The Rise of Flexible Workspaces as Companies Return to Office

The demand for managed office spaces is growing rapidly as businesses shift back to in-office work models. With global capability centers (GCCs) increasing their investments in India, providers like Smartworks are witnessing a surge in demand, aiming for significant expansion in the coming years.

The Return-to-Office Trend Boosts Managed Workspaces

As companies encourage employees to return to physical offices, the need for flexible, tech-enabled workspaces has risen. Unlike traditional leases, managed spaces offer scalability, modern infrastructure, and cost efficiency—making them ideal for enterprises and startups alike. Smartworks, a key player in this segment, is capitalizing on this trend, planning a three-fold growth to meet rising demand.

Why GCCs Are Choosing Managed Office Providers

Global capability centers, which handle operations for multinational firms, are expanding their India footprint. These companies prefer managed office solutions due to:

• Flexibility – Ability to scale up or down as per business needs.

• Ready-to-use Infrastructure – Plug-and-play offices with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and amenities.

• Cost Savings – No long-term leases or heavy capital expenditure.

Smartworks has been a preferred partner for many GCCs, offering premium workspaces in prime locations. Their focus on employee experience—through wellness programs, ergonomic designs, and community events—makes them stand out.

Expansion Plans and Market Potential

With the hybrid work model becoming the norm, the managed office sector is poised for rapid growth. Smartworks is targeting a three-fold increase in its portfolio, expanding to new cities while strengthening its presence in existing hubs like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

The company’s strategy includes:

• Adding 8-10 million sq. ft. in the next few years.

• Focusing on Tier 1 and emerging Tier 2 cities.

• Enhancing tech integrations for seamless operations.

The Future of Workspaces

The shift towards flexible office solutions is not just a temporary trend but a long-term evolution in commercial real estate. As businesses prioritize agility and employee satisfaction, providers like Smartworks will play a crucial role in shaping the future of workspaces.