Comprehensive Guide: Creating The Best Freelance Office Space

Freelancers need a workspace that’s more than just a desk.

In the last couple of years, thousands of freelancers have ditched the home office in favour of flexible workspaces, becoming the go-to choice for independent professionals tired of working from home.

But finding the right office space for your freelance business isn’t easy.

The ideal office spaces for freelancers should offer a professional environment, opportunities for collaboration and networking, and flexibility to suit your needs.   

By the end of this article, you will:

• Understand the different needs of freelancers compared to traditional employees
• Learn about the flexible workspace solutions most suited to freelancers
• Find the right office space for you and your business needs

Understanding the Needs of Freelancers       

As of 2021, over 7.4 million UK residents were freelance and contract workers, either full time or on the side.

In the Greater London region alone, this accounted for 1 in 5 residents engaging in freelance work. 

In recent years, thousands of shared workspace offices have popped up nationwide to accommodate for the growing number of freelancers ditching the home office.

Growing tired of working from the dining table or isolated home desk, freelancers worldwide are opting for the enhanced productivity, amenities and professional environment these freelance offices offer.

And to ensure their operations remain cost effective, the concept of a shared office space has become the norm. These typically include flexible workspaces such as coworking spaces, private offices, or even virtual offices. They are accompanied by an array of professional amenities and access to meeting rooms and but we will cover these aspects later in the article.

Home office vs. dedicated office space: Pros and Cons

Home Office:

Pros:

• The comfort of the home environment
• No overhead costs
• Flexibility to work around other commitments

Cons:

• Endless amounts of distractions from chores,
• Lack of professional atmosphere
• Increased isolation

Dedicated desk and office space:

Pros:

• Easy access to amenities and facilities
• Increased professional image and branding
• Readily available work environment
• Networking and collaboration opportunities

Cons:

• More costs than working from home
• Commute times

Differences between freelance offices vs traditional offices

Businesses and freelancers have distinct needs regarding office spaces due to their organisational structures, operating models, and ambitions.

While companies require stable and consistent office space to maintain their operations, freelancers tend to prioritise flexibility, cost-efficiency, and convenience.

Unbound by company cultural constraints or the rigid 9-5 working day, freelancers and entrepreneurs value office space that fosters their productivity and gives them access to everything they need to thrive.

With this in mind, office space designed for freelancers tends to allow 24/7 building access, offer multiple office locations across a city or region and can be leased out in affordable, flexible terms.

Learn more: The Advantages of Traditional Office vs Flexible Workspace

Freelancer Office Space Essentials:

• Administrative and secretarial support services like mail delivery and redirection
• A professional business address package
• Onsite IT team and technology such as high speed internet and VPNs
• Access to a thriving community to network and combat isolation
• Adequate security and storage facilities, especially for those working with sensitive information
• Office space with flexible zones such as breakout areas, private office space, business lounge areas and meeting rooms

Designing the Perfect Office Space for Freelancers      

As tempting as Googling “cheap shared office space near me” may be, taking the time to adequately research and weigh up your needs is crucial to finding the right fit.

First, make a list of services, amenities and facilities broken down into ones that you require, ones that are nice-to-have and ones you don't need or want.

From here, it's critical to evaluate your business expenses and set a budget for how much you're willing spend on an office rental.

Once you've found a few office spaces that meet your requirements, we recommend taking advantage of the free trial period that many office providers offer. Make sure to ask the provider on what support services they provided, potential discounts, and request for a list of all inclusions while trialing out the spaces.

Looking for a Central London office space? Discover Servcorp’s top locations

Design elements for a productive office

Tech integration

Office spaces across the world are increasingly incorporating technology into their workplaces to improve their functionality and reduce their carbon footprint.

This includes the use of interactive displays, video conferencing set ups, noise-cancelling tech in meeting rooms, smart sensors for controlling and air temperature, lighting and sounds.

Freelancers enjoying access to these smart offices give them access to cutting-edge solutions that enhance their productivity and overall output.

Biophilic features

As sustainability takes centre stage in modern office space design, the inclusion of biophilic elements has become commonplace in most workplaces.

Biophilic furnishings, such as plants, natural light soaked rooms, water features and use of natural materials not only create a more idyllic environment but also offers numerous health benefits.  

These physical and mental wellbeing perks include, but aren’t limited to:

• Increased productivity and creativity
• Improved cognitive functioning
• Reduced levels of stress and anxiety
• Higher likelihood of community building in shared spaces
• Increased positive feelings about shared workspace environment

If biophilic furnishings aren’t of your interest, we recommend adding some greenery through small plants.

Ergonomic furniture

Ergonomic furniture is essential for freelancers to maintain comfort, productivity, and long-term health.

Spending long hours at a desk can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders if proper ergonomics are not considered.

Ergonomic chairs, desk, and monitors help to prevent pain, fatigue, and injuries. They are efficient at promoting good posture and providing optimal support throughout the day.

Learn more about Office Space Design Trends in 2024

Budgeting for your office space

Setting a budget for your office space isn't a straightforward process.

Although your business instincts may tell you find the cheapest option, it's essential consider additional costs you may spend or save depending on what the office space offers.

For example, an office space with a monthly rent of £100 may sound like a great deal, but you could end up spending more if you have to outsource services that aren't included that you didn't account for.

Other financial considerations include any additional or hidden fees such as meeting room or venue hire, food and refreshment costs, or even printer expenses if they exceed a certain limit.

Flexible Workspaces: The Perfect Freelance Solution

As briefly mentioned earlier, shared office spaces have skyrocketed in popularity with freelancers and entrepreneurs as they provide a cost-effective workspace solution with countless benefits.

Offering flexible memberships on a monthly basis, they are perfect for professionals operating in a wide range of industries.

The most popular flexible workspace solutions for freelancers include the following:

Coworking Spaces

A coworking space is a lively shared office environment where businesses and independent professionals alike come together.

Coworking spaces are the freelancer's flexi workplace solution of choice, due to their vibrant atmosphere, service offerings and networking opportunities inherent in shared office spaces.

Globally, freelancers make up 42% of the world’s coworking space occupancy, a number set to rise exponentially by 2030.

Coworking Spaces FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Virtual Offices

A virtual office is a Servcorp-invented service offering that provides critical business support without a physical office lease.

It’s usually best summed up as “everything but the office”.

With a virtual office package, freelancers are given a professional business address in the location of their choosing, telephone and mailing management services, and powerful technology infrastructures they can access whenever they need.

A good virtual office plan will also give freelancers access to coworking spaces and meeting rooms as an extra perk.

Virtual offices are an ideal alternative for those who require a physical office space on an ad-hoc basis, but require reliable business services on a budget.

Virtual Offices in London FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Serviced Offices

A serviced office is a fully furnished shared office space that offers first-class amenities usually not found in coworking spaces.

Their high-quality facilities and support offerings set them apart from other flexible workspaces, giving freelancers everything they need to thrive in their daily work.

Although serviced offices are usually associated with small businesses and start-ups, freelancers working in admin-heavy industries can benefit from the additional support they provide.

What is a Serviced Office Space? Benefits, Locations & Cost

Find a Freelance Office Space

Office space for freelancers offers a dynamic and supportive environment for independent professionals.

By choosing a flexible workspace, the possibilities are endless, as it empowers freelancers to achieve their goals and elevate their careers.

Servcorp is a global leader in the flexible workspace market and has been helping small businesses grow for over 45 years. Explore our workspaces and leverage the support of an enterprise company invested in your success.