Flexible working set to get easier with Workabout

Workabout, the booking platform for flexible workspaces, is on a mission to simplify and enhance accessibility to flexible working with the launch of its workspace marketplace on 15th July.

This all-in-one platform offers hourly and daily bookings without the need for binding memberships or contracts.

Users can explore a UK-wide marketplace similar to Airbnb, featuring over 500 high-quality local and city-based workspaces. Options include hot desks, private offices, meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and event venues, all searchable based on individual amenities.

Workabout’s distinctive flexibility means no membership is necessary to book with any of its leading workspace partners, such as Landmark, Runway East, Bruntwood, Fora, Clockwise, Spacemade, and others. As the company states:

“Just sign up to the site for free, pay as you go, and enjoy the freedom to work your way.”

For established businesses, start-ups, employees, or freelancers seeking flexible workspaces, Workabout offers a quick, efficient, and cost-effective solution.

Workabout’s core ethos recognises that everyone works differently. Whether one seeks to replace a noisy coffee shop with a dedicated workspace, needs a private meeting room for team collaboration, dreams of joining an inspiring co-working community, or wants a pet-friendly hot desk, users can find their ideal workspace on Workabout.

The future appears promising for the self-funded start-up, with plans to introduce Teams and HQ workplace management SaaS tools later in the year, alongside a global marketplace expansion.

The concept for Workabout emerges when founder and CEO Jeffrey Davidson contemplates the evolving work preferences post-pandemic.

He acknowledges: “There is a substantial demand for flexible working, the question is, as businesses, how do we efficiently evolve and adapt outdated work models to address this? The process of booking workspace was overly complicated, I felt there had to be a more efficient way.”

His solution was to streamline the process with the creation of one-stop web and app platform that makes booking flexible workspace as easy as booking a cab or a hotel.

Studies are mounting to evidence that hybrid working makes employees happier, healthier and more productive, such as the 2024 study published in scientific journal, Nature By Nick Bloom, professor of economics at Stanford University.

With many businesses struggling to find the right balance between work from home or return to the office, Jeffrey’s own experience has led to the belief that embracing technology and a human focused approach is the key to finding the right balance.

He said: “My business has always been office based in central London. The pandemic opened my eyes to what is possible in business when you embrace technology and the flexibility it enables. Adopting new ways to work can bring huge benefits to make how we work more efficient, with greater access to choice, opportunities and also cost saving.”

The Workabout team has an authentic knowledge of the benefits of flexible working. The company practises what it preaches with a remote-first ethos and a team working flexibly, yet collaboratively, from every corner of the UK.

Workabout Chief of Communications Ebony Ava Johnson said: “I am a single parent living in a lovely but remote village in Lancashire. Workabout’s flexible ethos has given me access to an amazing job that would otherwise have been inaccessible to me because of my location. Flexible working has offered crucial support to our team members with families and we can’t imagine working any other way now.”

The platform is keen to curate workspace where people need it. Jeffrey elaborates that Workabout’s list of workspace partners is ever growing, with his team constantly working with clients to add workspaces in and around towns and cities where they need it, to avoid long and unnecessary commutes.

“For each of us, our ideal workspace looks vastly different. Workabout’s goal is provide a perfect workspace for everyone.”