Over the years, I have watched businesses rethink what they need from an office. A long lease and an empty floor once represented stability. Today, many companies see flexibility, speed and operational simplicity as more valuable.
This shift is visible in the market. According to Cushman & Wakefield, flexible-workspace operators leased 191,306 seats across India’s eight leading cities during the first half of 2026—68.4% more than in the same period of 2025. These operators also accounted for nearly 20% of overall office-leasing activity during that period.
Why is this happening?
A managed workspace allows a business to begin operations without spending months designing and fitting out an office. Internet connectivity, meeting rooms, maintenance, housekeeping and other services can be included within one arrangement. Companies can also increase or reduce their space as their teams evolve.
In my view, this flexibility is especially valuable for growing businesses. Their office should support expansion—not lock them into space that may become too small or unnecessarily expensive.
However, I do not believe traditional offices will disappear. Large organisations with stable teams, specialised infrastructure or strict security requirements may still prefer long-term leases and complete control over their premises. CBRE’s March 2026 research makes a similar distinction: flexible workspaces are increasingly complementing traditional leasing rather than replacing it completely.
Businesses must also look beyond the attractive interiors. Before choosing a managed office, I would examine the total effective cost, internet and power reliability, parking, data security, service standards, escalation clauses and exit conditions.
For me, the bigger change is that the office is becoming a service rather than merely a property. The best workspace is not necessarily the newest or most fashionable one. It is the space that matches the company’s present needs while giving it room to grow.
This article reflects my personal industry perspective and is not financial or legal advice.
—Tushar Kumar