They say all good things must come to an end. For many French entrepreneurs, the honeymoon period with coworking spaces, synonymous with shared work, seems to be coming to an end. What could possibly replace these much-loved community offices? The alternative is office space sharing, more commonly known as office subletting. Join us on a tour of this new trend that's turning corporate real estate upside down.
Who would consider leaving the comfort of a coworking space, which is booming in the world of freelancers and start-ups? Coworking spaces, with their flexibility, practicality and stimulating atmosphere, have become the workplaces of choice for freelancers and entrepreneurs around the world. It's true, coworking is a trend that has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, from 13,800 spaces worldwide in 2017 to over 22,000 by 2022. However, every business goes through different stages in its lifecycle and, sometimes, coworking may no longer fit the company's needs.
Coworking in 2022 and 2023: The golden age
Recent years have marked the golden age of coworking. The number of members of these collaborative spaces has exceeded 3 million in 2022, with an impressive growth of 18% compared to 2021. In 2023, France is still one of the leaders in coworking, home to more than 1,200 spaces. However, a recent survey by OfficeVibe revealed that, despite the growing number of members, the occupancy rate of coworking spaces has not increased proportionately. In fact, the amount of time spent in coworking spaces has actually decreased. Why this trend?
It's time to look beyond coworking and consider alternatives. Corporate real estate needs a more flexible solution, better adapted to the changing needs of modern businesses. And the answer could well lie in the concept of office subletting.
Why leave a Coworking?
As a business evolves and grows, coworking may no longer meet its needs. The rules or policies of a coworking space may become unsuitable, the rates may no longer match the company's budget, or the expansion of the workforce may make the space insufficient. The desire for independence may become stronger, or the need for a quieter, more private working environment may intensify.
Office subletting: the ideal solution
Sub-letting offices seems to be the ideal alternative for entrepreneurs looking for a change. It offers the best of both worlds: the flexibility of coworking and the independence of a traditional office. At Fiveoffices, we've made office subletting our speciality, offering a platform that puts companies with unoccupied offices in touch with entrepreneurs looking for a more suitable workspace (flexible office).
Office subletting: the economical and sustainable alternative
Office subletting has many advantages to offer. Significant savings compared to traditional rental and coworking spaces, unparalleled adaptability to fluctuations in demand, and an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation. What's more, it's an environmentally-friendly solution that's sustainable for our planet and helps to optimise real estate resources. In fact, by optimising the use of real estate resources, we reduce the environmental impact of corporate real estate.
Verdict
If the idea of leaving your coworking space frightens you, don't worry - there's life afterwards! And it could be even more fulfilling. With office subletting, you can enjoy the independence and flexibility you need, while saving money. At Fiveoffices, we're ready to help you make the transition to a new way of working that's better suited to your needs.
So, are you ready to take the plunge?
Not sure which solution is right for your business and need some help? Let's take a few minutes to discuss it.
