The flexible workspace industry across the U.S. and Canada is moving beyond the changes of the pandemic era toward steady, purposeful expansion. Demand is bouncing back strongly, now 19% higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, while supply growth of 8% struggles to keep pace, creating fresh opportunities for operators, according to a June report from the Instant Group.ย
Bigger Spaces and Longer Deals
Companies are committing to larger flexible workspace arrangements. Since 2022, average workspace size requirements have increased by 25%, and contract lengths have grown 10% since 2019. As traditional real estate faces challenges like high interest rates, flexible options are becoming a preferred long-term solution.
Ben Wright, Global Head of Partnerships at The Instant Group, notes that success will come to operators who adopt lean, asset-light models and focus on what occupiers want, not just cost savings.
Suburbs and Lifestyle Cities Gain Traction
Flex workspace demand is no longer confined to major urban centers. Cities like Miami, Raleigh, and Nashville are seeing surging interest from remote workers seeking nearby, high-quality options.
Some markets are experiencing explosive growth that supply canโt meet:
- Raleigh: Demand up 144%, supply up 14%
- Miami: Demand up 153%, supply down 3%
- Seattle: Demand up 57%, supply up 8%
Even suburbs near New York City are growing fast, with demand rising 33-38% in nearby counties.
Enhanced Offerings and Flexible Memberships
Operators are responding with more diverse servicesโday passes, hybrid memberships, premium amenities, and tech-driven bookings are now essential. Meeting room searches alone jumped 79% last year, reflecting strong demand for flexible, on-demand options.
Tiered memberships and bundled corporate packages help providers boost revenue without large upfront investments.
Premium Space in Short Supply
While demand for high-end flexible workspaces grows, supply isnโt keeping pace. This creates opportunities for operators who can offer top-tier experiences, especially in underserved areas.
What we can take away from the Instant Groupโs report is that the flexible workspace market in North America is stabilizing but becoming more refined, diversified, and full of potential.ย
