The concept of the operated office, also known as the flexible office or the managed office, has recently appeared on the office real estate landscape. Thanks to the move towards hybrid working patterns, influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, operated offices have rapidly gained in popularity, both in the Paris region and in other parts of France. They meet a number of specific business needs, including flexibility. In an operated office, companies can rent workspaces according to their needs, with the flexibility to quickly adjust the size of their space as their workforce grows. But that’s not all… today we list the 4 main needs that the operated office meets. Follow the guide!
Advantage 1 of the Operated Office: flexibility and user services
You’ve already heard of coworking? Here’s version 2.0: the operated office. This trend combines the flexibility characteristic of coworking spaces with the need for companies to offer an ultra-serviced approach to workspaces. As a result, the operated office is gradually establishing itself as the turnkey solution for simplifying day-to-day business life.
It offers a practical solution for companies seeking to avoid the constraints of long-term leases and benefit from easier management of their workspace. The company finds offices with private, independent spaces and the possibility of benefiting from a multitude of integrated services. In other words, the operated office offers a single-occupant solution that can be customized as required, all via a service contract.
Today, this type of workspace is just as much appreciated and sought-after by young structures lacking adequate general services, as it is by large organizations who see it as a real gain in agility and performance. Companies often have fluctuating needs in terms of workspace. Whether due to rapid expansion, one-off projects or the need to cut costs, flexibility is crucial. Operated offices offer the possibility of modifying the size of the space as required, enabling companies to adapt quickly to change.
A recent study published in Le Moniteur in December 2023 reveals that the capital currently accounts for 94% of operated office space supply, or 213,000 m², but that the overall market for shared and private workspaces remains under-supplied. Another study by JLL, dating from 2022, claims that while this market represents just 2% of floor space today, it could reach 30% by 2030.
The average price of an operated office is €630/month per workstation, compared with €1040/month per workstation for a traditional office.
What is an operated office?
An operated office refers to the rental of a private workspace through a full service contract. This turnkey solution takes its inspiration from the success of coworking, but distinguishes itself by offering a space dedicated exclusively to one company. Unlike traditional office leasing, the operated office lease is characterized by its flexibility, allowing installations for periods as short as a few months, offering optimal adaptation to changing space requirements.
What’s more, by opting for an operated office, the company benefits from an offer encompassing numerous services, eliminating the need to pay for additional charges such as water or electricity. This also translates into significant time savings, as finding and fitting out business premises can be particularly time-consuming. Operated offices are fully equipped and functional right from the start.
Advantage 2 of the Operated Office: simplified property management
Providing a pleasant working environment has become a major challenge for companies, but finding the office that contributes to business success is not as easy as it seems.
A study carried out by Aktis-Partners reveals the growing obstacles encountered by companies in bringing their real estate projects to fruition, and even in anticipating the key stages required to make them a reality. Thus, when asked whether office space contributes to a company’s success, over 85% of companies answer in the affirmative. In detail, 59% are totally convinced of their impact, while 26% believe they contribute only in part. However, the quest for the ideal office seems more arduous than ever for companies. For 58% of professionals surveyed, including CEOs, directors, HR directors, CFOs and managers, finding and fitting out office space is a real obstacle course (as you’ll have gathered, 42% know about workin.space to make their search easier!)
In particular, well-being is the number 1 priority for companies wishing to offer their employees much more than traditional services, and in particular : wellness and beauty services (57%), parcel relays (55%), sports classes (51%) … as well as workspaces equipped and fitted out with high-performance tools (virtual spaces, call boxes…).
Advantage 4 of the Operated Office: a lever for talent retention
Today, companies are adopting strategies borrowed from asset managers to manage their real estate, recognizing its strategic role. Of course, efficient management of real estate assets helps reduce costs. However, it is also a lever for attractiveness, talent retention and well-being, promoting a better life balance.
Attracting and retaining employees is therefore at the heart of companies’ HR policies. To attract and retain the best talent, companies need to meet employees’ new expectations. According to the “People at Work 2023” report published by ADP, three out of ten employees consider flexible working hours to be a crucial factor in retention.s consider flexible working hours to be an important element in a job, while more than one in six say that geographical flexibility is decisive. Teleworking is becoming an essential element in retaining talent. According to the “People at Work 2022” study, two out of three employees (64%) would consider resigning if forced to return to the office full-time. Figures that make you dizzy!
The operated office is thus positioning itself as a key response to the varied needs of companies, emerging as a major trend in the office real estate landscape. With its flexibility and dedicated services, it meets the needs of both start-ups looking for agility and large corporations looking for a high-performance professional environment.
The primary advantage of the operated office lies in its ability to offer flexibility and services to users, combining the characteristics of coworking with an ultra-serviced approach to workspaces. This solution meets companies’ fluctuating needs in terms of space, promoting adaptability in the face of rapid change. The operated office is a versatile solution, offering much more than just a workspace. It embodies the future of office real estate, offering a complete, adaptive experience in today’s and tomorrow’s business landscape. Are you convinced?