Tech, Trends, Workspace Views and UltraSoft News
Industry update: What flexible workspace operators should know right now
This month’s biggest workspace stories point to a market that is becoming broader, more service-led and far more connected to wider commercial real estate strategy.
Coworking growth is continuing across secondary markets. Verified wellbeing standards are gaining traction. New distribution channels are opening up for day-use workspace, while managed offices are helping landlords turn vacant space into stronger-performing assets.
Here are the developments worth watching.
1) U.S. coworking inventory reaches almost 9,400 locations
The U.S. coworking sector added 248 locations during Q2 2026, taking the national total to 9,384.
The strongest gains are coming from secondary and regional markets such as Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia and Columbus. At the same time, average workspace size has fallen slightly, suggesting operators are testing smaller, more locally focused formats.
Independent and regional operators still manage over three-quarters of U.S. flexible workspace locations, despite continued growth from major brands.
For operators, the data reinforces the strength of regional opportunities and the importance of adapting products, pricing and operations to local demand.
2) WeWork makes a major commitment to workplace wellbeing
WeWork has announced plans to pursue the WELL Coworking Rating across over 300 locations on five continents, covering roughly half of its global portfolio.
The rating examines more than 50 workplace features connected to air quality, lighting, comfort, movement, nourishment and member experience.
This is a significant move for the sector because occupiers are paying closer attention to measurable health and wellbeing standards when choosing workspace.
For operators, attractive amenities and strong design still matter, but independent verification may become a much stronger point of differentiation.
3) Airbnb begins testing workspace bookings
Airbnb is branching into workspace, with London operator Oneder selected as one of its first partners.
Day passes, private day offices and meeting rooms at Kindling in White City and Channel in King’s Cross can now be booked through the platform.
The move could introduce flexible workspace to a wider audience of travellers, remote workers and teams looking for convenient day-use space.
It also raises interesting questions for operators around distribution, commission structures, availability management and how third-party platforms may sit alongside their existing booking systems.
4) Managed offices help landlords turn vacant space into value
New research from JLL and Kitt shows managed office space in London grew by 582% between 2020 and 2025, making it the fastest-growing segment of the city’s flexible workspace market.
Managed offices appeal to occupiers because they combine private, self-contained space with flexible terms, lower upfront costs and faster occupation.
For commercial landlords, they offer a way to reduce void periods, improve rental yields and reposition smaller or older buildings for modern occupier demand.
JLL also found that managed offices can move from viewing to occupation in as little as eight weeks, showing the value of fitted, ready-to-use space in a market where speed matters.
5) Blog highlight: Why flexible workspace is becoming part of every commercial landlord’s strategy
Our latest blog looks at why flexible workspace is becoming a practical part of commercial real estate strategy.
Landlords are using flexible and managed workspace to activate underused floors, retain tenants as their requirements change and create new revenue across meeting rooms, memberships and services.
The article also explores management agreements, changing commercial landlord responsibilities and the operational technology needed to manage flexible workspace successfully.
What this means for operators and landlords
Across these stories, flexible workspace is becoming a much broader business model.
Growth is spreading into regional markets. Wellbeing is becoming measurable. New booking channels are appearing. Managed offices are helping owners reposition buildings and respond faster to occupier demand.
Delivering these models successfully requires reliable operations behind the scenes.
UltraSoftBIS Cloud brings together sales, proposals, licence agreements, bookings, customer management, billing, reporting and business intelligence within one modular platform built for flexible workspaces, serviced offices, managed spaces and business centres.
Explore UltraSoftBIS Cloud to see how connected technology can support your next stage of growth.
See you in the next issue,
The UltraSoftBIS Team
