A Guide To Finding A Flexible Workspace In Singapore
What are Flexible Workspaces & Why Are They Popular?
Compared to traditional offices, flexible workspaces let you work at your own pace and when you want to. Thus, once you’re done, you can leave and let another one take over your desk. There are several types of flexible workspaces, ranging from coworking to private, shared, virtual, sublets, and more, which you can select per your preferences.
Additionally, instead of a restricted work environment or cubicle, flexible workplaces are designed with modern aesthetics that focus on employee well-being. Thus, instead of cubicles, such workspaces provide an open desk (you can also choose a lockable private desk), an energized environment that lets you collaborate with other industry professionals and encourages movement and breaks throughout the workday.
Now, if we talk about a surge in their popularity, the reasons mainly include people breaking free from the restricted and hectic schedules of traditional workspaces where you have to complete 8 or 9 hours even if you’re done with your work and have no time to do other activities.
The trend started during COVID-19 when remote work was required. Soon, people adopted the new change, and we have been witnessing the rise of hybrid and flexible workspaces worldwide since then. Overall, flexible workspaces are more productive, boost employee well-being, and provide a lifestyle where you can work when you want to.
That being said, do you want to read the differences between flexible and traditional workspaces in detail? Check out our detailed insight into exploring all types of flexible workspaces in Singapore.
How do Flexible Workspaces Support Work-Life Balance?
As hinted above, the most important benefit of flexible working is that they support work-life balance. To discuss this in more detail, we’ve listed a few points below for you to read.
Freedom to Schedule Your Day
When you work flexibly, you don’t have to follow the usual 9 to 5 strict schedule anymore. Instead, you can do your work when you’re most productive and spend the rest of the day tending to other commitments.
Reduced Commute, More "You" Time
Compared to traditional offices, which are situated far away and require you to spend hours just commuting, flexible office spaces are located at diverse and prime locations across the country, so you can easily select the one closest to you and relax once you’re home.
Boost in Productivity
Little do you know, restricted cubicles or focusing on laptop screens for long hours can cause burnout and stress you out. Thus, by choosing from various flexible office solutions, you can prioritize your well-being and work in an ergonomic environment that increases productivity.
No More Work-Life Blur
Lastly, once your work and personal life are separated through working flexibly, you can balance and fulfill both work and personal commitments without mixing them.
Benefits of Renting Flexible Workspaces for Networking Opportunities
In addition to letting you balance your work and personal life, flexible workspaces further open various collaborative and networking opportunities. How? Check the listed factors below:
Dedicated Collaboration Zones
As you may have noticed, many flexible workspaces offer collaborative zones. These zones can be open areas, lounges, or relaxing rooftop spots where employees can interact with each other, share ideas, or make professional connections.
Networking Events
Secondly, many flexible spaces also host workshops, talks, and social gatherings. These are perfect for meeting like-minded professionals and expanding your network. Even if you don’t get to interact socially with anyone, you can learn a lot of things from such informative events.
Diverse Backgrounds
Freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers – you'll find a diverse mix of skills and perspectives in these spaces. This opens doors to collaboration and networking between the employees, and they can even help each other out. For example, a writer may help a designer to come up with the right word to search for the exact design or vice versa.
Connected by Technology
Since top flexible workspaces offer high-speed internet, video conferencing, project management tools, and conference rooms, remote teams get to work with each other and form connections despite geographical barriers.
Detailed Cost-benefit Analysis of Renting a Flexible Workspace
Moving on, since cost-effectiveness and affordability are the other main reasons behind the popularity and demand for flexible workplaces, here’s a brief cost-benefit analysis of renting a flexible workspace in Singapore.
Upfront vs. Ongoing Costs
While traditional offices require a hefty upfront investment with security deposits (often 9-12 months' rent) and furniture purchases, you are also required to pay for place setup costs. In comparison, flexible workspaces are lighter on the wallet upfront. There are no deposits, furniture is included, and they're move-in ready, eliminating build-out costs.
Additionally, flexible workspaces offer a simplified cost structure with a fixed yet flexible monthly or weekly fee covering rent, utilities, internet, cleaning, and sometimes even basic amenities. This eliminates managing multiple vendors and simplifies budgeting.
Scalability & Hidden Costs
Let’s say you want to move from your traditional office space shortly due to personal or professional reasons. In such a situation, you can easily expect an expensive relocation and potential lease-breaking penalties.
However, when renting a flexible office space in Singapore, you can easily adjust your membership plan if you want to move out. In fact, in the case of a sublet flexible office space, you can become a middleman and rent the office space to another team looking for an office to work.
The Role of Flexible Workspaces in Sustainable Business Practices
It’s no surprise that flexible spaces are cost-effective, promote productivity, and help you balance your work and personal life. They are further effective in promoting a sustainable business lifestyle.
Firstly, flexible workspaces optimize space utilization by accommodating multiple companies and individuals and letting them share amenities and services, reducing their carbon footprint.
Additionally, the hot-desking feature of such working spaces allows employees to reserve desks or workspaces on an as-needed basis, eliminating the need for dedicated desks that sit empty much of the time. This maximizes space usage and minimizes energy consumption.
Finally, modern eco-friendly flexible workspaces are designed with green environments, natural light emission, and dedicated ergonomic spaces where employees can relax, reduce their stress levels, and work more efficiently and effectively. Besides this, most coworking spaces have workout facilities so employees can stay fit while they work.
How Flexible Workspaces are Supporting Singapore's Startup Ecosystem?
Singapore, with over 4,500+ startup ventures in 2024, is seeing its ecosystem thrive thanks to the rise of flexible workspaces, and here’s how it’s happening:
Budget-Friendly Boost
ince flexible workspaces offer a cost-effective solution and are furnished with everything you’ll need, most startups prefer such spaces and measure their scalability as they grow or face setbacks. However, even if the startup doesn’t work, the expenditure remains less and within the budget.
[Suggestive read: Most-affordable office spaces for startups in Singapore]
Innovation Hubs
Flexible workspaces are energized, innovative hubs where people interact with each other, attend workshops, and open doors to seizable opportunities. This boosts growth in the professional market and helps find international investors.
A Global Appeal
Though Singapore is already a business hub, the country keeps attracting international investors or businesses trying to experiment with a new idea that can potentially grow worldwide. Thus, most of them select flexible workplaces equipped with basic supplies and tech-driven amenities, promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly environment and minimizing risk. Also, while people stay in such workplaces and use nearby amenities or cafes, the local economy gets a boost.
Finding a Flexible Workspace in Singapore: Top 5 Leads
Now, if you want a flexible office space for rent in Singapore, we’ve come up with the five best recommendations for you to check out.
JustCo (Singapore)
9 North Buona Vista Drive, Singapore
| Available Offices | 25 Offices |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 - 50 Desks |
| Price Range (Month) | SGD 118 to SGD 33,502 |
|---|---|
| AVG Desk Price (Month) | SGD 669 |
This lockable private office can accommodate 7 people. It is situated in The Metropolis, 5 minutes away from Buona Vista Station and only a minute away from The Metropolis Drop-off Bus Stop.
Features & Amenities
By renting this office space, you can get:
- 24/7 access for flexible working hours and high-speed internet service
- Access to modern meeting rooms and collaborative spaces
- Furnished with ergonomic furniture and private desks for your team
- Facial recognition entry for seamless and secure access
- Shared tech-enabled facilities and amenities for reducing carbon footprint
- Back Street Alley and Loga (Bars)
- Simply Sandwich and Sky Lawn Pte Ltd (Cafes)
- Fitness First - The Metropolis (Gym)
- Taxi Stand (F46)
JustCo (Singapore) manages this space and can show you a variety of private office options (ranging from 1 to 50 desks) if you book a tour. Overall, it’s perfect for freelancers or small organizations looking for a secure environment and flexible payment options.
German Centre For Industry and Trade Pte Ltd
25 International Business Park, Singapore
| Available Offices | 13 Offices |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 - 35 Desks |
| Price Range (Month) | SGD 709 to SGD 17,116 |
|---|---|
| AVG Desk Price (Month) | SGD 435 |
This coworking desk provides a flexible and social work environment for your team of up to 5. Situated in Singapore's 25 International Business Park, it's 4 minutes from the German Ctr Bus Stop and 19 minutes from Jurong East Station.
Features & Amenities
By renting this office space, you can get:
- Fast internet and 24/7 access to working for flexible hours without any disruption
- Modern and energy-saving utilities for stability
- Collaborative spaces for relaxing and networking
- Professional administrative and reception staff to look after your calls, emails, and clients
- Shared kitchen, printing facilities, and cleaning services included
- Bespresso Pte Ltd
German Centre For Industry and Trade Pte Ltd manages this space and can show you a variety of coworking options (ranging from 1 to 25 desks) if you book a tour. It is ideal for freelancers, startups, and small businesses seeking a cost-effective and social workspace with networking opportunities.
Golden Hub
114 Lavender Street, Singapore
| Available Offices | 1 Offices |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 - 1 Desks |
| Price Range (Month) | SGD 600 to SGD 600 |
|---|---|
| AVG Desk Price (Month) | SGD 600 |
This shared office desk offers a focused and collaborative work environment. Located at 114 Lavender Street, it's 4 minutes from the Bendemeer Station and only a minute from the Aft Kallang Bahru Bus Stop.
Features & Amenities
By renting this workspace, you can get:
- 24/7 access to the space for flexible working hours and fast internet to stay connected
- Fully furnished space with modern interior and ergonomic furniture
- Access to meeting rooms for professional conferences and discussions.
- Shared kitchen and outdoor space with BBQ facilities and a swimming pool
- Admin staff for mail handling, attending calls, and receiving your clients
- Kopi & Tarts
- Rasa Rasa Curry Puff
Golden Hub manages this space and offers a tour to showcase its exquisitely designed workspace. It is usually preferred by freelancers, solopreneurs, and remote workers seeking a cost-effective workspace with a collaborative atmosphere and perks.
JustCo (Singapore)
40A Orchard Road, Singapore
| Available Offices | 26 Offices |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 - 170 Desks |
| Price Range (Month) | SGD 118 to SGD 127,499 |
|---|---|
| AVG Desk Price (Month) | SGD 752 |
Didn’t find the above options useful? Don’t worry; check out this another popular office space in Singapore. Located in Orchard Road's MacDonald House, this enterprise suite can accommodate a team of 40. It's 6 minutes from Bencoolen MRT Station and only a minute from the Macdonald Hse/Orchard Rd Bus Stop.
Features & Amenities
By renting this workspace, you can get:
- 24/7 on-site access for flexible working hours
- Fully furnished workspace for a seamless move-in
- Dedicated use of an exclusive meeting room for efficient team collaboration
- High-speed internet (cable and WiFi) to keep your team connected
- On-site amenities like a shared kitchen, printing facilities, and a receptionist for support
- FrapasBar by Saveur - The Cathay
- KSTAR Karaoke @ Plaza Singapura
- Anytime Fitness PoMo Mall (Gym)
- Nana's Green Tea
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast
JustCo (Singapore) manages this space and can show you a variety of office options (ranging from 1 to 170 desks) if you book a tour. Additionally, it’s a perfect fit for established businesses and growing teams seeking a prestigious and fully equipped workspace in Singapore’s popular district.
[Meanwhile, you can also read the suggested article about choosing the perfect enterprise office space.]
JustCo (Singapore)
16 Raffles Quay, Singapore
| Available Offices | 22 Offices |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 - 40 Desks |
| Price Range (Month) | SGD 118 to SGD 26,002 |
|---|---|
| AVG Desk Price (Month) | SGD 652 |
At last, we have a virtual office recommendation for one person. It’s located centrally, 3 minutes away from the Telok Ayer Station and only a minute from the Raffles Pl Stn Exit F bus stop.
Features & Amenities
By renting this space, you can get:
- A credible and prestigious business address to enhance your professional image
- Mail handling service for a physical presence
- Administrative staff to handle your calls, emails, and clients
- Access to meeting rooms for business conferences and meetings
- High-speed WiFi for seamless connectivity
- Starbucks-Hong Leong Building
- The Coffee Showcase, Lau Pa Sat
JustCo (Singapore) manages this space and offers a variety of workspace options (ranging from 1 to 40 desks). It’s ideal for individual entrepreneurs and remote workers seeking a professional business address and a cost-effective way to establish their presence in Singapore.
Your options don’t end here! Instead, you can explore more flexible workspaces in Singapore. Office Hub has got quite affordable and popular listings you can rent right away!
Additional Considerations to Keep in Mind
Lastly, once you find a flexible workspace in Singapore, make sure to keep these considerations in mind:
Additional Costs
While flexible workspaces offer a flexible payment plan, some may have additional charges for meeting rooms, printing, or specific amenities.
The Right Office Space
Make sure you’ve selected the right office space per your needs, as there are plenty of types available in the market.
Location & Amenities
Choose a location convenient for your team and clients and make sure your preferred amenities like meeting rooms, shared kitchen, or other services are there.
Read Before You Sign
Lastly, before you sign, make sure you have read all the terms and conditions of your contract, including the overall cost and payment methods.
The Takeaway
This was our detailed guide to finding a flexible workspace in Singapore. From benefits to cost analysis, promoting sustainability, and contributing to the country’s ecosystem, we discussed everything you needed to know. You can always check out Office Hub to find such properties across Singapore. For more information, you can reach out to us now and leave a message. Good luck!
