The world of work is changing, and spaces are evolving with it. It is no longer just about where we work, but how we work, with whom, at what pace, and in which contexts.

 

The transformation of work models has brought new demands to the real estate sector and how we conceive workspaces. This is where the concept of flex working comes in: an approach that promotes greater freedom, efficiency, and adaptability—for both employees and organisations.

 

The term flex working does not refer to a single model, but rather to a guiding principle that gives rise to various ways of organising work and workspace.

Among the most prominent approaches are:

• Hybrid model – Combines remote and on-site work, offering greater autonomy while maintaining a connection to company culture.
• Coworking – Shared spaces used by professionals from different companies or sectors, with a strong focus on community, networking, and access to shared services.
• Workplace-as-a-Service (WaaS) – Fully equipped, ready-to-use offices where space is provided as a service, including access to technology, meeting rooms, logistical support and flexible contracts.
• Hot desking/desk sharing – Internal space management models in which non-assigned workstations allow for better optimisation and staff rotation.
• Remote-first / work-from-anywhere – Organisational structures designed from the outset to operate decentralised, with fully remote teams.

 

The common denominator? At the heart of all these approaches is a simple idea: to create spaces that follow the pace of professional life, rather than constrain it.

 

The office as a tool for culture

 

In a more flexible and digital landscape, the office still plays a vital role: it is where company culture comes to life.

More than just a place of transit, the physical workspace becomes a meeting point that reinforces a sense of belonging, promotes organisational values, and fosters collaboration.

Organisations adopting hybrid or flexible models are reimagining their offices as spaces of identity and brand expression—through design, social areas, focus zones, inspiring environments, and experiences that reflect the brand’s personality.

At the same time, when office presence is no longer daily, each visit to the physical space becomes more intentional. Creating symbolic moments in the office, such as weekly meetings, team lunches, internal events or celebration areas, helps strengthen rituals and nurture company culture.

 

Workplace-as-a-Service: when the office becomes a service

 

The growing demand for flexibility, operational efficiency, and risk reduction has led to developing the Workplace-as-a-Service (WaaS) model.

In this approach, the office is no longer a fixed asset but becomes a full-service solution: it includes technology, administrative support, meeting rooms, cleaning, reception, security, and integrated management -all in a single package, tailored to each company’s size, duration, and real needs.

Unlike traditional leasing models—which involve long-term contracts, high upfront investment, and internal management—WaaS offers agility, cost predictability, and the freedom to focus on the core business.

This model offers:

 

• Immediate scalability, with no need for upfront investment

• Lower fixed costs and greater control over spending

• Business focus, by outsourcing space management to experienced providers

 

It is a particularly appealing solution for startups, growing teams, or international companies seeking a local presence that is agile and professional.

Flex working is beautiful for:

 

• Startups experiencing rapid growth

• International companies looking for an agile entry into new markets

• Temporary or project-based teams with variable duration or structure

 

Take, for example, a foreign tech company wanting to test the Portuguese market with a small local team. By choosing a WaaS model, it can begin operating within days, with everything included—and if the project grows, it can scale naturally within the same network.

 

International Trends: From Micro Hubs to Domestic Comfort

Abroad—and increasingly at home—workspaces are becoming more human, personalised, and connected to real life. Among the key international trends are:

• Micro hubs in residential areas – Small, decentralised offices close to employees’ homes, designed to reduce commuting without sacrificing structure, focus, or professional conditions.

 

• Workspaces with a domestic feel – More informal, welcoming, and sensory-driven environments that feature lounge areas, natural light, warm materials and soft textures. These spaces promote emotional well-being and create a workplace where people genuinely want to be. A notable example is Google’s London headquarters, which was designed to foster creativity and team connection.

 

• Hybrid models are the new standard—Leading companies like Spotify, Salesforce, and PwC have embraced hybrid structures with flexible work, adaptable schedules, and a focus on autonomy. The aim? To offer freedom without losing culture, productivity, or purpose.

 

 

These transformations reflect an increasingly clear truth: work is now a lived, felt, and chosen experience. And spaces must evolve accordingly.

Flex working is, therefore, a way of rethinking work environments—making them more agile, human, and aligned with what truly matters. Whether through shared hubs, offices-as-a-service, or headquarters with multiple configurations, the goal remains the same: to create environments that respect the teams’ time, talent, and purpose.

 

Silent technology, which connects teams, supports the work experience, and the ability to analyse how spaces are used, becomes a key ally in this ongoing transformation. In the future of work, space will be increasingly flexible, efficient, and emotionally meaningful, but the values that inhabit it must remain unchanged: identity, belonging, and well-being.

 

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