15 Types of Offices to Consider for Your Business and Team

If you’re looking for a place to set up your new business or move your team into a fresh office space, there are way more options out there than just renting a floor in some generic high-rise downtown. In fact, the office environment you choose can have a huge impact on productivity, creativity, and company culture.

Before you sign any leases, it’s worth exploring all the possibilities to find the best fit. From co-working spaces to converted warehouses, this guide will walk you through 15 office types to consider for your business and team. Each has its own pros, cons, and vibe, so keep an open mind.

Types of Offices to Consider

An office is simply a dedicated space for work. Offices come in all shapes and sizes these days. When starting a business, choosing an office space is an important decision. With so many options to pick from, you’re sure to find an office that suits your needs and budget. The key is determining what kind of environment will allow you and your team to be the most productive.

Private Office

A private office is a room designated for one person’s use within a larger office. As the name suggests, it offers more privacy than an open-plan space.

Pros:

• Increased privacy and reduced distractions. You can work without interruption from coworkers.
• Space for confidential meetings. You can meet with clients or colleagues in private.
• Personalized space. You can decorate and organize the space to suit your needs and preferences.
• Storage space. There is room for files, bookshelves, and secure storage.
• Status symbol. A private office is seen as indicating higher status within a company.

Cons:

• Isolation. You lose the opportunity for impromptu collaboration and social interaction with coworkers.
• Higher cost. Private offices require more space and are more expensive to build and maintain.
• Territoriality. Employees can become overly protective and territorial about “their” private space.

Shared Office

A shared office is an office space used by multiple companies or freelancers. Several independent businesses share the same office space and resources like printers, kitchens, and bathrooms. Each business rents out a dedicated workspace but shares some common areas.

The pros of a shared office are:

• Low cost. By sharing resources and space with others, your business can save money on overhead and operating expenses.
• Networking. Interacting with other professionals in a shared space allows for collaboration and relationships to form.
• Flexibility. Shared offices often provide short-term leases and flexible workspace options.

Cons of a shared office include the following:

• Noise and distractions. Working in close proximity to other businesses can lead to excess noise and interruptions.
• Lack of privacy. Sensitive business matters may need to be discussed off-site to ensure privacy.
• Variable environment. The workspace atmosphere and culture can change frequently as businesses move in and out.

Virtual Office

A virtual office is a service that enables employees and business owners to work remotely by making a range of business functions accessible through the Internet. A virtual office gives you a professional business address and phone services without the expense of a long-term lease. With a virtual office, you have a dedicated phone number answered by a receptionist, access to a coworking office space and business amenities, and mail-handling services.

Pros:

• Low cost. Pay only for the services you need without overhead costs.
• Flexibility. Scale your space and services up or down as needed.
• Professional image. Have a dedicated business address and receptionist.
• Networking. Connect with other businesses in a coworking space.
• Work-life balance. Avoid a commute and work from anywhere.

Cons:

• Isolation. Lack of dedicated team space can reduce collaboration.
• Distractions. Home office environment may reduce productivity.
• Less stability. Short-term leases mean frequent moves to new spaces.

Hybrid Office

A hybrid office combines the benefits of a traditional office space with remote working. Employees split their time between working from home and collaborating in a physical office space.

Pros:

• Increased productivity. Employees can focus better at home without distractions.
• Improved work-life balance. Less commute time means more time for personal lives.
• Cost savings. Less office space is needed, which reduces overhead costs.
• Access to technology. Employees have tools to effectively work remotely.
• Flexibility. Employees can choose the work environment that suits them best each day.

Cons:

• Isolation. Some employees miss the social interaction of an office.
• Difficulty separating work and personal life. The lines can blur when working from home.
• Challenging for managers. Ensuring productivity and collaboration requires extra effort.

The hybrid model provides the flexibility many employees want with the face-to-face time that is still important for company culture. When implemented well, it leads to a productive, engaged, and satisfied workforce.

Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are shared work environments for freelancers, remote workers, and other independent professionals. They provide a flexible workspace without the cost and commitment of a long-term office lease.

Pros:

• Low cost: Coworking spaces offer affordable rates for a shared workspace.
• Flexibility: Memberships often provide 24/7 access so you can work whenever inspiration strikes.
• Networking: Interacting with other members sparks new ideas and collaborations.
• Resources: Spaces provide amenities like Wi-Fi, printers, conference rooms, and kitchens.
• Productivity: Being around other hardworking people keeps you motivated and on-task.

Cons:

• Distractions: The open-plan layout means noise and activity that can disrupt focus.
• Lack of privacy: It may be hard to find a quiet, private place for sensitive calls or tasks.
• Instability: Membership terms are often short, and spaces can close down at any time.

Mobile Office

A mobile office is a flexible work environment that provides mobility and the ability to change locations as needed.

The main benefits of a mobile office are:

• Increased productivity. Eliminating commute and having flexibility in choosing a workspace leads to fewer distractions and higher efficiency.
• Cost savings. Paying rent for permanent office space is expensive. Mobile offices significantly cut costs.
• Improved work-life balance. Flexibility to work from anywhere leads to better work-life balance as you can work while traveling or from home.
• Access to global talent. Companies can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world.
• Business continuity. The ability to work from anywhere ensures business continuity, even in crisis situations.

However, some potential downsides are:

• Technological challenges. Reliable internet connectivity and access to work systems can be an issue.
• Teamwork and collaboration challenges. Face-to-face interaction and collaboration may be limited.
• Data security risks. Sensitive company data can be at higher risk when accessed from personal devices and networks.

Open Plan Office

Open plan offices have an open space without walls or dividers between work areas. Workers sit together in a large open area or bay. This style of office is popular with companies that value collaboration and creativity.

Pros:

• Promotes collaboration. Easier for teams to interact and work together.
• Inexpensive. Cheaper to light, heat, and cool one large space.
• Adaptable. Easy to rearrange desks and teams.
• Inclusive. Everyone feels like part of the team.
• Innovative. Creativity is sparked by openness.

Cons:

• Distracting. Noise and activity can distract workers.
• No privacy. It can be hard to focus or have private conversations.
• Impersonal. Some workers prefer more privacy and personal space.

The open plan office isn’t for every business or worker. However, for collaborative, creative teams, the pros of increased interaction and teamwork often outweigh the potential downsides. With some modifications like quiet rooms or zones, open offices can work well for a wide range of companies.

Serviced Office

A serviced office is an office building that provides fully-furnished workspaces, building management services, and additional facilities, such as internet connection, printers, communal break rooms, and meeting rooms. Serviced offices are ready for you to move in immediately, and on-site staff are on hand to ensure office facilities meet high standards so you can focus on your work. A serviced office is ideal for businesses in the consulting, legal, accounting, and healthcare industries. In this setup, multiple companies rent office space in the same building and share amenities.

Pros:

• Low overhead costs. You only pay for the space you need.
• Networking opportunities. Connecting with other professionals.
• Flexibility. It can easily downsize or expand.
• Professional environment. Impress clients with a prestigious address.
• Turnkey. Everything is ready to go. Just move in.

Cons:

• Lack of privacy. Thin walls and shared spaces mean less confidentiality.
• Shared resources. Have to coordinate with others.
• Less control. Can’t make major changes to the space.

Executive Suite

An executive suite, in its most general definition, is a collection of office rooms or suites used by top managers of a business or executives. They’re fully furnished and provide access to amenities like WiFi, printers, and kitchen facilities.

Pros:

• Privacy. You get your own locked office space separate from other tenants.
• Flexibility. Short-term leases allow you to scale up or down quickly.
• Professional environment. Impress clients in a dedicated lobby and meeting area.
• Shared services. Access services like receptionists, mailrooms, and break rooms are available without the cost of hiring your own staff.
• Networking. Connect with other businesses and professionals sharing the space.

Cons:

• Cost. Although cheaper than a traditional lease, executive suites still come at a premium.
• Noise. You’re in close proximity to others, so noise can be an issue.
• Limited space. Your office may be on the smaller side due to the shared layout.

Executive suites offer an affordable and convenient solution for new businesses looking to establish a professional presence. With a range of options at different price points, you can find flexible office space perfect for your needs.

Training Room/Conference Room

A training room or conference room is a dedicated space for hosting meetings, training sessions, and other collaborative activities. These rooms are designed to accommodate groups of people and facilitate discussion or learning.

Pros:

• Dedicated space: Having a separate room specifically for meetings and training means you have a space that is designed and equipped for those activities.
• Better focus: Employees and attendees can focus better without the distractions of their normal workspace.
• Collaboration: The space fosters collaboration, allowing people to connect and work together effectively.
• Equipped for presentations: The rooms typically have equipment like projectors, screens, whiteboards, and video conferencing tools for delivering presentations and connecting remote teams.
• Impression: A well-designed conference room creates a good impression for clients and visitors.

Cons:

• Expense: Building and equipping dedicated conference rooms can be expensive.
• Limited use: The rooms are not in use all the time, so they can be an inefficient use of space.
• Isolation: Some employees prefer more open-plan, collaborative work environments rather than separate meeting rooms.

Temporary Office

A temporary office is a flexible workspace you rent short-term, from a few months up to a couple of years. You get a fully furnished office space without a long-term lease commitment.

Pros of a temporary office:

• Flexibility: Easily upsize or downsize as your business needs change. No long-term lease locks you in.
• Low upfront costs: Little capital expenditure since the space comes fully furnished and equipped.
• Networking: Surrounded by other businesses, opportunity to connect and collaborate.
• Professional image: Impress clients with a dedicated business address and work environment.
• Easy exit: Leave with minimal hassle when your needs change. Much simpler than breaking a long-term lease.

Three potential downsides to consider:

• Uncertainty: It’s hard to settle in, not knowing if the space will still be available next month or year.
• Hidden fees: Watch out for extra charges like utilities, parking fees, or internet packages, which can increase the overall cost.
• Distractions: Open office designs mean surrounding activity, and noise can impact productivity. Choose a private office if the focus is a priority.

Overall, a temporary office offers an affordable, low-commitment option for new businesses to establish a professional presence before committing to a long-term space. When selected and managed properly, the pros generally outweigh the cons in the short term.

Conventional/Traditional Office

Traditional office layouts are often hierarchical, with assigned workstations and formal meeting places. The traditional office layout has private offices along the perimeter and workstations in the center for lower-level employees.

Pros:

• Provides status and privacy for executives.
• Minimizes distractions for focused work.
• Clearly defines roles and responsibilities.
• Traditional offices are familiar and comfortable for some.
• Can accommodate confidential meetings.

Cons:

• It can seem stuffy or intimidating.
• Reduces collaboration between teams.
• Takes up more space.
• It can be isolating for employees in cubicles.

Modern Office

The modern office is an open, collaborative workspace with an emphasis on flexibility and mobility. Workers typically have access to standing desks, collaborative workstations, and modular furniture that can be reconfigured as needed.

Pros:

• Encourages collaboration. The open layout makes it easy for coworkers to connect and work together.
• Increases productivity. By giving employees choices in where and how they work, modern offices tend to boost motivation and efficiency.
• Attracts talent. The modern, tech-enabled environment appeals to top candidates, especially younger workers.
• Reduces costs. The minimalist, multipurpose design cuts down on space and overhead requirements.
• Improves wellness. Features like standing desks, natural light, and green spaces support employee health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Cons:

• It can be distracting. The open environment may prove challenging for focus work or private conversations.
• Requires change management. Transitioning from a traditional to a modern office layout takes time for employees to adjust.
• It can feel impersonal. Some workers miss the privacy and personalization of a closed-door office or cubicle.

Home Office

A home office means converting part of your home, like the garage, basement, or spare bedroom, into a dedicated workspace. A home office typically provides a quiet, distraction-free environment to work. You’ll have more flexibility and control over your workspace. No commute means less time wasted and lower expenses. You can also claim tax deductions for the business use of your home.

Pros:

• No commute. Roll out of bed and into your office.
• Lower costs. No rent, utility, or parking fees.
• Flexibility. Set your own hours and dress code.
• Tax benefits. Claim deductions for office space, supplies, etc.
• Productivity. Fewer distractions and interruptions.

Cons:

• Work-life balance. Hard to separate work and personal life.
• Isolation. May miss social interaction with co-workers.
• Distractions at home. Household responsibilities and chores still need to be done.

In summary, a home office offers convenience and cost savings but requires discipline to maintain a professional work environment and good work-life balance. For the self-motivated and organized, a home office can be an ideal solution. For others, the isolation and blurring of boundaries between work and home may prove challenging.

Cubicle Office

A cubicle office is an open workspace divided into separate work areas by partitions. Each cubicle typically contains a desk, chair, computer, and storage space for employees.

Pros:

• Privacy. Cubicles provide more privacy than an open office layout.
• Concentration. The partitions help block out distractions and make it easier to focus.
• Personalization. Employees can decorate their cubicles to reflect their personality and work style.
• Flexibility. Cubicles are easy to rearrange as teams and projects change.
• Cost-effective. Cubicles utilize space efficiently and are inexpensive to install.

Cons:

• Isolation. Some employees feel cut off from co-workers and managers in a cubicle.
• Noise. Chatter and noises from neighboring cubicles can still be distracting.
• Lack of collaboration. The divided layout is not ideal for teamwork or spontaneous collaboration.

What to Consider Before Choosing an Office Type for Your Business

When determining what type of office space will work best for your team, think about how you function and the culture you want to build. Consider these factors:

• Your business model. An open-space plan may suit a collaborative environment, while enclosed private offices could benefit client-facing roles. Think about how your team operates and interacts to determine the right layout.
• Available features. Do you need special equipment, technology capabilities, or meeting spaces? Make sure any office type you’re considering can accommodate your needs.
• Budget. Costs vary significantly based on location, size, and amenities. Determine how much you can invest in office space and find options in your price range.
• Location. Consider how accessible the office is to employees and clients. Look for an area with available parking, public transit, and nearby attractions like restaurants.
• Flexibility. Your needs may change over time. Look for an office setup that can adapt to growth or downsizing. Short-term leases and co-working spaces provide more flexibility than traditional long-term leases.
• Company culture. The environment significantly impacts culture. An open layout may encourage collaboration, while private offices could promote focus. Choose what aligns with your values and goals.
• Amenities. Look for additional perks that will benefit your team, like meeting rooms, kitchens, recreational areas, or wellness facilities. These types of amenities can help create a positive work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering what type of office is right for your business? Here are some of the most common questions we get about choosing an office:

Should I go get a private or shared office?

It depends on your needs and budget. Private offices offer more control and security, but shared spaces can foster collaboration. Think about how much interaction and privacy your team needs.

Should I lease or buy an office?

Leasing an office, like renting, provides more flexibility if you need to move or downsize. Buying an office space gives you an asset and more control but less flexibility. Consider your business’s long-term plans.

What amenities does a standard office need?

Standard amenities include things like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, kitchens, and parking. Think about must-haves for your team, like dedicated workspaces, natural light, lounge areas, or showers. Choose what will make your space functional and attractive.

How much office space do I need?

Make a list of your space requirements, such as the number of workstations, meeting rooms, storage, etc. Then, determine the approximate square footage for each based on standard office guidelines. Add extra space for amenities, circulation, and future growth. It’s better to have too much space than not enough!

The right office for your business depends on balancing your needs, budget, and future plans. Evaluating these common questions will help ensure you find a space your team will love working in for years to come.

Conclusion

You’ve now seen 15 different office types and setups that might work for your business. Hopefully, this gave you some ideas and things to consider as you plan your team’s workspace. No matter what direction you end up going, remember that the office environment has a big impact on employee happiness and productivity.

Take into account your budget, culture, workflows, and growth plans as you choose a space. And don’t be afraid to get creative; an office doesn’t have to be boring. The goal is to design an environment that empowers your people to do their best work. With the right office, the sky’s the limit for your business!