Colliers has released their new ‘Flex Forward’ report that touches on how markets across Europe have seen a boost in flexible workspace takeup during the first half of the year.

According to the report, cities such as Hamburg, Moscow, Vienna and St. Petersburg accounted for 30% of total office take up.

While there was still a significant amount of commitment cancellations, around 162,000 square meters of flexible offices opened.

“The office has been a key focal point of the pandemic as across the world people have suddenly found themselves working in a new environment, usually at home on their kitchen tables or in dedicated home offices,” said Tom Sleigh, the head of flexible workspace consultancy at Colliers International in the UK. “While the flexible workspace sector has not been immune to the effects of the pandemic there is no need for concern around a sector demise. Instead we are seeing occupiers’ real estate practices becoming more modern and occupiers looking to utilise flexible solutions in the industry to tackle short, as well as medium-term challenges.”

According to the findings, demand for flexible workspaces in inner cities grew 52% during the first half of 2020, compared to the 38% of the past two years. Additionally, demand for offices in suburban areas grew to 16% compared to the previous 12%.