As someone who works from home, whether or not I work efficiently in my home office is constantly on my mind. Sometimes I just don’t feel that I have enough space. Ok… and I have a ton of stuff in here that I need to get rid of. Yes I’m still purging! Actually, it was also on my mind when I worked a 9-5 job and sat in a cubicle all day. Whether or not you work efficiently can have everything to do with your space. Having comfortable, and flexible space can be important to your success.
You may have heard the term flex space—a growing trend not just among fancy architects and building designers, but among business owners who increasingly demand flexible space in their own offices. But what is flex space, exactly? And more to the point, does your business need flex space of its own?
Understanding Flex Space
The flex space trend goes all the way back to the 1970s, where many companies had large, industrial spaces with front loading docks. Trucks came and went, taking products to other properties, and customers and staff members had to position themselves around the trucks in order to enter the facilities.
But in the 80s, buildings got sleeker and more streamlined. That included the industrial space. Meanwhile, the demand for office space—not loading docks, but cubicles and the like—started to grow.
With these changes came the trend known as flex space—basically, one-story businesses with high ceilings, loading docks in the rear, accessible parking, and surface-level landscaping.
What Makes Flex Space So Great?
There are many benefits to flex space. Having flexible space allows companies to have office space and loading areas, as well as some warehouse space and even room for manufacturing equipment, as needed. Also, flex space is economical. Companies can rent exactly the space they need, nothing more and nothing less. There is no shared lobby, and no shared bathrooms to worry about. You pay for what you use.
Additionally, flex space costs less to build than other office spaces, and as such the rent tends to be much lower. The bottom line: This is the most cost-effective way to get space for your business.
Are There Any Downsides to Flex Space?
Not really. After all, there is a reason flex space has remained in such high demand over the past several decades. If there is any downside, it’s that flex space tends to accommodate businesses that fall within certain parameters—say, 1,500 to 60,000 square feet. Companies that need more space than that may not have many options.
But that’s the most minor of drawbacks. For most business owners, flex space really makes a lot of sense, and is worth looking into. Flex space will allow you to do what you need to do without limitation, but also without waste. When leasing office space, it is important to get space that meets your needs.
As mentioned above, flex space is not only beneficial to businesses with several employees. Shared office space is a big thing these days with entrepreneurs. Sometimes you may just need a change of scenery to clear your mind. Or, you may not get the peace and quiet that you need working at home. Flex space can help with that. You can rent a small amount of space, and setup your office away from home with little effort. This may be much better than going to Starbucks. 🙂 There are groups of retired guys spending hours there talking and laughing. Or is that only my local Starbucks?
If you find your business expanding, or you need a different space to work more efficiently consider flex space.
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