What is a coworking space?

A coworking space is a shared workspace where individuals from different organizations and professions work together in a communal setting. Coworking spaces are designed to provide a collaborative and flexible work environment that allows people to work independently or as part of a community.

Hot-desking is a workspace arrangement in which workstations are occupied on an as-need basis by various people at various times. Usually, the goal is to reduce redundant office space in order to maximise space efficiency and lower real estate costs. Hot desks can be used in both coworking areas and private offices. Hot-desking is frequently associated with an increase in employee productivity and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Beyond salary: Why workspace flexibility is the new hiring superpower

Post on July 15, 2025

In the race to attract and retain top talent in 2025, free snacks and ping-pong tables just don’t cut it anymore. Today’s professionals are asking for something far more fundamental: flexibility.

And it’s not just about flexible hours. As hybrid work becomes the norm across Singapore, access to quality, location-diverse workspaces is fast becoming a key part of the employee value proposition (EVP). Naomi Chang, a Business Development Manager at workbuddy, sees this shift playing out firsthand.

“Flexibility is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’,” she says. “It’s become a critical factor in where top candidates choose to work.”

From perk to expectation

With talent pools becoming more mobile and diverse, flexibility has emerged as a strategic lever for recruitment and retention. Naomi shares that companies offering access to coworking spaces across the island are standing out, especially among candidates living outside the CBD.

“It reduces commute fatigue, supports work-life balance, and shows trust,” she explains. “People want to work where they feel focused, supported, and energised. Giving them the choice of workspace signals that you value their time and output, not just their presence in an office.”

The shift is industry-wide, but some feel it more

While workspace flexibility benefits teams across the board, Naomi notes it’s particularly valuable in fast-moving sectors like tech, consulting, and creative industries.

“Autonomy and agility are part of the culture in these industries. We’ve also seen a big impact among distributed and client-facing teams. Salespeople love being able to work near prospects, and regional teams don’t need to commute to one central HQ every day just to show face.”

workbuddy gives companies access to over 50 coworking spaces across Singapore – from quiet nooks in the east to collaboration-ready setups in the CBD. This citywide coverage means teams can meet clients, do deep work, or connect with colleagues, wherever makes the most sense that day.

Founders are rethinking where work happens

Naomi points out that post-pandemic, the professional mindset around location has fundamentally changed. “The old model of requiring everyone to commute daily to a central office? It’s no longer acceptable to many professionals. People want options: WFH, a nearby coworking space, or a hub for team meetings.”

And companies are adapting. “We’ve seen founders and team leads realise that workspace flexibility actually boosts productivity and engagement. Giving employees freedom doesn’t lead to slacking, it leads to stronger performance and better morale.”

A case study in flexibility-as-a-perk

One standout example comes from a fintech startup client. Faced with a growing headcount but wary of locking into a long-term lease, they turned to workbuddy.

“They issued team-wide workbuddy passes, giving employees access to any space in our network,” Naomi recalls. “It ended up being a huge draw during hiring. People loved having the option to work near home, or pop into a central spot for meetings.”

The results? “Morale went up, retention improved, and they lowered their office overheads. They didn’t need a big permanent office because their team was already getting everything they needed from our coworking spaces.”

What professionals want in a workspace (and how to deliver it)

In 2025, employees aren’t just looking for a hot desk and Wi-Fi; they expect spaces designed for different work modes.

“People want variety,” Naomi says. “Quiet areas for focus work, communal zones for collaboration, wellness programming, good coffee; the list goes on. And that’s what the best coworking spaces now offer.”

Rather than invest in building all of this internally, companies can now provide the same (or better) experiences through coworking platforms like workbuddy. “It’s more cost-effective and infinitely more flexible,” she adds.

A shift in mindset: from real estate to retention

Naomi believes it’s time for companies to see workspace strategy not just as a facilities decision, but as a people strategy. “Workspace flexibility isn’t about saving on rent. It’s about putting your people first. When you give your team the freedom to choose where they work best, you’re saying: we trust you, we value your time, and we want you to succeed.”

In a job market where professionals have more choices than ever, that kind of message resonates.

Final word

In 2025, the most competitive companies won’t be those with the flashiest headquarters—they’ll be the ones offering their people true freedom to thrive.

And that’s where workbuddy comes in. Whether you're hiring in a tight market or looking to boost retention, our flexible workspace plans give your team the access they need to work at their best, wherever they are.

Ready to turn workspace flexibility into a talent advantage?

Explore our team plans or if you're looking for an office, hit up [email protected].