When a company decides it’s time to look for a new office, they typically have set criteria for the ideal location— space, affordability, security, to name a few. But what about office supplies, equipment, and furniture? The time and money spent on finding those essentials and moving them in your office can be the investment in and of itself.
In this post, we’ll cover the plug and play office, a type of office that provides small businesses and startups with an affordable but feature-rich space.
What is a Plug and Play Office?
Plug and play offices are a type of office space that is ready to use for a business at a moment’s notice. They tend to come fully-furnished and fully-equipped with office desks, chairs, printers, Wi-Fi, and teleconferencing technology.
Certain locations have a variety of amenities and facilities that can further support a business. For example, Novel Coworking features mail rooms that allow businesses to receive and send business mail, and kitchenettes with snacks and drinks while you work.
Benefits of a Plug and Play Office
Plug and play offices offer businesses a variety of benefits compared to traditional office spaces. Among them are:
24/7 access – Although the larger office buildings are typically shut down at night, many plug and play locations offer 24/7 availability, which can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs that work late at night or early in the morning.
Flexible lease – Because plug and play offices are already furnished and ready to go, they’re also designed to be flexible around your schedule, allowing you to change or end your contract without being locked into hidden fees or contract fine prints.
Utilities and amenities – Plug and play also refers to the various amenities available at these locations. From direct-fiber internet to video conferencing technology, everything you need to stay focused on your work can be found in one central location.
Complimentary snacks and drinks – Need an energy drink during the afternoon slump? Or maybe a beer with your colleagues during a happy hour? Or perhaps you’re expecting visitors and need something to offer while they wait? Either way, you don’t have to run off to the grocery store.
Conference rooms and phone booths – If you’re running a business, you’re in phone calls and meetings throughout the day. Instead of bothering your colleagues, why not use a phone booth or a conference room?
Differences between coworking and plug and play
Though the price per square foot varies depending on the location and type of office, generally speaking, coworking spaces are more affordable than plug and play offices. That’s because plug and play offices are privately owned, whereas coworking spaces are shared.
Another big difference is the open space versus private room. Coworking spaces tend to be much larger and spread out, but it is shared with others. Plug and play offices are reserved specifically for one company. That’s why big companies tend to choose the private office option.
Besides these two big differences, the benefits can be the same. In fact, Novel Coworking offers both coworking and plug and play offices, and both types of memberships have the same access to the surrounding amenities (such as coffee on tap or private phone booths).
Where to rent a plug and play office
Plug and play offices are everywhere! These types of offices can be found all across the country, although sometimes under different names (furnished private offices, serviced office spaces, etc). Try searching “plug and play office space near me” in Google to find a list.
You can also search through a map of Novel locations that offer plug and play offices.
Alternatives to a plug and play office
Curious to learn about other options besides a plug and play office? Be sure to look into these office types:
Access Pass
Exclusive to Novel Coworking, we’re offering a new part-time program that allows professionals to rent private office spaces at $219 a month for 5 days a month. The access pass also gives access to the Novel Lounge, which includes an espresso bar, local beer on tap, a fully-stocked Honor Market, and much more. Offices are by reservation and based on availability.
Office Suite
Looking for a multi-room office for a team size between 10 to 500 people? An office suite is your best bet. This makes you feel as if you have your own floor, and can be a significant boost to your brand and your team’s efficiency. These suites come complete with their own kitchenettes and lounge areas as well.
Dedicated Desk
Another Novel Coworking exclusive, dedicated desks are high-quality desks that are exclusive to your business and are found in a shared office. You’ll have your own branded desk with a lockable filing cabinet, as well as access to the usual amenities. This is a great option for sole proprietors or freelancers that need their personal space without spending the full cost of a private office.
Virtual Office
Want to continue working remotely but need the benefits of a business address? The virtual office is the solution for you. Virtual offices offer mail scanning and forwarding, as well as discounted access to amenities and Internet. This is ideal for those who don’t need a space but may receive mail or need a business address.
Price ranges
Private office/plug and play office space – from $399/month: fully furnished offices for 1-20 people. Access to amenities, Internet, and nationwide membership.
Access pass – from $219/month: includes private office by reservation via the app and lounge access for the day of operation. Access to amenities, direct-fiber internet, and nationwide membership.
Office suite – from $2,999/month: includes a customizable combination of private offices, open workspace, kitchenette, and conference room. Access to amenities, Internet, and nationwide membership.
Dedicated desk – from $329/month: includes a branded desk within a shared office complete with a lockable filing cabinet. Access to amenities, Internet, and nationwide membership. Also includes 5 hours of conference room rental per month.
Virtual office- from $59/month: No physical workspace, only mail scanning and forwarding with physical meeting space available. Discounted access to amenities, Internet, and nationwide membership.
Although plug and play offices aren’t anything new, they’ve become more sought out in recent years. This may be because of rising business expenses, or the ever-growing startup scene, or another new trend entirely. Whatever the case may be, if you own a small or growing business, plug and play offices can give your team the edge that it needs.