Forget stuffy, grey cubicles – open plan offices with social spaces are the newest trend in the business world.
While companies like Deloitte have embraced hot desking, smaller companies like Desk x Space have also grown in popularity, catering for start-ups and young entrepreneurs looking for cheap office space.
“It’s a movement that will be the way of the future…the days of working from home where you have little chance to socialise and feel inspired, or paying hefty rates for a single office and feeling isolated are quickly dying,” says Steve Arthur, founder of Desk x Space.
Desk x Space, located in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, offers professionals a managed office space, equipped with wifi, meeting rooms, and a kitchen to small businesses, generally catering for teams of 1 to 8 people.
While the rent is affordable, Arthur believes the main benefit of office sharing is the opportunity it gives entrepreneurs to join forces with others to create innovative new businesses.
“A shared environment encourages cross-pollination of ideas and services and stimulates business cultivation, via an open plan layout,” he says.
Arthur encourages this cross-pollination through regular social events and a fully stocked bar on one floor of the office.
Since Desk x Space opened in 2009, it’s become a creative hub of start-ups in a range of industries, housing publicists, event managers, designers, music producers, and IT engineers.
“When I moved into Desk x Space I found a whole new world of like-minded people from who I’ve sought guidance on business plans and further direction,” says Adam Robinson, landscape designer.
“The environment is relaxed, friendly, and very supportive.”
