What is a Serviced Office and How Does It Work?

As businesses increasingly seek flexible office models, the serviced office has emerged as an optimal choice for many companies. However, people often confuse serviced offices with co-working spaces. Although both aim for flexibility, they have clear differences in structure, privacy, and the types of users they attract. Let’s explore what is a serviced office and how does it function as a modern workspace solution.

What is a Serviced Office?

A serviced office is an all-inclusive office rental model where tenants are provided with a complete package of support services. This includes physical infrastructure, furniture, office equipment, and utility services like reception, cleaning, security, internet, printing, and mail handling. It’s a ready-to-use workspace that allows businesses to move in and start working immediately without the hassles of setting up a traditional office. This model offers a flexible and efficient alternative for companies of all sizes.

A serviced office provides a private, fully-furnished space that is managed by a separate facility provider. This means you get your own enclosed office, accessible only to your team, within a larger building that offers shared amenities. The rental agreements are typically short-term and flexible, allowing businesses to adapt to changes without being locked into long, rigid leases. This combination of privacy, convenience, and flexibility makes it a popular choice for modern businesses.

What Amenities are Included in a Serviced Office?

When you choose a serviced office, your business gains more than just a professional workspace. You also receive a wide range of high-end amenities designed to optimize the work experience, boost productivity, and create a modern, flexible environment. These services remove the burden of office management, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Here are some of the common amenities and services you can expect to find.

Modern Breakout Spaces 

Comfortable lounge areas are thoughtfully designed for receiving guests, holding informal group discussions, or simply relaxing during a break. These spaces foster a more relaxed atmosphere compared to a formal office setting.

Professional Meeting Rooms 

Meeting rooms come fully equipped with projectors, screens, sound systems, and video conferencing capabilities. A dedicated support team is available to prepare the space before each event, helping businesses conduct effective and seamless meetings.

High-Speed WiFi 

A stable internet connection with unlimited bandwidth is standard, ensuring that work proceeds smoothly. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely heavily on frequent online communication and data exchange.

Complimentary Tea and Coffee 

A well-stocked pantry area always has quality tea and coffee available. This allows employees to relax, chat, and stay refreshed throughout the day, contributing to a positive workplace atmosphere.

Parking and Bicycle Storage 

Secure and convenient parking for both cars and motorcycles is often provided. This makes commuting easier for employees and visitors without the worry of finding a safe place to park.

Professional Reception Services 

A dedicated reception team is ready to welcome clients, handle mail and packages, and assist with basic administrative tasks. This helps your business maintain a professional image at all times.

Technical Support 

The office infrastructure is equipped with modern technology, and an on-site technical support team is always available to help. This ensures that all operations run without interruption.

24/7 Security 

A comprehensive security system, including surveillance cameras and on-site security personnel, operates around the clock. This provides optimal protection for your company’s assets and data.

Some providers may also offer additional services such as administrative support, IT support, and telephone answering services. These can be very helpful for small businesses that do not have their own in-house support staff.

Who Should Consider Using a Serviced Office?

A serviced office is a flexible solution with modern facilities and easy scalability. This model helps businesses optimize costs and operate more efficiently. It is an excellent choice for a variety of organizations with different needs and goals.

Here are some of the groups that can benefit the most from a serviced office.

Start-up Companies 

For new businesses, a serviced office provides a flexible space that can easily expand as the team grows, without being limited by a fixed area. The short-term lease agreements also help reduce financial risk during the early stages of development.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises 

Using a serviced office allows SMEs to reduce the burden of managing infrastructure. This frees them up to concentrate on their main business operations and strategic growth.

Businesses Exploring New Markets 

A serviced office offers flexible contracts that help companies test a new market. It allows them to establish a presence quickly and adjust their business plans in a timely manner as they learn more about the local landscape.

Companies on Short-Term Projects 

For businesses operating on a project basis, a short-term contract provides a professional workspace for the required duration. This eliminates the worry of maintaining an office after the project concludes.

What Are the Advantages of a Serviced Office for Businesses?

In today’s competitive business environment, having a professional, flexible, and cost-effective office is important for sustainable growth. A serviced office is a perfect solution, offering a modern workspace with numerous support services that help businesses operate efficiently from day one. This model provides a range of benefits that address the common challenges of traditional office leasing.

It Offers Great Flexibility 

Flexibility is one of the standout advantages of a serviced office. In a constantly changing business world, companies need the ability to adapt quickly. With this model, a business can easily expand or downsize its office space according to staffing needs without being tied down by long-term contracts or the hassle of finding a new location. This adaptability helps optimize operations, save time, and reduce risks when business strategies need to change.

It Helps Save on Costs 

Cost is always a primary concern for any business. Instead of spending a large amount of money to lease a space, design it, and purchase furniture, a business only needs to pay a fixed monthly fee. This fee includes essential utilities like electricity, water, and internet, as well as office management services. This model helps businesses manage their finances more effectively, minimize risk, and maintain a stable cash flow. With predictable costs, a company can easily plan its budget and focus on investing in its main business activities.

It Provides a Central Location 

Buildings that offer serviced offices are usually situated in strategic locations, making them convenient for transportation and networking. Being close to commercial centers, financial districts, and public amenities allows businesses to easily reach customers and partners. Having an office in a central area not only enhances the brand’s image but also creates a professional impression that can attract talented employees.

You Do Not Need to Redesign the Office 

When you choose a serviced office, you do not have to worry about designing or decorating the workspace. Everything is already set up and ready for you, from furniture like desks, chairs, and file cabinets to modern office equipment like printers and high-speed internet. This helps your business save time, allowing you to focus completely on important business activities without the distraction of office setup. In a competitive market, using time and resources efficiently is a path to sustainable development.

There Are No Equipment Maintenance Fees 

With a serviced office, a business does not need to worry about the maintenance, repair, or replacement of office equipment. All these costs are included in the monthly rent. This not only helps save money but also reduces the administrative burden of managing physical assets. The provider takes care of ensuring everything is in working order, so your team can remain productive without interruptions from equipment failures.

It Creates Opportunities to Connect with Other Businesses 

Serviced office buildings attract many businesses from various fields, creating a vibrant and professional work environment. This presents an ideal opportunity to expand relationships, learn from others, and find potential partners. A diverse workspace can also stimulate creative thinking and open up new collaboration opportunities between different companies, fostering a sense of community and shared growth.

It Helps Build Your Brand Image 

Working in a serviced office building with modern facilities and high-quality services provides more than just convenience. It also helps your business project a professional image to partners, clients, and employees. Your business’s image plays a significant role in building credibility and trust. A polished and elegant office space makes a positive first impression, helping you build lasting relationships and increase opportunities for growth.

How is a Serviced Office Different from a Co-working Space?

Each model has its own unique characteristics that suit the different needs of various businesses. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right environment for your team.

Here is a comparison between the two based on important criteria.

The choice between these models depends on your business’s actual needs. If you require a professional, private, and stable space, a serviced office is the best option. On the other hand, if you prioritize flexibility and community connection, a co-working space would be a more suitable solution.

How Much Does a Serviced Office Costs?

The cost of a serviced office can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the size of the office, and the level of services included. However, they are generally more cost-effective than a traditional office lease, especially when you factor in all the additional costs of fitting out and maintaining a traditional office. With a serviced office, you only pay for the space you need, and all the services and amenities are included in the monthly rent.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the rental prices for serviced offices can range from around 1,500,000 VND per person per month for a hot desk to over 8,500,000 VND per person per month for a private office in a prime location. The best way to find out the exact cost for your business is to get a quote from a few different providers.

The Sentry – Your Ideal Serviced Office in Vietnam

If you are looking for a serviced office in Vietnam, look no further than The Sentry. We are a community developer with a mission to build an exclusive community of creatives and tech entrepreneurs. We offer a range of flexible workspace solutions to meet the needs of modern businesses. 

Our beautifully designed workspaces are fully equipped with everything you need to be productive. We also offer a range of business support services to help you grow your business. Come and experience the future of work at The Sentry. 

Book a tour with us today.