FLUID OFFICES – CO-WORKING AS A NEW AGE BUSINESS OFFICE ALTERNATIVE

If fluid business models are increasingly shaping the future of work—driven by a shifting business landscape and the evolving expectations of new generations—then the question of physical workspace inevitably follows. Traditional office concepts must undergo substantial transformation to support this new way of working. But what does a fluid office actually look like in practice? With flexibility at its core, it often takes the form of co-working spaces or hybrid solutions designed to adapt seamlessly to the dynamic needs of modern teams.

In recent years, co-working spaces have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional office leases. For businesses—especially startups, freelancers, and international companies looking to establish a presence in new markets—co-working spaces offer flexibility, scalability, and the opportunity to engage in collaborative work environments.

The concept of co-working is rooted in the idea of shared office spaces where different businesses, individuals, and entrepreneurs can work alongside each other. Unlike the isolation of a traditional office lease, co-working spaces foster a community atmosphere where entrepreneurs can network, share ideas, and even collaborate on projects. This model has become particularly appealing to startups or companies seeking to scale quickly without the long-term commitments and overheads associated with traditional office space.

In Austria, co-working spaces are not only for tech startups or creatives—they are quickly gaining popularity among established businesses, consultants, and even larger corporations looking for flexible office space solutions. Cities like Vienna and Graz have become hubs for co-working, providing a vibrant ecosystem for professionals in various industries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Co-working Spaces

Advantages

• Flexibility: One of the most significant benefits of co-working spaces is flexibility. Unlike traditional leases, co-working spaces generally operate on monthly agreements, with no long-term commitment required. This is especially valuable for businesses that may experience fluctuating space needs or those unsure of how long they’ll stay in Austria.
• Lower costs: Co-working spaces typically have all-inclusive pricing, covering rent, utilities, internet, and even office amenities like printers, coffee, and meeting rooms. This all-inclusive pricing structure can help businesses avoid the hidden costs associated with traditional office leases, such as maintenance fees, utilities, and security.
• Networking and collaboration: Co-working spaces bring together a diverse community of professionals from different industries. For businesses, this offers significant networking opportunities and the chance to collaborate with others in related or even entirely different fields. Some co-working providers also host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions to foster interaction and collaboration.
• Scalability: As businesses grow, they can easily scale up within the same co-working space by renting additional desks or private offices. This scalability is particularly attractive for startups that are growing quickly but need to keep costs low and avoid committing to long-term leases.

Disadvantages

• Less Privacy: One of the trade-offs of the collaborative nature of co-working spaces is reduced privacy. While private offices are often available, the primary work areas are open-plan, which may not suit all businesses. Companies that handle sensitive information or require a more private environment might find the open setup limiting.
• Fewer space customization options: Unlike traditional office leases where businesses can make alterations to the space (e.g., adding walls, changing the layout), co-working spaces are generally less customizable. This is because the space is shared by multiple tenants, and the landlord is likely to maintain a consistent look and feel throughout.
• Noise and distractions: Open-plan co-working spaces can often be noisy, with various businesses conducting different types of work. This could be distracting for employees who need a quieter environment for focused work.
• Potential for increased costs: While the upfront costs are generally lower than traditional office leases, co-working spaces can become more expensive as the business grows. Renting additional desks or private offices could eventually lead to higher monthly expenses compared to a long-term lease with a traditional office.

Major Co-working space providers in Austria

Austria is home to a variety of co-working spaces, each offering different environments and pricing models to suit the needs of various businesses. Below is an overview of the major co-working space providers in Austria, focusing on their locations, services, and pricing:

WeWork

WeWork is one of the largest and most recognized global co-working providers. Known for its modern aesthetic, WeWork provides a wide range of services, including private offices, hot desks, meeting rooms, and community events. With a variety of membership options, businesses can choose a plan that suits their space needs and budget.

• Locations: WeWork has co-working spaces in central locations such as Vienna’s City Center and districts like Leopoldstadt and Landstraße.
• Pricing: WeWork's membership starts at €300 per month for a hot desk, with private office rates starting at €1,200 per month.
• Key services: Fully equipped workstations, high-speed internet, kitchen access, meeting rooms, event spaces, and global network access.

Spaces

Spaces is a co-working provider that prides itself on its creative and dynamic environment. Its spaces are designed to foster innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals who are looking for a more inspirational working atmosphere.

• Locations: Spaces has co-working spaces in Vienna and other major Austrian cities like Salzburg and Graz.
• Pricing: Pricing for a hot desk starts around €250 per month, with dedicated desks and private offices costing more.
• Key services: Event spaces, lounges, meeting rooms, workshops, and a community of like-minded professionals.

Regus

Regus is another international player in the co-working space market, providing a more corporate feel than some of its competitors. Regus offers both flexible co-working spaces and more traditional office environments, catering to companies of various sizes.

• Locations: Regus has a strong presence in cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Linz, offering offices in prime business districts.
• Pricing: Hot desks are available starting at €250 per month, while private offices start at €700 per month.
• Key services: Private offices, business lounges, meeting rooms, and virtual office services.

Talent Garden

Talent Garden focuses on innovation, technology, and social impact, making it a strong choice for tech startups and social enterprises. It is part of a global network of co-working spaces designed to foster a creative community.

• Locations: Talent Garden has offices in Vienna, Linz, and Graz.
• Pricing: Desk space starts at €250 per month, while private office rates vary based on size and location.
• Key Services: High-speed internet, event spaces, community-driven networking, workshops, and accelerators.

Impact Hub

With a focus on social innovation and sustainability, Impact Hub is a co-working space that caters to businesses with a social or environmental focus. It provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs seeking to make a positive impact.

• Locations: Impact Hub is located in Vienna, Graz, and Linz.
• Pricing: Membership starts at €300 per month, with flexible pricing options for private offices.
• Key Services: Hot desks, private offices, meeting rooms, networking events, and social innovation programs.

Pricing Models in Co-working Spaces

The pricing models in co-working spaces vary widely depending on the provider and the services offered. Generally, co-working spaces offer a range of options to accommodate businesses of different sizes and needs:

• Hot desk: This is the most flexible option, where you can use any available desk in a shared area. Prices typically range from €250 to €600 per month, depending on the location and amenities.
• Dedicated desk: This option provides a reserved desk in a shared area. It is ideal for businesses that need more consistency and privacy but still want to enjoy the benefits of a co-working environment. Prices generally range from €400 to €800 per month.
• Private offices: These are fully enclosed offices for companies that need their own space. Prices for private offices start at €700 per month for smaller spaces, but they can rise significantly based on size, location, and facilities.
• Meeting rooms: Co-working spaces often offer meeting rooms on an hourly or daily rental basis. Prices range from €20 to €100 per hour, depending on the space and technology provided.

Additional Services and Amenities Offered by Co-working Providers

Beyond desk space, co-working spaces offer a variety of services and amenities that can be particularly valuable to businesses:

• High-speed internet: All co-working spaces provide high-speed internet, a necessity for businesses in the digital age.
• Meeting rooms: For client meetings or internal discussions, meeting rooms are typically available on-demand.
• Events and networking Opportunities: Co-working spaces frequently host networking events, workshops, and social events to foster community building and collaboration.
• Printing and office supplies: Many co-working spaces provide access to printing, scanning, and office supplies at no extra cost or at discounted rates.
• Kitchen and lounge areas: Most spaces have fully equipped kitchens and comfortable lounge areas for informal meetings or breaks.

Conclusion: When to Choose Fluid Offices and When to Stick with Tradition

Choosing between a fluid office setup like co-working and a traditional office depends on your industry, the stage of your business, and where you're located.

If you're in the early stages of building a company, testing a new market, or simply need maximum flexibility without long-term commitments, fluid offices make perfect sense. They give you room to grow (or downsize), reduce overhead, and offer valuable networking opportunities, especially if you're in dynamic industries like tech, consulting, marketing, or creative fields. For international businesses entering Austria, co-working spaces can serve as a smooth landing spot while you explore the market without heavy upfront investments.

This is exactly why we at Vera work from Spaces and Regus locations. Their global network gives us access to professional office spaces and meeting rooms around the world, which is incredibly valuable when working with international clients. Whether we need a quiet place to focus, host a client presentation, or organize a larger event, these spaces provide the right environment in excellent locations—allowing us to maintain a consistent, high-level experience no matter where we are.

On the other hand, if your company is already well-established, has a large team, requires high levels of privacy, or operates in sectors like finance, law, or healthcare where confidentiality and controlled environments are crucial, traditional office spaces may still be the better choice. Customizing your workspace, ensuring full privacy, and creating a clear company identity through a dedicated office are all things that become harder to achieve in a shared, flexible setup.

The key is not to follow trends blindly. Consider the nature of your work, the expectations of your clients, and your plans for growth. In some cases, a hybrid approach—keeping a core office while using co-working spaces for satellite teams or specific projects—might give you the best of both worlds.

In the end, the best workspace is the one that moves with your business, supports your people, and helps you focus on what matters most: getting the work done.