Serviced Offices, Coworking or Traditional Office: What Fits Your Business Best?
Finding the right office solution is crucial for your company’s well-being, efficiency, and growth. In Oslo and the surrounding area, there are several options – from serviced offices and coworking spaces to traditional offices. But what exactly is the difference, and which type best suits your needs?
What is a Serviced Office?
A serviced office offers flexible office spaces where you can rent anything from single offices to larger areas. These are typically professional environments with reception services, meeting rooms, internet, coffee, and administrative support included. You get your own lockable workspace while sharing common facilities with other tenants.
Benefits:
- Professional atmosphere
- Private office with a high level of privacy
- Shorter lease terms than traditional offices
- Full-service setup with shared facilities
What is Coworking?
Coworking means working in a shared, open environment alongside freelancers, small businesses, or startups. It is a social and dynamic workstyle with low barriers to networking and collaboration. Many coworking spaces also offer private offices and meeting rooms in addition to open seating.
Benefits:
- Maximum flexibility
- Short notice periods and low entry cost
- Stimulating environment and networking opportunities
- All-inclusive: internet, coffee, printer, lounge, etc.
Traditional Office: Stability and Control
A traditional office gives you full control over your space – from interior and IT solutions to security and branding. This is usually most relevant for established companies with specific needs for space, infrastructure, or brand presence.
Benefits:
- Full control over layout and operations
- More space per employee
- Stability through long-term leases
- Ideal for companies needing a private work environment
What About Flexibility and Growth?
Both serviced offices and coworking offer great flexibility – ideal for growing businesses or those needing to scale up or down quickly. Traditional offices often require a commitment of three to five years, while coworking and serviced offices usually offer monthly leases.
Privacy and Focus
Serviced offices and traditional offices provide more privacy and support for focused work, which is important for professional services and companies handling sensitive information. Coworking suits those who thrive in open, social settings and have less need for isolation.
Hybrid Solutions Are Becoming More Common
The line between serviced offices and coworking is becoming increasingly blurred. Many providers now offer hybrid models where you can have a private office while still enjoying access to social areas and shared facilities. This offers an ideal balance between community and privacy.
What Suits Your Business Best?
Your choice of office solution should be based on:
- Company size and growth plans
- Need for flexibility or stability
- Workstyle (hybrid, remote, in-office)
- Requirements for privacy, facilities, and budget
Whatever direction you’re considering, there are excellent options in the Oslo region. Spacefinder helps you find and compare different types of office spaces – tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a serviced office and a coworking space?
A serviced office typically offers private, lockable offices with access to shared amenities, while coworking is more open and social, with flexible desks and communal spaces. Many coworking providers now also offer private offices, so the line is becoming less distinct.
How much does it cost to rent a coworking space compared to a serviced office?
Prices vary based on location, size, and amenities, but coworking is generally more affordable for individuals or small teams. Serviced offices offer more privacy and are often preferred by businesses looking to maintain a professional image.
Who is coworking best suited for?
Coworking is ideal for freelancers, startups, and small businesses seeking flexibility, networking opportunities, and a vibrant environment. It’s also well-suited to companies with a hybrid or remote work model.
Can I scale my office space up or down over time?
Yes, both coworking and serviced offices offer flexible lease terms that allow you to adjust the size of your workspace as needed. This is ideal for growing companies or those with fluctuating space requirements.
What should I consider when choosing between coworking, serviced offices, and traditional offices?
Think about how much privacy you need, your team size, whether you require meeting rooms or specialized equipment, and how important flexibility and networking are to you. Budget and lease terms should also be major considerations.
About the Author
This article was written by Lauritz Kittelsen, advisor at Spacefinder. He specializes in helping small and medium-sized businesses find or lease office spaces.