Collaborative Workspace

Different Types of Shared Workspaces

Not all shared workspaces are the same. Understanding the differences helps you choose the option that best fits your situation.

Open coworking. Unassigned workstations in an open space, accessible with a subscription. Ideal for freelancers and very small teams (1 to 3 people). The atmosphere is communal, and so is the noise. Budget: €250 to €450/month per workstation in Paris.

The private office in a shared space. A closed-off office (2 to 10 workstations) within a multi-tenant building. You have your own space, but you share meeting rooms, the kitchen, and the reception area. It’s the compromise between privacy and economies of scale. Budget: €500 to €800/month per workstation.

The floor shared among companies. Two or three companies share the same floor, each in its own zone, with common areas in the center (meeting room, phone booths, cafeteria). This format is common in buildings where a main tenant has vacated part of its space. Budget: varies depending on the layout, but often 15 to 25% cheaper than an equivalent dedicated lease.

The managed multi-tenant building. An operator manages the entire building and hosts several companies, each in its own offices. Services (cleaning, maintenance, reception, access control) are centralized and included in a flat-rate fee. This is the most structured model of shared space.

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The real benefits (beyond price)

Cost savings, of course. By sharing space, services, and facilities, each occupant pays less than they would if they rented a private office. The savings range from 15% to 35% compared to an equivalent traditional lease, depending on the level of shared services.

Contractual flexibility. Most shared spaces offer short-term commitments (1 to 12 months) compared to 3 to 9 years for a traditional commercial lease. When your team grows from 8 to 15 people, you can scale up without terminating the lease or moving entirely.

Immediate access. No renovations, no waiting months for setup. A shared space is ready to use from day one: furniture, internet, reception.

Reduced administrative burden. No more need to manage cleaning, maintenance, IT service providers, or coffee suppliers. In a well-managed space, everything is taken care of. This frees up time for the office manager or executive.

The networking effect. Sharing a building with other companies creates informal opportunities: referrals, partnerships, and skill-sharing. It’s not always the case, but when it works, it’s a real bonus.

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Drawbacks to consider

Noise and privacy. In a shared open-plan office, your neighbors’ phone calls can quickly become a problem. Even in a private office, soundproofing isn’t always up to par. Test the noise level on a Tuesday or Wednesday at 2 p.m. (peak time) before signing.

Limited customization. You can’t repaint the walls in your own colors, change the furniture, or install a sign in a shared space. For companies that regularly host clients and want a strong visual identity, this is a constraint.

Dependence on the operator. If the space is poorly managed (insufficient cleaning, slow maintenance, poor customer service), your image suffers just as much as if it were your own premises. Check reviews, ask for references, and visit the space during peak hours.

The risk of overcrowding. Some operators maximize occupancy rates at the expense of comfort. Check the square footage per workstation ratio: below 8 square meters per person (including common areas), overcrowding becomes a real problem.

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How to choose the right shared space: 6 essential criteria

1. The ratio of private space to common space. A well-designed shared space allocates at least 30% of its floor area to common areas (meeting, relaxation, kitchen). If this percentage is lower, meeting rooms become overcrowded and common areas cluttered.

2. The quality of included services. Ask the right questions: Is cleaning done daily? Is there a physical reception desk? Is maintenance responsive (in hours, not days)? Is the internet redundant with a guaranteed speed?

3. Acoustics. The number one complaint in shared spaces. Check the materials (carpet, acoustic panels, interior double glazing), the number of available phone booths, and their condition.

4. Flexibility of termination. What is the notice period? Are there termination fees? Can you expand or reduce your space without breaking the contract? These details make all the difference when circumstances change.

5. Location and accessibility. A beautiful space with poor public transportation access will hinder recruitment. Check nearby subway/RER lines, the availability of parking, and dining options in the neighborhood.

6. The tenant community. Who are the other companies there? A mix of sizes and industries is often a good thing. An overrepresentation of very early-stage startups may indicate high turnover and instability among tenants.

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The shared space from the owner’s perspective

If you’re a company with unused space, transforming your empty offices into a shared space is a practical way to reduce your occupancy costs. Rather than bearing the rent for an entire floor that is only 60% occupied, you can entrust the management of vacant spaces to a specialized operator who will fill and manage them for you.

This is precisely what Sora does: the company retains its own offices, and the excess space is converted into managed workspaces accessible to other companies. All of this is done through a service offering, without legal complexity or the landlord’s authorization.