Our latest data reveals a surge in short-stay flex product demand, with 81% of operators predicting a significant rise in meeting room usage.
The way companies and workers think about workspace is changing, fuelling demand for on-demand solutions. Short-stay flexible office products – like meeting rooms, private offices, and event spaces – are reshaping real estate into a dynamic, service-driven industry that adapts to the ever-evolving needs of modern businesses and professionals.
ADVANTAGES OF SHORT-TERM FLEX PRODUCTS
Companies are increasingly adopting hybrid work models, resulting in greater agility and choice of workspace solutions. Short-stay flex options empower businesses to provide on-demand spaces, enabling them to curate their own list of flex choices for their unique workforce. This boosts team satisfaction by giving them greater control and choice.
In addition, short-stay flex products empower businesses to build a decentralised, adaptable workplace model with workspaces close to where employees live. By leveraging these solutions, companies can optimise their central offices, reduce underutilised space, and provide employees with a variety of flexible locations that better suit their work styles.
WHICH SHORT-STAY FLEX PRODUCTS ARE IN DEMAND?
According to our 2024 Global Partner Survey Report, more operators expect occupiers to use space differently in the coming years – not only to reduce costs, but also the inherent risks that stem from long-term leasing.
Globally, 81% of operators anticipate the highest increase in meeting room usage over the next two years, highlighting the pivotal role of these spaces in the evolving workplace. This expectation is even stronger in the UK and US, where 91% of operators predict a surge in demand.
Remarkably, in the APAC region, a full 100% of operators expect meeting room demand to rise, underscoring the universal importance of adaptable and collaborative spaces in supporting hybrid work models. Operators in APAC also expect demand for private offices to rise significantly, with 86% predicting an increase in the next two years.
In the UK, wellness amenities are set to see significant growth, with 64% of operators anticipating increased demand. Comfort and wellness features – as well as a dedication to workplace sustainability – are becoming a priority for businesses that understand the value of supporting employees' holistic well-being.
Nearly half of global operators expect companies to further raise employee-to-desk ratios, enabling cost optimization and more efficient space utilisation. On busy days, day offices and coworking desks help accommodate any overflow without significant investment.
CONCLUSION
The growing demand for short-stay flex products is reshaping the way we work. From collaborative meeting rooms and wellness perks to decentralised hubs and streamlined office portfolios, these spaces fuel teamwork, elevate employee satisfaction, and cut costs.
As flexibility becomes the new standard, these innovative solutions are redefining where work happens—and how it thrives.
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Methodology
Data and insights from this report are compiled from The Instant Group’s proprietary flexible industry database, as well as primary research from the 2024 Fixed to Flex Partner Survey, conducted in Q2 2024 across 180+ global operators.
