Serviced, Managed or Fractional: Which One Is For Your Team?
Introduction
Finding the right flexible office solution for your team is a critical decision. Leaders are incredibly busy, and good guidance is hard to find. That’s where we come in!
Get the decision right and team productivity and morale can skyrocket. Get it wrong and you could be facing wasted budgets and unhappy teams. In today’s constantly evolving office market, navigating the right solution for your team isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
For a business leader with teams of 5 or more, the three key flexible office solutions you need to know about are serviced offices, managed offices, and fractional offices (sometimes known as part-time office).
Deciding which one is for your team depends on a number of factors:
The size of your team
Whether you favour privacy or community
Budgetary considerations
Your hybrid working patterns
The level of flexibility you require
By the end of this guide, you should have a clear sense of which solution(s) might best fit your team's unique dynamics.
What Are Your Options?
Serviced Offices
You get a private office for desk space but share other resources—like meeting rooms, breakout areas, and kitchens—with other businesses. Serviced offices can work for teams of 4-25 who want their own space but enjoy the buzz of a shared community, especially when you find a building with like-minded tenants. That can lead not just to friendships but business opportunities.
However, there’s a catch. If your team is regularly engaged in 1:1s, calls, or team meetings, you might find yourself competing for shared resources more than you’d like.
Managed Offices
Managed offices are your own self-contained space, fitted out specifically for your team’s needs, with one simple monthly bill covering all costs. These are ideal for teams of 20+ who value privacy and want the perks of a fully managed space without the long-term commitment and hassle of a traditional lease. Contracts typically run for 2-3 years, offering a balance between flexibility and exclusivity.
This is often the choice for businesses that are looking to move away from a traditional lease. Reduced space drives cost savings, taking a space ready to use reduces the burden, and a shorter lease increases flexibility.
Fractional Offices
Fractional offices are a new concept, championed by our sister business Space32.pro. You get all the benefits of a managed office but only for the days you actually need. Perfect for hybrid teams of 8-100 who want a dedicated space but don’t need it full-time. Think of it as a smarter, more cost-effective solution: Why pay for empty desks? This progressive choice suits budget-savvy leaders who are prepared to sacrifice some office days so they can maximise the office experience on the days their team comes together.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Choose
How big is your team?
Serviced: Better for smaller teams.
Managed: Better for mid-sized to large teams.
Fractional: Suitable for teams of up to ~100.
How important is privacy vs. community?
Serviced: Great for community vibes, but shared resources might create bottlenecks.
Managed/Fractional: More privacy and control over space.
What’s your budget?
Fractional: The most cost-effective for hybrid teams.
Serviced: More cost-effective than managed.
Managed: Higher cost but exclusive.
Do you actually need a full-time space?
Fractional: Get a better space for 2 or 3 days for less than a 5-day equivalent.
Managed/Serviced: Best for permanent needs.
How long do you want to commit to?
Serviced/Fractional: Commitments start at 6 or 12 months.
Managed: Commitments usually start at 2+ years.
Understanding the Changing Flexspace Market
The "flexspace" market is undergoing rapid transformation as demand for flexible office solutions has skyrocketed since the pandemic:
Serviced Offices : Lots of new buildings are coming to the market across many of London's best locations. Premium spaces get snapped up, often even before the building has officially opened.
Managed Offices : This is expected to be the fastest-growing area within the flexspace sector, as huge swathes of medium and large businesses seek a better solution than a traditional lease. Mirroring that, many landlords are in a race to convert traditional space into managed.
Fractional Offices : With all of the above going on, many businesses are questioning why they should be paying for so many empty desks and choosing a part-time office. A huge portion of the market will inevitably switch to fractional due to the cost and space quality benefits.
Finding Your Perfect Workspace (Without the Stress)
Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. What you need is a broker you can trust—one with access to the entire market and a deep understanding of your team’s unique needs. A truly neutral partner, like Space32, has its finger on the pulse of the ever-changing flexspace market, ensuring you get the best solution without bias or hassle. Register now and let us make your search stress-free and tailored to your success.
