A Deep Dive Into What Is A Managed Office and How It Works

Running a business means finding a workspace that fits your team and goals, and a managed office might be just what you need. It offers a way to get a custom office space without the stress of long leases or big setups. This option is growing popular in places like Dubai, where flexibility, team coordination, and time are important.

Now, let’s talk about what a managed office is, how it works, and how it could help your company thrive.

Understanding Managed Offices

A managed office is a blank workspace you rent and shape to match your business needs. A provider runs it, setting up everything from desks to branding before you step in. You pick the layout, furniture, and style, so it’s ready to feel like home for your team and clients right away. It’s a practical choice for firms wanting control without the hassle of owning a space.

Every managed office is different, and what you get depends on the provider; some include basics like chairs and wiring, while others let you add more. Utility bills, security, and waste collection might come with it, but not always. This setup frees you to focus on work while the provider handles the details, making it a tailored office space that suits your day-to-day.

Here’s what’s often included (varies by provider) in a managed office:

• Basic furniture like desks and chairs

• Essential wiring and cables

• Utility bills (electricity, water)

• Custom touches you choose

• Security systems or CCTV

• Waste collection

• Cleaning for shared areas

How Managed Offices Differ from Serviced Offices

Managed offices and serviced offices sound similar, but they’re not quite the same. A managed office sits between a serviced office and a traditional lease, giving you more control than a standard office but less of the all-in-one feel of a serviced space. You pay for the whole area, not just desks, which suits businesses wanting a custom fit.

Serviced offices, on the other hand, come ready-made with extras like WiFi, kitchens, and support staff, but you can’t change much. Managed offices stick to basics, letting you add what you want. Lease terms also differ; serviced options can start at a month, while managed ones often run 18 months or more, still shorter than traditional leases.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Managed Office

Managed offices offer flexibility and control with full customisation over layout and branding. Fixed monthly rent often includes utilities, and lease terms are shorter than traditional offices, with the added benefit of a private space for your team.

On the downside, customisation takes time, so the office isn’t ready immediately. Extras like premium furniture or tech can raise costs, and managed offices usually lack built-in perks like shared WiFi or reception services.

What’s Included in a Managed Office

A managed office comes with the essentials, all sorted by a provider who keeps things running smoothly. Rent covers furniture like desks and storage, plus wiring for power and internet, so your team can get to work fast. Bills for water and electricity are usually part of the deal, keeping costs clear. You add your own branding or extras to make it yours, unlike a co-working space where you share.

Some providers offer security like CCTV or cleaning for shared spots, but it varies. You may bring your own WiFi or meeting room equipment if it’s not provided. It’s a base you build on, giving you a private, workable space tailored to your business needs.

How a Managed Office Works

Setting up a managed office follows a straightforward process, all handled by the provider to ensure your workspace meets your needs:

• Planning

You start by listing everything your team requires, such as specific desk types, colour schemes, storage solutions, and a layout that suits your work style, giving the provider a full picture of your vision.

• Design

Next, the provider creates a detailed sketch of the space based on your input, showing you exactly how the finished office will look so you can tweak it before anything’s built.

• Setup

After that, they team up with the building owner to install all the furniture, electrical cables, and your custom features, taking 4 to 8 weeks to turn your plan into a real workspace.

• Check

Then, you visit to review the completed setup, walking through to confirm that every detail matches your original plan before you commit to moving your team in.

• Move-In

Finally, once everything’s set, you step into a fully tailored managed office space, ready for your business to start working smoothly from day one.

Benefits of a Managed Office

A managed office delivers solid value to businesses seeking a workspace that’s both practical and tailored, keeping operations smooth and stress-free without the complexity of traditional setups. Here’s why it’s a standout choice for companies of all sizes:

• Flexible Terms

Leases last 1 to 3 years, much shorter than the 5 to 10 years required by traditional offices, making it an ideal option for fast-growing firms or those testing new markets without locking into long commitments.

• Fixed Costs

One monthly rent payment includes utilities and maintenance costs, letting you see exactly what you’ll spend each month and plan your budget with confidence for other business needs.

• Your Brand

You can customise the space with your company’s logo, chosen colours, and unique style, turning it into a professional area that showcases your identity and boosts your team’s pride every day.

• Private Space

It provides a dedicated area just for your business, unlike a shared co-working space, offering the focus and privacy your team needs, especially if you deal with sensitive or confidential information.

Managed Office is Right for Your Business

A managed office suits companies that need a customised workspace without the burden of long-term leases, offering a practical solution for many businesses. This option provides a useful way to adapt to changing needs without delay. Firms requiring a swift move-in or additional amenities might find a serviced office more appropriate due to its ready-made setup.

MyOffice provides managed services in Dubai and can assist you in selecting a workspace tailored to your team’s requirements, ensuring it supports your daily operations effectively. For businesses focused on innovation, a managed office offers the freedom to design a space that aligns with growth plans, making it a strong choice in a competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a managed office?

A managed office is a rentable workspace customised by a provider to match your business needs exactly.

What is the difference between a managed office and a traditional office?

A managed office is a customisable, fully set-up workspace with flexible terms, while a traditional office requires you to lease, furnish, and manage everything yourself.

What are the three types of offices?

The three types of offices are traditional offices, serviced offices, and managed offices.

What is the difference between a managed office and a traditional office?

A managed office includes setup and services with shorter leases, whereas a traditional office demands long-term contracts and full tenant responsibility.

How long does it take to set up a managed office?

Setting up a managed office takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how much you customise the space, but it’s best to consult an expert in the field.

Is a managed office the same as a serviced office?

No, a managed office offers more custom options than a serviced office, which is ready to use.

Who uses a managed office?

Start-ups and small teams choose a managed office for its tailored design and private feel.

Can I add extras to a managed office?

Yes, you can add WiFi, meeting rooms, or other features to a managed office as needed.

What’s the lease length for a managed office?

A managed office lease usually starts at 18 months, giving you more freedom than traditional terms.

Does a managed office save money?

A managed office keeps costs predictable with fixed rent, helping you budget without surprises.