It’s 2025 and the definition of “office” has shifted dramatically. With 50% of companies planning to dedicate at least 10% of their office portfolios to flexible workspaces, businesses are discovering how adaptability can drive success.

Flexible office spaces offer more than just physical environments—they unlock opportunities to optimize workspaces, reduce costs, and empower employees to do their best work where they thrive. 

Whether navigating hybrid work models or responding to evolving team needs, your business can leverage these solutions to gain agility and stay ahead.

Discover how flexible office solutions, like Gable, are transforming workspace management.

Types of flexible workspaces

Flexible office spaces come in various forms, allowing you to select office layouts tailored to your unique needs. Here are the primary types of flexible workspaces and their uses:

1. Coworking spaces

Ideal for freelancers, startups, or small businesses, coworking spaces provide a collaborative environment where teams share resources like desks, wi-fi, and communal amenities.

Example: A tech startup can use a coworking space to foster innovation and networking with other businesses.

2. Private offices

Private offices are designed for teams or businesses that require privacy and dedicated work environments. They combine flexibility with a professional setting.

Example: Executive teams or legal firms can benefit from private offices for secure meeting rooms and focused work.

3. Shared desks

Also called hot desks, these are perfect for hybrid or remote workers who need occasional workspace access; shared desks allow employees to drop in and work on an as-needed basis.

Example: A marketing team may use hot desking to host in-office collaboration days while working remotely the rest of the week.

4. Meeting Rooms

Dedicated spaces for team discussions, presentations, or client meetings, meeting rooms are equipped with technology to support collaboration and hybrid work.

Example: A project team might book a meeting room for brainstorming sessions with remote colleagues joining via video conferencing tools.

5. Event spaces

Flexible spaces that accommodate meetings, workshops, networking events, or team-building activities. These spaces are typically available for short-term bookings.

Example: A consulting firm could book an event space for a client presentation or annual team offsite.

The benefits of flexible spaces in 2025

As hybrid and remote work solidifies its place, the demand for flexible office solutions continues to grow. 

Explore why flexible spaces are essential for your modern business.

Hybrid work model support

Flexible spaces give your business the ability to offer employees multiple different types of workspaces tailored to their needs, whether a shared office or a private desk. When you choose flexible office spaces, you’re not tied to the limitations of a long-term lease. Instead, you have the freedom to select workspaces that align with your brand’s image and your team’s evolving preferences.

This is critical when 64% of organizational leaders have adopted hybrid work models, emphasizing the widespread acceptance of this approach.

Impact: Apartment List's Success Story

The Challenge: Apartment List, a remote-first company, needed a solution that allowed its employees to work in-person when needed while supporting flexibility and avoiding the overhead of a permanent office. They sought a way to foster collaboration without committing to traditional leases.

How Gable Helped: By switching to Gable, Apartment List gained access to on-demand workspaces tailored to their team’s dynamic needs. Gable’s platform provided real-time booking capabilities, streamlined management, and access to a variety of workspace options in locations convenient for their employees.

The Result: Apartment List saw a 63% increase in workspace bookings after implementing Gable, demonstrating the value of flexible spaces in supporting their hybrid work strategy.

"We believe virtual-first is the future of work, and we needed a way to provide support and bring employees the flexibility they need. Gable is how we show up for our employees, empower them to create the best work arrangement, and set them up to be successful." —Nikki, Apartment List

Cost efficiency

Traditional office leases often leave companies with unused dedicated desks and a lack of shared workspaces, resulting in wasted resources and inflated real estate costs. Compare that to the cost of flexible office spaces with pay-as-you-go pricing and scalable options, allowing you to pay only for what you use.

• Impact: Checkr boasts a 51% cost savings in workplace management by adopting a flexible workplace.

Eric Buol, workplace operations manager at Checkr, shared, "The biggest pain points we were facing in our strategy were cost and access—being able to expand the scope of what we can do in a financially scalable way for our team."

Scalability

Flexible office solutions allow your company to expand or reduce its workspace footprint as needs evolve without being locked into fixed leases. This agility is essential for startups, growing teams, or organizations managing fluctuating headcounts.

• Impact: Augury is using Gable to scale their team and has seen a 50% increase in the use of workspaces.

Gable has enabled Augury to quickly secure new office locations, a feature that has resonated deeply with their new hires. For Augury’s Workplace Experience team, onboarding and supporting new team members has become seamless and efficient.

For instance, when Augury recently expanded its team in Texas, they were able to arrange workspaces for the new hires within just a few days. The process was smooth and hassle-free, thanks to Gable’s intuitive platform, which eliminates the complexities of sourcing and managing office space. This streamlined approach ensures that their growing team can hit the ground running without delays or red tape.

Enhanced employee satisfaction

Your employees thrive when they can choose work environments that suit their tasks and preferences. Flexible spaces offer a range of options—quiet private offices, collaborative open-plan areas, or conference rooms—that empower your teams to work where they are most productive. A Deloitte study found that 94% of employees report they’d benefit from flexible workspaces, including improved mental health and a better work-life balance.

• Impact: Wheel used Gable to create spaces where remote employees could connect and engage, leading to 20% company-wide adoption in the first three months.

“We value employee feedback tremendously, and it helps us double down on experiences that work. We’re very keen on understanding our super-users and knowing what it is about the experience that makes them head to a Gable space three times a week. Then we take that input, analyze it, and brainstorm how to create similar experiences for the rest of our teams.” —Gabby, Wheel

Convenient booking

Booking flexible office spaces is just as seamless as the experience itself.

It’s a Monday morning, and your team is preparing for an important strategy session. Instead of the usual logistical hurdles, they effortlessly browse stunning, available spaces online, choose the one that meets their needs, and finalize the booking within minutes. Everything is set by the time the meeting begins—no stress, no wasted time.

It’s not just about convenience; it’s about creating an experience that empowers your team. Booking flexible spaces means no more fighting over meeting rooms or scrambling to find the right setup.

Instead, it’s an intuitive, frustration-free process that gives your team what they truly want: more time to focus on their work and less time navigating red tape.

How to integrate flexible office space with company policies

Flexible office spaces aren’t just about solving problems—they’re opportunities to reimagine how your workplace functions. By aligning flexible spaces with your company policies, you can create environments that inspire your teams, impress clients, and adapt seamlessly to changing needs. 

Finding the right space

Imagine offering your team a workspace they’re excited to step into. This place energizes creativity, collaboration, and focus: a vibrant, centrally located office with lots of natural light and panoramic city views, steps away from bustling cafes where your team can recharge.

Or picture a sleek, modern space with thoughtful amenities like ergonomic chairs, coffee on demand, and fully equipped meeting rooms that make every brainstorming session feel inspired.

Follow these steps to integrate flexible office spaces into your workplace strategy:

1. Assess Your Team’s Needs

• Start with an internal survey to identify what your employees want from their work environment.
• Determine the balance between private workstations, collaboration spaces, and common areas that will best suit their working styles.
• Consider how often employees will be on-site to avoid over-allocating resources.
  
  

2. Review and Adapt Existing Policies

• Align remote work and hybrid work policies with flexible office usage. For instance, implement a hot desking policy for part-time in-office employees.
• Update guidelines for booking meeting rooms or shared spaces to ensure fairness and efficiency.
  
  

3. Implement Scalable Solutions

• Choose a flexible office provider that allows for growth or downsizing as your needs evolve. Providers like Gable offer on-demand solutions that can adapt to team changes.
• Consider integrating workspace management platforms to simplify bookings and monitor usage trends.
  
  

4. Establish Clear Guidelines for Space Utilization

• Define rules for how employees can reserve desks, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
• Use occupancy sensors or booking software to prevent overcrowding and maximize space efficiency.
  
  

5. Train and Communicate with Your Team

• Provide training on how to use booking systems and flexible office features.
• Communicate the benefits of the new setup, such as cost savings, enhanced collaboration, and improved work-life balance.
  
  

6. Monitor and Optimize

• Use workplace analytics to track space utilization and employee satisfaction.
• Regularly review data to identify underutilized areas and make adjustments to improve efficiency.

Comparing flexible office space providers

With so many flexible office space providers available, finding the right one requires a clear understanding of your business’s needs and priorities.

Here’s what to consider and a comparison of top competitors to help you decide.

What to look for in a provider

When evaluating flexible office space providers, prioritize the following criteria:

• Workspace locations: Choose a provider with a vast network of locations to accommodate your team, whether they need spaces near home, clients, or key business hubs. Consider the quality and variety of spaces, from private offices to coworking hubs and event venues, to ensure they align with your needs.
• Pricing transparency: Avoid hidden fees with providers that offer clear, upfront costs. Look for flexible payment structures, like pay-as-you-go or subscription plans, to suit your budget.
• Booking and management features: Ensure the provider offers a user-friendly platform for booking spaces, managing reservations, and tracking usage. Look for features like real-time availability, customizable booking rules, and seamless mobile access to make the process efficient.
• Workspace Analytics: Opt for a provider that offers robust analytics to help you track occupancy, space utilization, and cost efficiency. Use these insights to optimize your space allocation and make data-driven decisions for your team.
• Customer support: A responsive support team is essential for resolving issues quickly and ensuring a smooth experience for your team. Check reviews or testimonials to assess the provider’s level of service.
• Scalability: Select a provider that can grow with your team, offering flexibility to add new locations, expand capacity, or downsize as needed.
• Integration capabilities: Choose a platform that works seamlessly with your existing systems, like calendar tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) or workspace management software. Ensure it supports integrations that streamline workflows, like employee scheduling or visitor management tools.

Top flexible office space providers

Here’s a list of the top providers, including their key differentiators:

1. Gable

Best for: Hybrid teams seeking data-driven workspace management.

Why it stands out: Gable provides an all-in-one platform tailored for hybrid and remote teams, emphasizing over 10,000 quality, vetted workspaces and comprehensive management tools.

Key features: 

• Real-time visibility into space availability
• Over 10,000 vetted global co-working spaces
• Detailed utilization analytics
• Seamless booking capabilities

Pricing: Gable starts at $3/seat per month for HQ desk booking and room reservation. Gable On-Demand offers a low initial SaaS fee with pay-as-you-go options and flexible invoicing. There are no memberships, upfront credit pooling, or overage charges—just pay at the end of the month.

2. WeWork

Best for: Businesses seeking premium coworking spaces in major cities.

Why it stands out: WeWork offers prestigious locations, suitable for businesses desiring high-end office environments.

Examples include:

• Offices in iconic buildings like New York’s Empire State Building or London’s Devonshire Square.
• Prime locations in central business districts such as San Francisco’s Financial District or Singapore’s Marina Bay.
• Spaces are surrounded by upscale amenities, including fine dining, luxury hotels, and excellent public transit access.

Key features: 

• Extensive global network
• Private offices
• Coworking spaces with premium amenities

Pricing: WeWork All-Access memberships start at $199 to $299 per month, depending on the location; meeting rooms begin at $8 per person per hour. Private office pricing is available upon request.

Explore Alternatives:

If you’re considering options beyond WeWork, check out our guide to WeWork Alternatives, featuring flexible workspace solutions that might better suit your needs.

3. LiquidSpace

Best for: Companies needing on-demand, short-term office rentals.

Why it stands out: LiquidSpace offers versatility by providing access to a wide range of workspaces, from small meeting rooms to larger office suites, all available on a pay-as-you-go basis. This makes it ideal for businesses avoiding long-term commitments or those with fluctuating workspace needs.

Key features: 

• Pay-as-You-Go Pricing: Businesses only pay for the time and space they use, whether it’s a single day, a week, or a month. This eliminates the need for upfront commitments or fixed contracts.
• Flexible Terms: LiquidSpace allows companies to book workspaces on-demand without long-term leases. Businesses can opt for short-term rentals or extend bookings as needed, allowing them to adjust workspace usage based on changing requirements.
• Wide Range of Office Types: LiquidSpace provides access to a diverse selection of spaces, including:some text
  • Meeting Rooms: Perfect for client presentations, team discussions, or workshops.
  • Private Offices: Ideal for executives or small teams needing privacy and focus.
  • Coworking Spaces: Collaborative environments suited for freelancers or startups.
  • Event Spaces: Venues for hosting networking events, seminars, or team-building activities.
  • Shared Desks: Flexible seating options for hybrid or remote workers dropping in occasionally.

Pricing: Specific pricing details are available upon request, tailored to individual business needs.

Explore Alternatives:

If LiquidSpace doesn’t fully meet your needs, discover other flexible workspace solutions tailored to your business. Check out our guide to LiquidSpace Alternatives for options offering advanced analytics, seamless team management, and enhanced customization.

4. Desana

Best for: Remote-first companies seeking global workspace access.

Why it stands out: Desana provides ease of use and global reach but may not offer the same data insights as other platforms.

Key features: 

• Global Workspace Access: Desana offers workspaces across over 50 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, India, and Australia, ensuring coverage for internationally distributed teams.
• Simple Pricing Plans: Flexible, straightforward pricing options that suit businesses of varying sizes and needs.
• Centralized Billing: Simplifies expense tracking by consolidating all workspace costs into a single, easy-to-manage invoice.

Pricing: Subscription-based pricing is available upon request and is designed to suit various business requirements.

5. Deskpass

Best for: Small teams or freelancers looking for coworking options.

Why it stands out: Deskpass is ideal for small teams and freelancers because of its flexible membership options, which allow users to access coworking spaces on a pay-as-you-go basis or through customizable plans that fit their specific needs. While it excels in providing access to shared coworking environments, it may lack private office options that are better suited for larger companies.

Key features: 

• Flexible Memberships: Choose from day passes or monthly subscriptions that allow users to access a variety of coworking spaces without being tied to a single location.
• Diverse Workspace Options: Access to shared desks, collaboration areas, and meeting rooms in coworking hubs across major cities.
• No Long-Term Commitments: Perfect for freelancers or small teams needing occasional workspace without the constraints of a lease.

Pricing: Desks start at $15 per day; meeting rooms at $5 per hour; private offices at $50 per day.

Why Gable is the ultimate flexible office space solution

Gable offers more than just flexible office spaces—it provides a fully integrated, all-in-one platform that empowers your business to optimize its work environments, improve employee satisfaction, and stay agile.

The Gable advantage

Gable offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline workspace management and enhance team collaboration:

• Workspace insights: Access detailed analytics to monitor space usage and occupancy rates and identify underused areas, enabling data-driven decisions.

• Centralized management: Oversee multiple locations and employee preferences from a single dashboard, simplifying operations for distributed teams.

• Global co-working spaces: Provide your teams access to 12,000+ vetted workspaces across 600 cities, catering to diverse needs and locations.

• Integration capabilities: It seamlessly connects with existing tools such as Slack, Teams, Google Calendar, and Outlook, ensuring cohesive workflows.

• Access control integrations: Incorporate your access control systems to gain precise occupancy insights and enhance security measures.

• Seamless booking: Enable employees to reserve spaces directly from their smartphones, providing convenience and flexibility.

• Visitor management: Streamline the process of welcoming guests with a simple and secure visitor management system, ensuring a professional experience.

Getting started with Gable

Exploring and booking spaces with Gable is as easy as it gets.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Book a demo: Schedule a personalized demo to explore how Gable can meet your business’s unique needs and goals.
2. Sign up: Create a company profile to access Gable’s diverse marketplace of flexible workspaces.
3. Explore workspaces: Use filters to find spaces based on location, amenities, and budget.
4. Book with ease: Select the workspace that fits your needs and book instantly.
5. Monitor and optimize: Use Gable’s analytics dashboard to track usage and refine your strategy.

Whether you’re scaling, saving, or simply looking for a better way to support your team, Gable provides the tools to create a workspace strategy that drives success.

Flexible office space FAQs

What is flexible office space?

Unlike traditional offices locked into long-term leases, flexible office spaces provide robust workspace solutions that adjust to the demands of hybrid work.

These spaces offer businesses the freedom to pay only for what they use, customize environments, and access a variety of workspaces in multiple locations—all while maintaining operational efficiency and cost control.

Is flexible office space right for my team?

Flexible office spaces are ideal for teams of all sizes, industries, and work models. Whether you’re a small startup, a hybrid team needing occasional collaboration spaces, or a larger organization managing distributed employees, flexible spaces provide the adaptability to meet your team’s unique requirements.

How does flexible office space compare to traditional leases?

Flexible office spaces eliminate the risks of long-term leases. They offer pay-as-you-go pricing, scalability, and no lengthy commitments—saving businesses money while adapting to evolving needs. Traditional leases can tie up resources, while flexible spaces empower teams to grow and pivot without financial strain.

What industries benefit most from flexible office options?

Flexible office spaces are particularly valuable for startups, remote-first companies, and creative agencies:

• Startups use them to scale efficiently without committing to large leases. 
• Remote-first companies benefit from providing occasional in-person collaboration spaces. 
• Creative agencies thrive in dynamic environments designed for brainstorming and innovation.

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