The traditional office setting is no longer necessary as many companies have embraced a digital infrastructure and remote work model. Physical office space can be expensive, so many entrepreneurs are looking for ways to cut these costs while maintaining a professional façade. 

Below, we’ll assess five alternatives to the traditional corporate office, so you can make an informed decision about the one that works best for you. 

1. Work from Home

Who says you have to have a professional corporate office anyway? You can save a ton of money working from home, and thanks to all the technology available today, you can still conduct a viable business. When you absolutely need a professional office setting – say an important client is coming in or you need to get together with your staff for a face-to-face meeting – you can find a serviced office space for rent that includes all the amenities you need. 

There’s a lot to be said for working from home in your jammies but serviced offices are an excellent option when you need that professional touch. 

2. Collaborate in a Co-Working Space

Co-working spaces are a great alternative to a traditional office because they offer an office-like environment without the high cost of a monthly lease. Furthermore, co-working spaces are filled with like-minded people who are usually more than happy to collaborate. 

Although a co-working space is often noisier and less private than a traditional office, most include desks, conference rooms, Wi-Fi, and office equipment. So you can meet, collab, and work without the hassle of paying for and maintaining a corporate office setting. 

3. Rent an Executive Suite

Executive suites are much like co-working spaces in that there will be other businesses in the same building or on the same floor. However, executive suites offer a little more privacy as you have your own office and only share common spaces like conference rooms and reception areas. 

While executive suites are a little pricier than co-working spaces, they are still less expensive than traditional office spaces. In addition, where most corporate offices require a long-term commitment, executive suite lease terms are more flexible, with some being month-to-month. 

4. Rent an Apartment or a House

If working from home isn’t quite right, you could rent an apartment or house in a cheaper part of town to act as an office. Alternatively, you could rent a single floor of a home and go from there as your business grows. 

Almost any building can serve as your place of business, provided it meets your needs and budget. Traditional office spaces are going by way of the 8-track, so don’t ignore the potential of a non-traditional structure just because its original intended use was for something else. 

5. Check Your Local Library

This may sound like an unlikely office setting, but you’d be surprised at what your local library can offer in terms of office space. Not only are libraries quiet, which is excellent for focus and concentration, but they also often provide private meeting rooms to take calls or collaborate with coworkers. Plus, every library has free Wi-Fi, and some even have coffee shops and 3D printers! 

The bottom line is this: think outside the box when choosing an “office” setting for your business. Not all businesses need a physical location, nor do they all need a traditional office setting. Today’s remote business nature means almost anywhere can be suitable for getting the job done if it meets your needs and budget.