We'll be the first to admit it: 2020 and its remote-working challenges have been, well, challenging. From loneliness to lack of motivation to parent / caring responsibilities, the UK and beyond's White-collar workforce has been stuck between a rock and a hard place.
But maybe work in itself isn't the meaty part of the problem. The Ford European Commuter Survey found that for over 5000 respondents in major cities across Europe, "the journey to work causes more stress than their actual jobs (or even the dentist)." It is the anxiety around commuting and the spread of COVID-19 that stops people wanting to return to work, rather than the desire to WFH(work from home) full-time.
Workers would like to see flexible working patterns put in place. A mix of WFH and working from the office, but without the commute.
Put simply: workers would like to see flexible working patterns put in place. A mix of WFH and working from the office, but without the commute.
Here's the thing: going to the office doesn't have to equal a big commute. In fact, we've seen a rise in demand for co-working spaces to rent on an ad-hoc basis in the last few months.
Co-working and hot-desking options are popping up far and wide in what have previously been considered suburban parts of London.
With this in mind, we've put together some areas that are piquing your interest and present you with some hot-desking, day passes, and flex membership working options a little closer to home. Here they are, alphabetically:
Brixton
South London. One of London's unsung heroes when it comes to eateries with Brixton Village, Pop Brixton, and Coldharbour Lane surrounding.
Browse workspaces to rent in Brixton here.
Take a sneak peak into…
Brixton Castle.
Where? 2-6 Atlantic Road, Brixton, SW9
Serviced offices from £300.
This centre boasts the best of both worlds: there’s quiet space to work and knuckle down, but there’s also fantastic networking opportunities and beer on tap.
Clapham
South West London. Only 3 miles from central London, Clapham is comprised of four areas: Clapham North, Clapham Common, Clapham Park, and Clapham Junction. You can imagine how many professionals live and commute from here - and with great ease amidst all of its stations.
Browse workspaces to rent in Clapham here.
If you're on the many Clapham dwellers looking to cut your commute, here's a couple of co-working spaces in Clapham we're sure you'll like the look of:
Wingate Square
Where? Wingate Square, Clapham Old Town, London, SW 4
Serviced offices from £349
No lease required, just a one month-rolling contract and hot-desking is available in this entrepreneurial hub. Not convinced? Try their free one day desk trial and see how you work in the space.
Lavender Hill
Where? 83 Lavender Hill, SW11
Serviced offices from £280
Image - lavender lavendar1
Breakfast spaces, hot desks, event space, all at your fingertips. All servicing and facilities are taken care of for you here in the heart of Clapham and Battersea.
Fulham
Home to the famously fabulous Kings Road and Putney Bridge around the corner, Fulham is growing in demand when it comes to co-working locally.
Browse workspaces to rent in Fulham here.
Feast your eyes on a few Fulham co-working offerings below:
126 New Kings Road
Where? 126 Fulham, New Kings Road, SW6
Serviced offices from £249
This centre promotes productivity and creativity via its light and inviting workspaces. Communal space for collaboration, hot-desks and private offices. Theres also a zen studio and garden so you can dedicate some time to health and fitness while you work.
Kensington
West of central London, this affluent area is one of the most densely populated by administrative workers. You have been asking us where you can hot-desk in Kensington and we're hearing you!
Browse workspaces to rent in Kensington here.
Here's a few workspaces to rent flexibly in Kensington:
2 Allen Street
Where? 2 Allen Street, W8.
Serviced offices from £400
Image allen kensington
This high-spec workspace sits in the corner of Kengington High Street with all of the amenities you could need. Co-working is available on the first floor with a view of the roof terrace and benefits from oodles of natural light.
Kensington High St
Where? Kensington High Street, W8.
Serviced offices from £1350
Image kens high st 1 kens high st 2
The competitive price tag is not unjustified: this is a private business member’s club featuring design-led hot-desk lounges, pods, and penthouse office suites. This luxurious hub also features a private dining terrace overlooking St Mary Abbots tranquil gardens. The best thing about this workspace is it is conveniently located out of the congestion charge zone.
Leyton
East London and part of London's Borough Waltham Forest, this is a suburban area with enough life in it to render it a city centre. Part of this lively reputation is owed to it being the home of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, and the nearby Velodrome. If you're East London based, sporty, and sick of trains, hot-desking in Leyton might be your answer.
Find a workspace in Leyton here.
Here's a couple of Leyton-based honorary co-working mentions:
Rookery Court
Where? Rookery Court, London, E10.
Serviced offices from £250
Take an office for a day or something more permanent at Rookery Court, it’s up to you. This space is perfect to meet the needs of growing companies with co-working available. From its interior design to its cultural and wellness programme, this centre has a creative and community spirit at its core.
The Press Centre
Where? Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 14 Here East, East Bay Lane, E20.
Serviced offices from £220
Image press centre 1 and 2
This buzzing co-working hub is home to over 700 members. The community is a mix of start-ups, scaleups, social enterprises, academia and large corporates. You’re bound to work with people on your wavelength in this all encompassing centre situated in the park. Beat the commute with bike trails on your doorstep!
Streatham
South West London and homes one of the longest high streets in Europe! There's three train stations and a multitude of busses. Working from Streatham is very much possible thanks to its growing co-working flexible workspaces to rent.
Find a workspace in Streatham here.
Special shout out to:
The Hideaway Space
Where? 1 Empire Mews, Streatham, SW16.
Hot desks from £200+ VAT
Co-working and permanent desks available, this is an affordable local option to break up the WFH monotony 2020 has wrought. The best perk about this co-working space is that you can wine and dine clients and immerse yourself in the critically acclaimed Hideaway Jazz Club next door.
Walthamstow
Lively Walthamstow's name means 'the place where guests are welcome.' In North-east London, Walthamstow is known for the famous William Morris Gallery featuring textiles and ceramics. With the added bonus of the longest outdoor street market in Europe, Walthamstow leaves little to be desired...
Explore your next workspace in Walthamstow here.
Here's a look at what you can expect to find there:
Church Road
Where? 210 Church Road, E10.
Serviced offices from £180
Bespoke office design with co-working space available, this centre is a steal. A 15 minute walk will take you to Lea Bridge Station operating an 8 minute service to Stratford and everything that comes with it - such as entertainment, shopping, delicious eateries and a buzzing night scene.
The options for flexible working are moulding themselves to suit you, your schedules and the way you want to work. If there's an area you're interested in working and would like to see some options, we're here for you. Reach out to us and we'll help you find the environment to help you thrive.
