If you manage the operation of a training company that offers in-person classes, the problem of locating the right space is always there. The usual first stop is a hotel or conference center, but these can be very expensive and, especially in the case of hotels, often aren’t familiar with the needs of the training industry.
In a changed shift of attention, flexible office spaces have emerged as a prime solution. That’s because they provide the adaptability and availability that's needed. You can book them in advance, as you would with a hotel of conference center, or even take out a license on an annual or multi-year basis. (Some of us at ZandaX did this during our years of involvement with classroom training.)
Advantages of Flexible Offices for Training Centers
With the rise of remote work and hybrid models,
flexible office spaces offer a great combination of convenience and functionality, which makes them an ideal choice for training centers.
Cost-Effectiveness
Flexible office providers offer a real
alternative to traditional leases. They allow you to rent space on a license or ad hoc basis, and even with a license, terms can be negotiated that are lower-cost, and without the rigidity of a lease.
So you’ll eliminate the financial burden and rigor of long-term agreements. In a stroke, it will be much easier to manage budgets and allocate resources efficiently.
Adaptability and Scalability
These spaces can be easily adjusted to suit different group sizes and course formats. That’s because whether you need a small room for a workshop or a large area for a class of 50 people, the space can be set up to match what you want. This ensures your needs can be effectively managed as they change.
Modern Amenities
Flexible office spaces will usually include high-speed internet, audio-visual (AV) equipment, comfortable seating and well-designed decor. This means that your attendees have access to what they need to learn.
Prime Locations
Location can be a critical factor, and the main consideration will usually be proximity to transport hubs. It may sound great if an out-of-town location has all you want at a seriously low price, but if your delegates have trouble getting there, you’re setting yourself up for a headache. This is especially true if you’re running public (open) classes where people book individually and need to make their own travel arrangements.
Flexible space is often situated in easily accessible locations, which means it’s easier for participants to attend, reducing their travel time and associated costs.
What’s more, being located in a central area will often enhance your brand, and is likely to attract more attendees.
Support Services
Beyond physical space, they usually offer additional services that support the operation of training centers.
These services can include administrative assistance, IT support, and (of course) catering. This helps to simplify the operation. So trainers can focus on delivering their courses without worrying about setting up their own projector or chasing up the caterers if lunch hasn’t arrived.
Spacious and Configurable Layouts
You can also get
customizable layouts that can be tailored to suit your needs, which may change with the different courses you run. This supports interactive learning and group discussions, as well as hands-on activities.
IT Facilities
Depending on the courses you’re delivering, you may need high-end IT facilities. These can include high-speed internet, projectors, interactive whiteboards, and sound systems.
Flexible offices will provide these, giving access to the tools needed for a successful class.
Future Trends
Increasing Demand for Hybrid Training Models
The demand for hybrid training, which combines in-person classes and virtual resources, is growing all the time.
And flexible spaces are well-suited to serve this trend, offering the technology and infrastructure that’s vital to support both in-person and online sessions. This flexibility allows trainers to reach a wider audience and also provide a more versatile learning experience.
Technological Advancements
We can all see that advances in technology will continue to shape the future of training.
Innovations like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are expected to become more prevalent, providing vastly improved learning experiences. And to accommodate this trend, flexible offices are increasingly equipped with these technologies.
Evolving Business Needs
As business needs evolve, the demand for training solutions will increase. And because of the variability of what’s needed, the kind of adaptable and scalable solutions offered by flexible office premises are required more and more. Taking advantage of this adaptability will be crucial for companies who want to stay responsive – and competitive – in a rapidly changing business environment.
So if until now you’ve only considered the options of hotels/conference centers on the one hand, or fixed term leases on the other, flexible space presents a viable alternative that in many ways can outdo everything else.
After all, in our lives before ZandaX, some of us built a business on this strategy!
