In this fast-paced digital era, our way of working has undergone dramatic changes. One of the most significant shifts is the emergence of the serviced office concept. But what exactly is a serviced office?
This term might sound unfamiliar to some, yet it has become an integral part of the modern business world. A serviced office is a turnkey workspace solution that offers flexibility and convenience often unavailable with traditional offices.
This concept was born from the need for more flexible and efficient workspaces. In an increasingly competitive business landscape, companies must adapt quickly to changes. A serviced office provides a solution for this need by offering ready-to-use workspaces, complete with furniture, equipment, and other supporting services.
In this article, we will delve deeper into what a serviced office is, how it works, and why it might be the right choice for your business. By understanding the serviced office concept, you will be able to make better decisions about the ideal workspace for your team.
We will cover various aspects of serviced offices, starting from:
- Their definition and history
- Their advantages and disadvantages
- Factors to consider before choosing a serviced office.
We will also compare serviced offices with traditional offices to provide a clearer picture of both concepts. So, let’s embark on this journey and discover all you need to know about serviced offices. Is a serviced office the solution you’re looking for? Or perhaps there are other options more suitable for your needs? Let’s find out together.
What is a Serviced Office?
A serviced office, also known as a managed office, is a workspace concept that offers comprehensive solutions for companies or individuals. The term ‘serviced office’ refers to a fully equipped and managed workspace provided by a service provider, which is then leased to users.
These workspaces typically include:
- Desks
- Chairs
- Office equipment
- Internet access
- Other facilities required to run a business.
In addition, service providers also offer supporting services such as receptionists, cleaning, and security.
This serviced office concept first emerged in the 1960s in the United States as a response to the need for more flexible workspaces. Since then, the concept has grown and spread to various parts of the world, including Indonesia. For more insights into the historical development of these flexible spaces, you can read about the evolution of office design.
In Indonesia, the development of serviced offices began around the early 2000s, along with the country’s economic growth and business sector development. Currently, serviced offices have become a popular choice for various types of companies, ranging from startups to multinational corporations.
The primary advantage of a serviced office is the flexibility and efficiency it offers. This allows companies to adapt quickly to changes and focus on their core business. However, it’s important to note that while serviced offices offer many benefits, this concept might not be suitable for all types of companies. Therefore, it’s essential for every company to consider their needs and goals before deciding to use a serviced office.
One of the leading serviced office providers in Jakarta is Skaiwork. Skaiwork offers a variety of workspace solutions that can be tailored to your business needs. With strategic locations, complete facilities, and professional services, Skaiwork is the right choice for companies seeking a productive and collaborative work environment. With Skaiwork, you can focus on business development, while we handle office infrastructure and administration.
In a global context, serviced offices have become an integral part of the business ecosystem. With technological advancements and changing work patterns, the demand for more flexible and efficient workspaces is increasing. Serviced offices, with all their advantages, offer a solution to this demand. You can explore a broader perspective on global flexible office market trends to understand this growth.
Furthermore, serviced offices also offer various additional services that can help companies operate more efficiently. For instance, some serviced offices offer receptionist services, which can help manage phone calls and guests. Other common services offered by serviced offices include cleaning, security, and IT support.
Advantages of Using a Serviced Office
Using a serviced office or managed office has many advantages that can help your business grow and thrive. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Flexibility: You can easily adjust your workspace according to your business needs, whether it’s adding or reducing workspace. This is especially useful for growing startups or companies experiencing fluctuations in their team size.
- Lower Operational Costs: With a serviced office, you don’t have to worry about additional costs such as maintenance, cleaning, or utilities, as everything is usually included in the package. This can help you save on operational costs and allow you to focus on other aspects of your business.
- Access to Latest Facilities and Technology: Serviced offices are typically equipped with the latest technology and facilities such as meeting rooms, office equipment, and high-speed internet connectivity. This can enhance your team’s productivity and efficiency.
- Strategic Location: Many serviced offices are located in prime business centers, which can enhance your business’s professional image. A strategic location also makes it easier for clients and customers to visit your office.
- Flexible Lease Terms: Unlike traditional office leases that usually require long-term contracts, serviced offices offer flexibility in terms of lease duration. You can choose to rent office space for a short or long period, depending on your business needs.
- Administrative Support: Most serviced offices offer administrative support services such as call answering, mail handling, and receptionist services. This can help you save time and resources typically required for these administrative tasks.
- Networking and Collaboration: Using a serviced office provides you with opportunities to interact and collaborate with other businesses also using the same space. This can open up opportunities for partnerships and business collaborations.
- Benefits for Startups: Serviced offices are particularly beneficial for new businesses. You can learn more about the benefits of flexible workspaces for startups from various industry insights.
Overall, using a serviced office can provide many advantages for your business. With flexibility, lower operational costs, access to the latest facilities and technology, strategic locations, flexible lease terms, administrative support, and opportunities for networking and collaboration, it’s no wonder that more and more businesses are choosing to use serviced offices.
Comparison between Serviced Office and Traditional Office
Choosing between a serviced office and a traditional office can be a difficult decision. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your business needs and goals.
Serviced Office:
- Offers flexibility and convenience. You can adjust your workspace according to your business needs.
- No need to worry about additional costs such as maintenance, cleaning, or utilities.
- Usually located in prime business centers, which can enhance your business’s professional image.
- However, rental costs can be higher compared to traditional offices.
Traditional Office:
- Gives you full control over your workspace.
- You can customize your workspace according to your business needs, and you don’t have to share facilities.
- However, you are also responsible for operational costs such as maintenance, cleaning, and utilities.
- You may need to sign a long-term lease contract, which can be a significant commitment.
So, when should you use a serviced office or a traditional office?
- Serviced Office: A good choice if you have a growing business and need flexibility. You can adjust your workspace and don’t have to worry about operational costs.
- Traditional Office: A better choice if you have a stable business and need full control over your workspace. You can customize your workspace and don’t have to share facilities.
Overall, the choice between a serviced office and a traditional office will depend on your business needs and goals. Make sure to consider all factors before making a decision.
Costs and Other Considerations
When choosing office space, there are many factors to consider, and one of the most important is cost. Office rental costs can vary greatly depending on location, size, and facilities offered. For example, office space in the city center might be more expensive than those on the outskirts. Additionally, larger office spaces equipped with facilities like meeting rooms, kitchens, and parking areas are also usually more expensive.
However, rental costs are not the only expenses to consider. There are also other costs such as:
- Utility costs (electricity, water, internet)
- Maintenance costs
- Insurance costs
If you choose office space rented under a ‘full service’ contract, these costs might already be included in the rental fee. However, if the contract is a ‘net lease,’ you might have to pay these costs separately.
Furthermore, you also need to consider the cost of furniture and office equipment. If the office space you rent is not equipped with furniture and equipment, you will have to purchase them yourself. This can be a significant cost, especially if you need specialized equipment for your business.
Don’t forget to also consider legal fees. You might need to hire a lawyer to help you negotiate and review the lease contract. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of the contract and the lawyer’s rates.
Finally, there are also ‘invisible costs’ to consider. For example, if your office location is far from employees’ homes, they might have to spend more time and money on transportation. This can negatively impact their job satisfaction and productivity.
By considering all these costs, you can make a more informed decision and save money in the long run. Remember that your primary goal is to find office space that not only meets your business needs but also fits your budget. So, take the time to research and compare before making a decision.
We have discussed various important aspects to consider when choosing office space. From understanding what a serviced office is, the benefits and advantages it offers, to the costs and other considerations that must be taken into account.
A serviced office is a solution that offers flexibility and convenience for businesses of all sizes. With various facilities provided, such as desks, chairs, internet access, meeting rooms, and receptionist services, you can start your business immediately without having to worry about office setup and maintenance.
Another benefit of a serviced office is flexibility in terms of contracts. You can adjust the lease duration according to your business needs, whether short-term or long-term. This is very useful for growing businesses that require flexibility in managing their workspace.
However, choosing a serviced office isn’t just about looking at the benefits offered. There are also costs and other considerations that must be heeded. Rental fees, utility costs, maintenance costs, and legal fees are some examples of expenses that may arise when renting office space.
This is where Skaiwork comes in. As a leading provider of serviced offices, Skaiwork offers comprehensive and flexible solutions for your workspace needs. With various choices of locations, space sizes, and service packages, Skaiwork can help you find the office space that best suits your business needs and budget. The rise of flexible workspaces is also closely linked to the impact of the digital era on workplaces, driving demand for more adaptable environments.
So, if you are currently looking for office space, why not try Skaiwork? With the various benefits and conveniences offered, Skaiwork could be the right solution for your business. Contact us today to find out more or to schedule a tour of our office spaces. We look forward to helping you find the perfect workspace for your business.