Home Office vs Serviced Office: What is the best fit for you?

In recent years, the shift to remote and flexible working has grown a huge deal.  Whilst some people have returned to traditional office settings, many are now choosing alternative set ups.  According to CIPD research, 60% of employees in the UK had flexible working arrangements in 2023. With many companies now offering flexible working models, a home office has become the norm for many, but the choice between a home office and a serviced office can be a difficult one for business owners and remote workers alike. This article will explore why you might choose one over the other and provides tips to increase your productivity wherever you decide to work.

Why choose a home office?

For many, the convenience of a home office makes it a very appealing option. Here are some of the key reason people might choose a home office:

Cost - The reduced cost is one of the most notable advantages.  Not only do you not have office rent to pay, there are also fewer overheads and no commuting expenses. This is especially favourable for small business owners and freelancers who are just starting out and might not be ready to make the commitment of renting an office space yet.

Flexibility - A home office gives you greater flexibility over the hours that you work, giving you more autonomy over your own schedule. You have no commute to factor in, and it can be easier to obtain a good work/life balance.

Increased productivity - A home office offers the quiet, focused environment that many prefer, without the distractions an office might bring.  With complete control over your set up, you are also free to make your space as comfortable as possible without any restrictions, in a way that allows you to work more efficiently. A quieter environment allows those who prefer it to stay focused.

A home office isn’t suitable for everyone though. Not being able to separate work and home life can prove difficult and could even lead to burnout, as it can be harder to ‘swich off’ at the end of the day. Additionally, there is potential for distractions from family members, pets, or even household chores.

Why choose a serviced office?

For those who either don’t have the space or want a more structured alternative to working from home, serviced offices are a great solution. They come fully equipped, meaning that everything is already taken care of for you, which makes them an attractive choice for many. Here are some of the key reasons people opt for serviced offices:

Professional environment - A dedicated office space away from home provides a professional environment that can help you stay focused, which is especially important for anyone who might have a lot of distractions at home.  In addition, if you need to meet clients, a serviced office provides you with a professional space to welcome them, including meeting rooms, business support services, and even reception staff.

Facilities - A serviced office will provide you with all the facilities you need to run your business. Many serviced offices offer luxury and state-of-the-art facilities including high speed Wi-fi, office furniture, sensor-controlled lighting, advance climate control, cleaning, CCTV to ensure building security, lockers, luxury breakout rooms, games & pool tables, printers, meeting rooms and much more.  You don’t need to worry about building maintenance, operational running costs or insurance as they are all covered.  Incoming post & deliveries are usually managed for you, and cleaning & maintenance services are provided, so you have more time to focus on your work.

Networking opportunities - Being surrounded by other businesses and professionals provides a great opportunity for networking that you would otherwise not be exposed to working from a home office.  This is an appealing benefit for freelancers looking to expand their network. Sign up to our mailing list to be informed about our upcoming networking events here at Shelley Offices.

There are higher costs that come with serviced offices compared a home office though. There could be less flexibility in terms of working hours, and time spent with family could be more limited.

Productivity tips

Here are some tips to help you stay focused and increase your productivity wherever you choose to work:

• Set up your working space before you start. Make sure you have a dedicated workspace, whether that’s a separate room or corner of the house. In a serviced office, make use of the facilities available such as meeting rooms. Make sure you have everything you need before you start to save interruptions.
• Planning out each week and day. Make a list of everything you need to complete, with a goal to get the essentials done first. Getting the biggest tasks out of the way first often makes the smaller tasks seem much more manageable. Efficient planning will ensure you’re staying on track and progressing towards your goals.
• Time blocking. Dedicate set periods of time for focused work and consider setting timers for each task if it helps. Make sure you also schedule regular short breaks to maximise concentration.
• Limit distractions. If you can, put your phone away, and schedule set times to check your inbox to prevent getting distracted by new tasks.
• Change of scene. Sometimes a change of scene can really help with productivity. If you find you are getting distracted at home, booking a dedicated area such a meeting room or hot-desk with fewer distractions can help you to stay focused.
• Take breaks. Whether you’re working at home or in a serviced office, ensure you take time during the day to have a break from your screen, take a walk and if possible, get some fresh air. This will allow you to return to your work feeling refreshed.

The choice between a home office and a serviced office will come down to elements such as your budget, work style and individual needs from the space. A home office offers greater flexibility and lower costs, whilst a serviced office offers a professional environment and business facilities that are all taken care of for you. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to create a workspace that supports your personal work style and encourages your productivity

If you think a serviced office is the right choice for you, contact us now to come and view our available office space in Borehamwood.