As the way we work continues to evolve, more businesses are rethinking how they use office space. Long-term leases and full-time commitments don’t always make sense — especially for smaller teams, startups, remote-first companies or those navigating hybrid working. Enter the part-time office: a flexible, cost-effective solution that gives you access to professional space only when you need it.
Whether you're looking to escape the distractions of home working, bring your team together a few times a week, or host important meetings in a professional setting — part-time offices give you all the benefits of a workspace without the unnecessary overheads.
What is a part-time office?
A part-time office is a workspace you can rent for a limited number of days or hours each week. It could be a private office used three days a week, a hot desk available on certain days, or a bookable space for team meetups.
Think of it as office space on your terms. You choose the days, the location, and the setup that works for you. There’s no long-term contract, and you only pay for what you use.
Part-time offices are typically found in coworking spaces or serviced offices and often include access to shared amenities like meeting rooms, breakout spaces, fast Wi-Fi, and coffee stations. For many teams, it’s the best of both worlds — structure and professionalism without the rigidity of a full-time lease.
Why businesses are choosing part-time offices
The shift toward flexible working has accelerated demand for agile office solutions. Businesses want to bring people together for the moments that matter — whether that’s collaboration, client meetings or culture-building — without the cost of an underused office.
Here are a few reasons part-time offices are becoming more popular:
Reduced overheads: No need to pay for space you’re not using.
Adaptable setups: Scale up or down depending on your team’s needs.
Increased employee satisfaction: Supports hybrid work preferences.
Access to prime locations: Use spaces in central areas without full-time rent.
This shift is especially common among startups, consultants, agencies, and remote-first teams who need quality space but don’t want a permanent lease.
What is a temporary workspace?
Temporary workspaces are short-term office solutions designed for flexibility. They might be rented by the day, week, or month — and are often used for:
Hosting a pop-up team offsite
Covering while a permanent office is being refurbished
Bringing freelancers together for a fixed-term project
Supporting staff during peak periods
A part-time office is a type of temporary workspace — but with a recurring pattern (like two days a week or every Monday and Wednesday). The key is that both options remove the need for rigid leases and upfront commitments.
How much is part-time office space to rent in the UK?
Part-time office rental costs vary widely depending on location, size, and type of office, but are generally between £100 to £500 per desk per month. Here’s a rough guide:
Using a part-time office could save your business hundreds — or even thousands — each month. It also reduces the risk of overcommitting during periods of uncertainty or change.
Key benefits of part-time offices
Whether you're a freelancer flying solo or a business rethinking its setup, part-time offices offer a smart, flexible way to work. Here's what makes them such a game-changer.
Cost control
Traditional office leases come with all sorts of hidden costs — utilities, cleaning, reception staff, even toilet paper. But with a part-time office, it’s all rolled into one predictable price. You only pay for the days you use, making it a genuinely cost-effective way to run a business, especially for freelancers, startups, and hybrid teams. That means fewer spreadsheets, fewer headaches, and more cash for the things that actually move your business forward.
Need a quiet space for deep work one day, and a meeting room the next? Sorted. Want to scale up to three days a week during a busy season, then drop back to one? Easy. Part-time offices let you book what you need, when you need it — without the long-term commitment. It’s ideal if your schedule changes from week to week, or if your team is still figuring out how (and where) they work best.
The rise of remote and hybrid work has shown us that not everyone thrives in the same environment every day. Part-time offices help strike that sweet spot — giving people access to a focused, professional space a few days a week, without losing the autonomy that comes with working from home. It’s structure without the burnout, routine without the rigidity.
Productivity without distractions
Forget working from a noisy café or a cluttered dining table. Part-time offices offer a calm, professional environment that’s purpose-built for productivity. Many include private phone booths, soundproof meeting rooms, and ergonomic setups — so whether you're jumping on Zoom, getting your head down on a deadline, or hosting a workshop, you’ve got the setup to match.
All the perks — minus the price tag
You might only be in a few days a week, but you’ll still have access to premium amenities: think fast WiFi, free coffee, comfy breakout areas, printing services, and more. Some even have on-site gyms, wellness rooms, or events calendars to help you connect, recharge, and make the most of your time in the space.
Built-in community
You’re not just renting a desk — you’re joining a community. Part-time offices, especially coworking-style spaces, are packed with professionals from different industries. Whether it’s a casual chat over coffee, a potential collab, or a quick book recommendation, there’s real value in being around other people — even if it’s only a few times a week.
Starting small? Great. Need more space in a few months? No problem. Part-time office memberships can scale with you — from a solo hot-desk to a regular private office slot, or even multiple locations across the country. You’re never locked in, and you’re never paying for space you don’t need.
Common use cases for part-time offices
Part-time offices are built for the way we actually work now — whether that’s solo, hybrid, or somewhere in between. They're ideal for remote teams who want to sync up in person once a week without the overhead of a full-time office. It gives everyone a reason to come together — for collaboration, planning, or just that all-important face-to-face time — while still keeping costs lean.
Freelancers and self-employed professionals often use part-time spaces when they need a break from home distractions. Whether it’s for focused deep work, a creative reset, or just to feel a bit more in the zone, having access to a professional space (without a full-time commitment) can be a game changer for productivity and mindset.
For those travelling for work, part-time offices are a great way to stay professional on the go. Instead of relying on hotel lobbies or noisy cafés, you can book a desk or meeting room in another city through platforms like Tally Workspace. It means you’ll always have a base — wherever the job takes you.
They’re also perfect for client-facing moments — interviews, pitches, onboarding, or workshops — when a polished, professional setting makes all the difference. No awkward café meet-ups, no background noise, just a space that reflects the standard of your work.
And for startups still finding their feet, part-time offices offer breathing room to grow. Without a long lease hanging over your head, you can test what kind of workspace actually works for your team, and scale up only when you’re ready.
How to find a part-time office that fits
Finding the right part-time office isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about finding a space that actually works for your team, your schedule, and your goals. Start by thinking about how often you’ll need the space. Is it one day a week to regroup? A few days a month to host client meetings? Or something a bit more fluid, depending on the season or your team’s projects?
Next, get clear on the kind of setup you need. If your team thrives in privacy, a dedicated office or meeting room might be essential. But if you’re looking for something more casual — a few desks to knuckle down and crack on — hot desks might do the trick. Amenities matter, too. From meeting rooms and phone booths to kitchens, bike storage, or even dog-friendly policies — make sure the space supports how your team actually works.
Location will always play a part. You’ll want somewhere easy to reach — whether that’s close to home, a main train station, or slap-bang in the middle of town. And of course, budget is a key factor. One of the perks of part-time offices is the flexibility to only pay for what you use, but it’s still important to know what’s realistic for your team.
That’s where we come in. At Tally Workspace, we’ve made it easy to find the perfect space — with filters for everything from style and size to pet-friendliness and price. Whether you’re after somewhere sleek and modern, cosy and characterful, or just quiet with good coffee, we’ve got you. You can browse and book online in minutes, or get in touch with our team if you’d prefer a hand-picked shortlist. Whatever your vibe, we’ll help you find a space that feels just right.
Transitioning from full-time to part-time
We get it — switching from a traditional lease to a part-time setup can feel like a big leap. Especially if you’ve had the same office for years, with your team’s favourite mugs in the cupboard and the printer that only works if you kick it twice. But the truth is, the way we work has changed — and your office can change with it.
Start by taking a proper look at how your current space is actually being used. Is it buzzing every day, or are there whole afternoons where only one person’s at their desk? Understanding your real usage — not just what you’re paying for — is the first step in working out what you actually need.
It’s also worth checking in with your team. What days do they naturally come in? Do they prefer quiet solo time at home, with the office reserved for collaboration and team lunches? Mapping your team’s working patterns helps make sure your part-time office setup reflects how they want to work — not just how it’s always been done.
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to test the waters. There’s no need to go all-in straight away. At Tally, we often recommend starting small — booking a space for one or two days a week and seeing how it feels. You’ll quickly work out what’s working, what’s missing, and how your team responds to the change.
And here's the bonus: moving to part-time often frees up budget you didn’t even realise you were tied into. That money can go towards something that actually makes a difference — whether that’s better tech, training and development, or just a killer off-site to bring everyone together.
Need help making the shift? You’re not alone — and we’ve supported loads of teams through the transition. Chat with our team and we’ll help you figure out what a smooth, flexible, people-first move could look like.
Tips for making the most of a part-time setup
Part-time office days can be your team’s most productive, collaborative, and energising days of the week — if you use them well. Here’s how to get the most out of every in-office moment:
Treat office days as collaboration days: Save solo deep work for home. Use office time to brainstorm, align, plan ahead, or just catch up face to face.
Use the whole space: Don’t just stick to your desk. Make the most of lounges, phone booths, and breakout areas — they’re there to support different styles of working.
Get clear on who’s in when: Use shared calendars, Slack threads, or a weekly schedule so everyone knows who’ll be in. It makes planning easier and avoids those “empty office” moments.
Show up with purpose: If you’re commuting in, make it worth it. Book meetings, plan brainstorms, or set goals for the day that benefit from being in person.
Tap into the perks: Many spaces offer free snacks, drinks, wellness events, or networking opportunities. You’re not just renting a desk — take advantage of what’s on offer.
Create rituals your team looks forward to: Whether it’s a standing lunch, post-work drinks, or “wins of the week” huddles, small traditions can make part-time days feel more connected and meaningful.
Keep feedback flowing: Encourage your team to share what’s working (and what’s not). You can tweak your setup as you go to make sure the space continues to support your team’s rhythm.
Book smart: At Tally, you can easily book spaces ahead of time, adjust as needed, or set up recurring bookings. That means fewer last-minute scrambles — and more time to focus on what matters.
Flexible work, smarter space
Part-time offices are a smart solution for businesses that want flexibility, affordability, and quality space without overcommitting. As work patterns continue to shift, choosing how and when you use office space can have a real impact on your team’s wellbeing, productivity, and bottom line.
Whether you're testing out in-person days or scaling back from a full-time lease, part-time offices give you the room to work your way.
Ready to find your perfect part-time office?
Tally Workspace makes it simple to search, compare, and book flexible office space across the UK. Whether you need a few desks a week or a stylish meeting room in Soho, we’re here to help.
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