Businesses shifting to flexible workspaces amid landlord challenges

Demand for flexible shared workspaces is surging as businesses seek to escape difficult landlords and rigid long-term leases, according to Brett McAllen, head of @WORKSPACES.

McAllen said: “Too many businesses are encountering bad experiences with their landlords and as a result, choosing to step away from dedicated long term fixed lease sites to more flexible and shared workspace environments that cost less and offer far more versatility and scalability without the risk.”

He cited economic pressures leading some landlords to increase lease payments, restrict operations, and neglect property maintenance.

@WORKSPACES, a leading provider of premium coworking and serviced office hubs, is seeing increased demand from a wide range of businesses, including startups, SMEs, large corporations and government departments.

Dr Vivek Eranki, founder of several medical and wellness brands, recently moved his head office to a premium serviced office.

“Being at the mercy of third parties isn’t ideal for the operations staff of businesses. I am aware of multiple tenants who have voiced their bad experiences and this has been enough to convince us that there is a better way,” Eranki said.

McAllen highlighted key benefits of flexible workspaces:

Flexibility in office layouts and locations
No costly fit-out expenses
Dynamic work environments fostering collaboration and networking

He added: “In effect, if you look at our flexible shared business hubs, we are democratising leasing and we are uberising business location operations.”

The trend reflects a broader shift in work preferences, with employees seeking more dynamic and collaborative environments.

McAllen concluded: “Workers across Australia now want to work in environments that are dynamic, collaborative and diverse. Workplace hubs provide a wonderful sense of community and an environment for networking and socialising.”