We go through, in detail, how to figure out the right office for you. Alternatively, check out our guide to flexible office space.
Coworking
What is coworking?
The concept of “coworking” can become confusing, as this generally includes “hot-desking”, access to “coworking spaces” and just the act of cohabiting a space with other companies. We classify coworking as a typically a shared work environment with musical chairs; get in early to get a seat next to the window. Perfect for freelancers who are always on the go but hate working in a coffee shop. This normally includes access to shared kitchen facilities, breakout areas & awesome communities.
How do I use coworking?
You are free to stay as long as you want for as many days as you want and they normally work on a monthly membership basis. You are generally in a single location, which is great for people who want to work from one location but still benefit from a buzzing environment and community. However, some spaces limit opening hours and some provide multi-location passes, which give you the flexibility to work the same way from different locations around London (or the world) depending on the operator. Great for meeting other small companies and freelancers who you can share ideas & coffee with & maybe even become potential customers!
Is coworking right for my company?
Ideal for: freelancers or small companies those who travel to a lot of meetings, don’t mind finding a new desk to work on every time but would still like to avoid working from a coffee shop! Not ideal for: companies who want to leave stuff overnight, are larger than 4 people and want to sit together and companies that need silence to work.
Find coworking in London
The Cube Coworking Space Shoreditch – https://hubblehq.com/space/998/the-cube
Shared office
What is a shared office?
Shared offices are shared work environments where you will have your own fixed desk to leave your stuff overnight. Perfect for companies of 3 – 15 who want to sit together, but not want to suffer from cabin fever. Generally much cheaper than a private office and includes access to meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, breakout areas & curated communities.
How do I use shared offices?
A fixed desk is yours and no-one else is allowed to work there. You normally get storage included with the rent and also the ability to leave your stuff (monitors, computers etc.) overnight. Shared offices are usually banks of 4 – 8 desks within an open plan office where small companies can sit with their own team. This is perfect for businesses with 15 employees or less as you can carve out your own area in the office, without being secluded within 4 walls. You would typically also get access to communal meeting rooms, breakout areas, kitchens and bathrooms. Shared offices tend to have curated communities that has been decided by the operator. Some are focused on tech startups, some on design companies, some on white collar companies etc. This means that shared office communities can become really powerful networks and also good people to go and have a beer with on Fridays.
Is a shared office right for me?
Ideal for: small companies of less than 15 people (with no restrictions on how much privacy you need). They are generally cheaper with more flexible contracts than private offices. Also, you benefit from bumping into other companies to share ideas and coffee with 🙂 Not ideal for: freelancers who normally work in coffee shops and want a desk for a day or two; companies that require privacy or want to exclusively have their own space.
Find shared offices in London
The Neighbourhood Shared Office London – https://hubblehq.com/space/821/the-neighbourhood-office-london-bridge
Private office
What is a private office?
A private office is what it says on the tin – your own four walls to call home. These usually exist adjacent to shared work environments or in a building of private offices. Typically 50 – 100% more expensive than shared offices, these are perfect for companies that value their privacy or are required by regulation have private offices.
How do I use a private office?
It’s up to you – it’s yours! Some private offices are adjacent to coworking or shared offices, so you can sometimes get the best of both worlds and benefit from the community around you. You also have free reign to decide how to decorate and arrange your office. Ping-pong table in the corner? Go for it. Outlandishly large espresso maker on the side? Do it.
Is it right for me?
Ideal for: companies that value their privacy (or need it for regulatory reasons); companies that want to be away from everyone else and have completely free reign over their space; companies that are willing to pay a premium Not ideal for: cash strapped startups or freelancers. Those that like having other people or companies around them.
Find private offices in London
The Collective Elevator Private Office
https://hubblehq.com/space/779/the-collective-elevator/1503
Still curious? Check out the rest of the HubbleHQ Help Guides or the HubbleHQ Blog
