Buildings of the future are powered by technology: Part 3

We asked Mark Burge, President of Flex Workspace Solutions, to share his insights on flexible workspaces, as part of our series into the buildings of the future.

What are the biggest challenges facing the flexible workspace market today?
Competition: The market is becoming increasingly crowded with more providers entering the space, which creates challenges in terms of differentiation and attracting customers.
Operational complexity: Managing and maintaining a flexible workspace requires efficient operations and the ability to adapt to changing customer needs, which can be complex and resource intensive.

What are the biggest opportunities for the flexible workspace market today?
Hybrid work trend: The increasing acceptance and adoption of hybrid work allow flexible workspace providers to cater to a growing number of individuals and companies seeking flexible office solutions.
Corporate partnerships: Collaborating with established corporations to provide flexible workspace solutions can be a lucrative opportunity, especially as more companies embrace hybrid work models.
Industry-specific offerings: Tailoring flexible workspace solutions to specific industries or sectors can attract niche clientele and provide unique value propositions.

When implementing a flexible workspace strategy, what are the biggest pain points?
Scalability: Ensuring that the infrastructure and resources can support rapid growth or downsizing as demand fluctuates.
Tenant turnover: Dealing with tenant turnover can create challenges in maintaining occupancy rates and generating consistent revenue.
Flexibility vs. stability: Balancing the need for flexibility with the need for stability, as long-term leases or commitments may limit the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Operational integration: Implementing and managing the necessary operational infrastructure to support flexible workspace operations can be complex and require ongoing adaptation and updates.

The biggest benefits of a flexible real estate strategy include:
Cost savings: Flexible workspace allows businesses to avoid the upfront costs of long-term leases, utilities, and maintenance, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently.
Agility and scalability: Businesses can quickly scale their office space up or down according to their needs, accommodating changes in workforce size or project demands.
Access to amenities: Flexible workspaces often provide additional amenities such as shared meeting rooms, reception services, and high-speed internet, saving businesses from having to invest in these resources independently.

In what ways does technology play a significant role in delivering flexible workspace solutions?
Workspace management: Technology platforms can streamline booking processes, manage occupancy, and provide analytics on space utilization to optimize resource allocation.
Communication and collaboration: Tools such as video conferencing, messaging apps, and project management software enable remote teams to collaborate effectively and stay connected.
Internet connectivity: Reliable and high-speed internet infrastructure is essential for flexible workspace users, ensuring productivity and connectivity.

Which trends are most likely to shape the future of flexible workspaces?
Hybrid work models: With a blend of remote and office-based work becoming the norm, flexible workspaces will continue to play a vital role in providing a professional and collaborative environment for individuals and teams.
Customization and specialization: Flexible workspace providers may focus on specific industries or niche markets, tailoring their offerings to cater to the unique needs and preferences of their target customers.
Demand: As Landlords and asset owners continue to realize the need to provide a flex space solution they will inevitably provide and represent a significant percentage of additional flex space in the market, perhaps more so than new or existing operators.

Read more insights from the industry experts:  
Part 1 with Faye Stutts, National Director of Coworking Partnerships, Vari
Part 2 with Davey Friedman, Vice President, Real Estate at Arch Amenities Group.
Part 4 with Michael Kloppenburg, Vice President, Avison Young.
Part 5 with Jamie Russo, CEO, Everything Coworking.
Part 6 with Liz Elam, Founder of GCUC Global.