Industry jargon (Frequently asked questions)
Hot Desk
What it sounds like: A very warm seat?
What it is: A desk you don’t own or reserve, just turn up and use any available one. Often part of a coworking setup.
Dedicated Desk
What it sounds like: A really committed piece of furniture.
What it is: A desk that’s just yours, same seat, every day, usually within a shared space.
Coworking Space
What it sounds like: Just for freelancers or startups with laptops and lattes.
What it is: A shared working environment where individuals or companies work side by side, often in open-plan spaces with shared amenities.
Breakout Area
What it sounds like: Somewhere for an emotional release.
What it is: A casual space to step away from your desk, usually with sofas, soft seating or tables for informal meetings.
All-Inclusive Pricing
What it sounds like: Everything ever is included.
What it is: Rent, bills, Wi-Fi, cleaning and often coffee, but always worth checking the small print (e.g. meeting rooms might still be extra).
Fit-out
What it sounds like: A dramatic incident.
What it is: The design and installation of furniture, lighting, finishes and layout, everything that turns a bare space into a usable office.
Licence agreement
What it sounds like: Something to do with driving.
What it is: A flexible alternative to a lease, shorter term, less legal red tape, and often the standard in serviced and coworking spaces. It avoids having to take the formal route of traditional lease.
Dilapidations
What it sounds like: A Victorian illness.
What it is: The cost of putting a traditionally leased office back to its original condition before you leave, often a surprise expense, but one companies should plan for on traditional leases.
CAT A / CAT B
What it sounds like: Pet ratings.
What it is: Property jargon: Cat A: is a blank, basic office.Cat B: is a fitted-out space ready to work in, usually what you get with a managed or serviced office
Business rates
What it sounds like: A review site?
What it is: A tax on commercial properties, paid to your local authority. Mostly included in flexible workspace pricing; but sometimes excluded to reduce prices.
Turnkey office
What it sounds like: A small key?
What it is: An office that’s fully fitted and ready to use, you just ‘turn the key’ and start working. Like many of the offerings. Quite commonly used by traditional offerings.
Hybrid working
What it sounds like: A high-tech energy source.
What it is: A setup designed for hybrid working, some in-office, some remote with flexibility in how people use desks, rooms and collaboration space.