An open workplace is a flexible workplace in a shared office space where professionals from different companies work together. You do not rent a permanent office, but a desk in a shared space with access to all facilities such as internet, meeting rooms and coffee. This concept of coworking gives you the freedom to work when you want, without the high costs and long contracts of a traditional office. It is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to work professionally without being stuck with their own office space.
What exactly is an open workplace?
An open workstation is a desk in a shared office space where you work with other professionals. It differs from a traditional office in that you don't have your own enclosed space, but work in an open environment with others. You share facilities such as the kitchen, meeting rooms and printers with other users.
The physical layout usually consists of large open spaces with several workstations. You will find individual desks, standing workstations and comfortable seating areas for informal consultation. Modern coworking spaces often have a homely atmosphere with plants, art on the wall and cozy lounge corners where you can relax for a while.
What can you expect in terms of facilities? Think high-speed Internet, free coffee and tea, printing and scanning, lockers for your belongings and access to meeting rooms. Many locations also offer extras such as a kitchen where you can prepare your lunch, showers for when you come to work after exercise, and sometimes even a ping pong table for during your break.
How does an open workplace work in practice?
Day-to-day use of an open workplace is surprisingly simple. You usually get an access pass or code that allows you to enter the building during opening hours. Upon arrival, you choose an available workspace, often on a first-come-first-served basis, or you have a set spot reserved via an app or online system.
Most office space providers work with flexible contracts. You can choose a day pass, a monthly pass or an annual pass. Some locations even offer time cards, perfect if you only need a workspace occasionally. Booking is often done through a handy app where you can instantly see which spots are available.
Organizing your workday in a shared office is as flexible as you want it to be. Start when it suits you, take breaks whenever you want and work for as long as you need. Shared facilities such as meeting rooms are usually booked in advance. For phone calls, special call booths are often available so you don't disturb others.
Who is an open workplace suitable for?
Open workstations are perfect for freelancers who don't have a good workspace at home or need to socialize. Remote workers from companies like to use them as an alternative to the home office, especially on days when they need more focus or just want to get out of the house.
Startups find the ideal combination of professionalism and flexibility in coworking spaces. You can start with one workspace and easily scale up as your team grows. Established companies are also increasingly discovering the benefits, for example for project teams or employees who want to work closer to clients.
Your work style determines whether an open workplace suits you. Are you someone who is energized by people around you? Do you like working in different places? Do you need separation between work and home? Then flex-working in a shared space is probably perfect for you. It's less suitable if you have a lot of confidential conversations or need absolute silence to concentrate.
What are the benefits of working in an open workplace?
The biggest practical advantage is cost savings. You pay only for what you use, with no fixed charges for an entire office. All facilities are included: from super-fast wifi to coffee and cleaning. You don't have to worry about arranging internet, insurance or maintenance.
The networking opportunities are worth their weight in gold. You meet professionals from different industries, which can lead to new assignments, collaborations or just inspiring conversations at the coffee machine. Many coworking spaces also organize networking drinks and workshops where you can easily make new contacts.
The flexibility is unprecedented. Work in Amsterdam today, Rotterdam tomorrow. Choose a quiet corner when you need to focus or sit by the window for a little more commotion. This freedom helps tremendously in finding a good work-life balance. After work hours, close your laptop and leave work behind, instead of your home office constantly reminding you of work.
| Advantage | What does this mean to you? |
|---|---|
| Professional look | Receive clients in stylish meeting rooms |
| Inspiring environment | Modern decor that encourages creativity |
| Social aspects | Have lunch with fellow entrepreneurs, spar about ideas |
| All-inclusive facilities | From coffee to copier, everything is taken care of |
What does an open workplace cost on average?
The pricing structure of open workspaces varies widely, depending on location, facilities and type of subscription. In large cities, you pay more than in smaller towns. A workplace in the city center is more expensive than on the outskirts. Luxury locations with extra services have higher rates than basic coworking spaces.
Most providers work with different subscription options. A day pass is the most expensive option per day, but convenient for occasional use. Monthly subscriptions offer a better price per day and more flexibility. Annual subscriptions give the best deal, but require more commitment. Some locations also offer part-time subscriptions, such as for two or three days a week.
What do you get for your money? Usually internet, coffee, tea and use of common areas are included. Printing and scanning are often included up to a certain number of pages. Access to meeting rooms is sometimes included for a number of hours per month, sometimes you pay extra. Compared to your own office, you save a lot: no separate contracts for internet, cleaning, coffee, insurance and maintenance.
How do you choose the right open workspace?
Start with location. Choose a workplace that is easily accessible, both by car and public transportation. Check if there is adequate parking and what it costs. Travel time greatly affects your enjoyment of work, so choose smartly. Also look at nearby amenities such as lunch joints, gyms or stores.
Test the atmosphere and community by booking a trial day. Pay attention to the type of professionals who work there, does it suit you? Is it quiet enough to concentrate, but also lively enough to inspire you? Check practical things like the quality of the wifi, the comfort of the chairs and the temperature in the space.
| Checkpoint | Why important? |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Do they fit your work rhythm? |
| Contract flexibility | Can you easily scale up or down? |
| Meeting rooms | Are they available when you need them? |
| Community events | Do they help expand your network? |
| Additional Services | Mailing address, reception, phone service? |
Ask for a tour and ask any questions you have. Good vendors are happy to show you what they have to offer. Pay attention to details such as the quality of the coffee (you drink a lot of it!), the state of maintenance and how clean the place is. This says a lot about how professionally the location is run.
Conclusion: Is an open workplace for you?
An open workplace offers you the perfect blend of professionalism and flexibility. You work in an inspiring environment with like-minded professionals, without being locked into expensive long-term contracts. Whether you're a freelancer, working for a company or running a startup, flexible working in a shared office space can greatly increase your productivity and job satisfaction.
The benefits are clear: cost savings, networking opportunities, professional facilities and the freedom to work when and where it suits you. Most importantly, choose a workspace that suits your work style, budget and ambitions.
At Co-Office we understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to the ideal workspace. We are happy to help you find the perfect open workspace that fits your needs. Whether you're looking for a vibrant community or just a quiet place to concentrate, there's always a solution to suit you. Want to learn more about the possibilities? Then take contact with us and discover how flexible working can transform your workday.