The Essential Guide to Finding the Right Serviced Office in the Philippines
- Miguel Molina
- Aug 2
- 6 min read
American designer Charles Eames famously said, "The details are not the details. They make the design." This rings especially true in the world of serviced offices. While many options flood the market, let's be honest, not all are created equal. For businesses, especially in the Philippines where the fast-growing IT-BPO sector drives significant office demand, finding the right space is critical. Traditional offices often take 3 to 6 months to set up, a timeline that simply doesn't match the rapid scaling needs of dynamic companies.
This is where serviced offices truly shine. They offer a ready-made solution with infrastructure and essential services already in place, allowing you to hit the ground running. But as a savvy business leader, how do you cut through the noise and select the best serviced office to fuel your success? It comes down to evaluating key details.
Key Considerations for Your Ideal Serviced Office
Choosing the right space means looking beyond the surface. Here’s what truly matters for your company’s productivity, culture, and long-term growth:
Facility Features: Know Exactly What You're Getting
Your Private Space
The size of your space matters. It directly affects your team’s culture and work behavior. A smaller office can encourage intimacy and focus, while a larger space allows for more movement, collaboration, and flexibility. Make sure to evaluate workstation dimensions and the ratio of dedicated desks to the overall office size. These details influence how your team works day to day.
Furnishings & Tech
Request a detailed list of furniture and equipment included in your private office. Knowing what's available helps you plan better and operate more efficiently. From ergonomic chairs to whiteboards and printers, every detail can impact your workflow and comfort.
Shared Amenities That Add Value
Assess essential shared facilities such as reception services, lounges, coworking areas, pantries, meeting rooms, and specialized spaces (like mother’s rooms, nap rooms, or prayer rooms). These aren’t just perks—they contribute to your team's well-being and productivity. For instance, having access to a nap room can mean better rest during breaks instead of settling for a nap at your desk.
Relentless Support: IT, Connectivity & Operations
Always-On Help
Reliable technical support is essential. Make sure 24/7 on-site IT and facility teams are available to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Unbreakable Connection
Look for redundant internet and telecom providers to ensure minimal downtime. With most businesses relying heavily on cloud-based tools and digital platforms, reliable connectivity is non-negotiable.
Power Through Outages
Verify that backup power systems, such as UPS units or generators, are in place. Also, check the building’s tech infrastructure. Are there dedicated server rooms? Are private connections or custom bandwidth options available?
Daily Care
Cleanliness impacts health, productivity, and morale. Confirm that regular housekeeping services are included to keep your space consistently clean and presentable.
Convenience Matters
Small conveniences make a big difference. Look for pantry staples like coffee, tea, and water, as well as vending machines or stocked pantries. Also consider added services like courier handling, mailroom support, or professional call answering. These streamline operations and free up your time.
Building Foundations: Safety, Sustainability & Location
Professional Standards
Choose a high-quality building that reflects your brand and operates efficiently. A premium location communicates success and trustworthiness to clients, investors, and future hires. Your office address becomes part of your brand identity.
Future-Focused Design
Sustainable buildings show long-term thinking. Prioritize buildings with internationally recognized certifications like LEED, WELL, or EDGE. These spaces not only reduce your environmental footprint but also attract eco-conscious clients and talent, especially among younger professionals.
Easy Access
Location plays a big role in employee satisfaction. Choose a building close to major transport hubs or central business districts. Easy commutes mean better punctuality, higher morale, and lower turnover.
Zero Downtime
Power interruptions can cost you. Ensure the building provides 100% backup power so your operations remain uninterrupted, even during outages.
Non-Negotiable Security
Offices house valuable equipment, private data, and important documents. Demand 24/7 surveillance systems and professional on-site personnel. This not only deters theft and unauthorized access but also ensures faster response in medical emergencies or fire incidents.
Remember: The details define your entire experience. By thoughtfully evaluating these key aspects, you’re not just choosing a space, you’re securing the space that actively supports your team’s well-being, productivity, and long-term growth.
So, what detail matters most to your business right now?
Understanding the Costs
Once you’ve found a serviced office that checks all the boxes for facilities, support, and location, the next key consideration is, of course, the budget.
Most serviced offices operate on a per-seat pricing model, which typically includes your workstation, basic utilities (like water and electricity), access to shared internet, and standard amenities. But here’s where a savvy business leader looks deeper—don’t assume everything is included. Some high-demand amenities, such as meeting rooms, printing services, or even pantry access, may have monthly usage caps. Go beyond those limits, and additional fees can apply. Need a dedicated high-speed internet line or server hosting for your team? These are often billed separately as well.
If your business operates 24/7, be sure to factor in a 20 to 25 percent surcharge to cover extended hours for staffing, security, and utilities. A smart decision-maker considers not just the base price, but the total cost of occupancy. By understanding these potential add-ons in advance, you avoid billing surprises and can make accurate comparisons between providers. Always request a detailed cost breakdown—it’s your best tool for confident decision-making.
The Secret to Finding the Perfect Fit
A wise philosopher once said, “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius
Making decisions is tough without the right preparation. Navigating the serviced office market alone can feel like cracking a complex code. While the process may resemble finding a traditional office, the details can be far more intricate. That’s where a dedicated, office-focused broker becomes your most valuable ally. Think of a broker as your real estate concierge. They don’t just present options—they advocate for your interests, simplify the journey, and help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.
What Brokers Bring to the Table
Expert Negotiation and Representation
A seasoned broker serves as your advocate throughout the leasing process, using their industry relationships to negotiate better terms, such as lower per-seat rates, waived setup fees, or more flexible lease agreements. They manage all communication with serviced office providers, sparing you from stressful back-and-forth negotiations and ensuring your interests are protected every step of the way.
Data-Driven Market Intelligence
Beyond access to listings, brokers offer valuable market insights that help you make informed decisions. They provide real-time data on provider performance, building reliability, and hidden operational costs. Many also share anonymized benchmarks, such as how one district may offer 24/7 power but come with 20 percent higher average rates. With their experience, they can identify red flags early, drawing from past client outcomes to help you avoid pitfalls.
Significant Time and Resource Savings
"Working with a broker reduces search time by 68% on average while securing 12-15% better lease terms." - JLL Philippines Flexible Space Report 2024. This allows your team to stay focused on core business activities instead of getting caught up in real estate logistics. With expert guidance throughout, you also avoid costly mistakes that could affect your operations down the line.
Why It Matters?
A broker’s fee is often offset by the savings, clarity, and efficiency they bring. They don’t just find you a workspace—they ensure it aligns with your operational needs, company culture, and long-term goals.
Your Next Step: Find the Perfect Workspace
Don’t navigate the complexities of the office hunt alone. Tell us what you need and our expert team, equipped with real-time market data and local insight, will find the best-fit workspace for your business. We’ll take care of the legwork so you can stay focused on what matters most, growing your business.
Click the button below to explore all serviced offices or share your requirements and let us find the right fit.
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About Office Pro Philippines:
We provide end-to-end services in setting up your office space. From helping you locate the best suitable office property to designing and building it. Our teams of experts will be your own real estate arm, aligning with your needs and goals, in ensuring that we create and deliver the impactful workplace that will drive inspiration and motivation to your people.
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