

On the other hand, a serviced office space is leased by multiple companies. This entails sharing communal resources and facilities. However, that does not mean you forfeit your privacy in a serviced office. You still have your dedicated area, and numerous breakout zones and meeting rooms are available for more private discussions or focused work. Moreover, you benefit from abundant opportunities to mingle, network and gain insights from a vibrant community of fellow businesses.

Personalisation

The provider equips serviced offices. Everything from the furniture to various work zones is arranged and ready for you to dive in immediately. Some serviced office providers will offer you branding and personalisation options. This includes the ability to paint a wall, display your logo on the door, showcase your artwork on the walls or set up your phone booth, along with the usual option to rearrange elements within your office.

However, with managed offices, the ultimate design of the space is entirely in your control. You have the freedom to make more choices regarding the interior layout. This involves the floor plan, fixtures and the number of breakout areas. This allows you to shape the office exactly as you picture it.

Brand Image

While a serviced office puts forward shared facilities and private workspaces within a larger environment, managed offices are branded similarly to a traditional office and are not shared with other businesses. Your company name is displayed prominently above the entrance. This lets you cultivate your own identity, aesthetic, and atmosphere.

A serviced office is managed and branded by the provider. Therefore, your working environment is largely shaped by the standards and offerings defined by the provider.

Choose Your Hustle Between Managed Offices and Serviced Workspaces

A serviced office might be your perfect match if the idea of a fully equipped office environment with a dedicated on-site management team excites you. You will also have access to resources whenever you have work experience.

These are a fantastic choice for startups, small teams, and independent professionals who thrive in a private workspace while enjoying the perks of coworking. The adaptability of serviced offices makes them appealing to expanding businesses. You can modify your agreement to fit your evolving requirements.

If you prefer a workspace exclusively tailored to you with extensive customisation options, it may be time to explore a managed office. Managed offices also offer a more stable lease agreement to meet your needs.

The blend of conventional office space with serviced office features provides small and medium enterprises, as well as larger companies, with greater versatility than a standard lease. This arrangement allows you more influence over the aesthetic and atmosphere of your work setting.

For those interested in these innovative solutions, DevX offers a range of options tailored to meet diverse business needs. This ensures a workspace that aligns with your vision and goals.