Collaborations between the Government and Co-Working Industry is Driving the Flexible Workspace Market

Published: Oct 2024

Global flexible workspace market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is driven by the increasing adoption of remote work culture, rising demand for flexible and cost-effective office solutions, and the growing trend of coworking spaces. Additionally, the increasing number of small companies and startups seeking temporary office solutions coupled with increasing government initiatives is contributing towards market growth. 

The global flexible workspace market is segmented by Ownership (Private and Shared), by Type (Collaborative Workspace, Manufacturing Space, and Others), and by End User (Small Business, Medium Business, and Large Business), and by geographies (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World). 

Market Dynamics

  • In September 2024, real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield and Table Space (a managed workspace operator) issued a report that anticipated flexible workspaces to rise in 2024, with 106,554 seats already taken up in the first half of 2024, as against 155,000 in 2023. The footprint spans eight cities covering 58 million square feet, including Bengaluru (31%), Delhi-NCR (16%), Pune (14%), Hyderabad (14%) and Mumbai (11%).
  • The collaborative workspace segment is anticipated to project significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the growing emphasis on collaborative workspace and rising funding and investment in new startups providing cost-efficient collaborative workspace.  
  • Asia-Pacific region is also projected to experience significant growth, attributed to the rapid expansion of startups, and government initiatives supporting entrepreneurship. For instance, the Government of India introduced initiatives such as AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) and the Smart Cities Mission, for transforming the infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, to enhance urban amenities, attract investments, and foster a thriving startup ecosystem.
  • Additionally, State governments in India and the co-working industry are collaborating to enhance remote work opportunities, by commencing initiatives for developing co-working spaces, improving infrastructure, and offering flexible memberships. 
  • The state government of Goa introduced initiatives to make remote work appealing. The tourism department established co-working spaces on Morjim and Ashwem beaches, transforming Goa into a prime location for remote workers. Additionally, the government is developing infrastructure and offering policy incentives, to attract professionals. 

The major market players in the global flexible workspace market include WeWork Companies Inc., Regus Group (IWG PLC), Knotel Inc., Industrious LLC, Servcorp Ltd., and others. The market players are investing in product innovation, new product launches, strategic partnerships & collaborations, and contracts to remain competitive.