What Is a Part-Time Office?
A part-time office is a private workspace which is rented on anything between 1 to 4 days of the week rather than on a full-time basis. On days not being used, the office might be rented to another organisation to maximise the rental income.
Part-time offices usually allow you to rent space on a short or long-term basis, i.e. from 1 month to 2 years.
Part-Time Offices - Advantages
Cost Savings
Renting a part-time office can significantly reduce overheads. When comparing our data from part-time and full-time contracts, we have found that some companies have cut their rental costs as much as 70% by renting a part-time office.
Access to Prime Locations
Opting for a part-time office can allow businesses to rent office space in prime locations at a more affordable price than a full-time office.
Ability to Trial New Locations
Similarly, companies can rent a part-time office if they’re looking to trial a new location without a long-term lease commitment.
Less Office Management Needed
Most part-time workspaces are serviced offices, which allow for this type of set-up. This reduces the need for businesses to manage utilities, cleaning and maintenance.
Access to Premium Amenities
All businesses renting a serviced office can benefit from the amenities on-site, such as breakout spaces, roof terraces and meeting rooms.
More Flexibility
Businesses can rent workspace only for the days they need it. This can be highly beneficial in reducing unused office space, especially with the rise of hybrid working.
Boosts Company Culture
Renting an office part-time provides dedicated days for teams to come together to collaborate. This strengthens coworker relationships and boosts company culture.
Disadvantages of Part-Time Offices
Scheduling Challenges
As mentioned, a part-time office is often rented by another company on the days you don’t use it. This may cause scheduling conflicts if either company’s needs change.
Limited Availability During Peak Times
If you’re looking to rent office space in areas like Central London, you may find that securing the most desirable days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) may be more difficult.
Lack of Personalisation
Part-time office providers can often limit how much you can customise the workspace.
Restricted Storage
There may be a lack of secure storage solutions, as the space is shared with another company, so finding cloud storage options for private documents may be necessary.
Lack of Continuity
Different companies using the space on different days can result in inconsistencies in the office, such as furniture being moved or whiteboards being cleared at the end of the day.
How To Rent an Office Part-Time
As most part-time offices are serviced, the process of finding a part-time office is very similar to finding a serviced space. However, there are a few extra considerations to be mindful of.
1. Assess Your Needs
Make sure you know exactly what days and times you will need the office. Most businesses often forget to consider the time of day they’ll require access. If your company operates outside of traditional office hours, ensure the office has 24-hour access.
2. Research Locations
Part-time offices are more common in cities like London, Manchester or Birmingham, but many independent serviced office providers may have other locations in the suburbs.
3. Book Viewings
Ensure you visit a range of spaces to give you a good idea of what is available. Most importantly, ask questions about how the space operates when shared:
• Can you leave personal items?
• Is the space cleaned between each company’s dedicated days?
• Are you able to brand the workspace?
• Can you have visitors to the office?
4. Carefully Review Contracts
Once you have decided on the right office, check the contract carefully. It should clearly outline the days and hours you can use the space, the cost, and the amenities included.
There may also be a section detailing how much flexibility you have with your designated days and how much notice you should give if you’d like more/less days.
Which Industries Rent Offices Part-Time?
Part-time offices can be a great option for any industry. However, we’ve found that we receive the most part-time office enquiries from the following types of companies:
Hybrid Businesses
The most common type of companies using part-time offices are hybrid businesses. A mix of working remotely and from the office means that part-time offices provide the perfect set-up, without paying for unused space on remote days. Most of the enquiries we get for part-time spaces are from hybrid businesses looking for the right balance.
Tech Start-Ups
Many tech start-ups have told us they’re turning to part-time offices as a cost-effective option to lower overhead, whilst still having a space for collaborations.
Creative Agencies
Creative agencies have recently been reaching out to us for part-time offices to use for brainstorming sessions and client pitches without paying for a full-time workspace.
Consultants & Freelancers
We’ve found that consultants and freelancers are looking for professional settings for occasional client meetings and workshops.
Popular Locations for Part-Time Offices in London
City of London
The City of London is one of the most prestigious addresses for law firms and insurance companies. Many of these businesses rent part-time offices to ensure a strong business presence in the Square Mile while reducing rental costs.
Soho
Soho is known for its creative atmosphere and as a hotspot for media, fashion and advertising. Creative teams looking to host pitches or workshops in a bustling area rent part-time spaces here.
Shoreditch & Old Street
Shoreditch and Old Street are at the heart of London’s tech scene and attract many start-ups. A wealth of serviced offices, access to venture capital firms, and young talent make this area ideal for dynamic businesses needing part-time office space.
King’s Cross
The regeneration of King’s Cross has created a hub of serviced offices which can be rented part-time for businesses looking for excellent national and international rail links.
Choosing Between Part-Time and Full-Time Offices
Why Choose a Part-Time Office
• You only need office space a few days a week.
• Your team works in a hybrid model, or you want to switch to one.
• You are looking to reduce overheads and avoid long leases.
• You want to test a location before committing to a long agreement.
• You want to access or trial a serviced office without paying for full-time workspace.
Why Choose a Full-Time Office
• Your team works in person, full-time.
• You regularly host clients, training and/or workshops.
• You want complete control over the layout and branding of the office.
• You need physical storage for documents and equipment.
• You want a long-term base for your business and don’t anticipate changes in office space requirements.
Part-Time Office Rentals: FAQ
Can I register my business address with a part-time office?
Yes, most serviced offices will allow you to register the address as your business address.
Do part-time offices include amenities?
Yes. Part-time offices in serviced office buildings include amenities such as business-grade Wi-Fi, breakout spaces and reception services.
Can I use a part-time office for client meetings?
Yes, part-time serviced offices include access to meeting rooms, which is an excellent advantage for those looking to host clients in a professional environment.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. Serviced office rentals are usually priced at an all-inclusive rate. However, it is important to check your contract as meeting room bookings and printing costs are typically charged as extras.
Can I extend my rental days if required?
Yes. Flexible contracts allow you to extend your days, if necessary, but there may be a notice period.
Do I have to share the space with another company on my office days?
No. The space is just for you and your staff on your office days. Likewise, on the days you aren’t using the space, it can only be used by the other company.
Is there a minimum rental period?
Yes, most serviced offices offer monthly rolling contracts as a minimum.
Part-time offices are a flexible option for companies looking for a cost-effective hybrid working set-up. Whether you’re a start-up, a larger business, or need an office a few days a week, part-time spaces provide access to amenities and prime locations without the commitment.
