Hybrid working continues to redefine how we engage with the daily grind. These days, flexibility is key, whether that’s flexible starts, finishes, or workspaces.
Gone are the days of rocking up to the office at 09:00 and heading home at 17:00, week in, week out. Now, most people can choose where they work, when they clock in (and out), and who they work with. Professionals from all industries have the opportunity to work together as colleagues, all under the same roof. Whether you're in need of a meeting room, a dedicated desk, or a private space for your employees; flexible working spaces accommodate all.
At beyond, we’re seeing this shift first hand. Hybrid working is completely reshaping the way people live, work, and connect across our spaces in London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Each city is approaching flexible work spaces in its own unique way; with its own rhythm, values, and community spirit. But, no matter how these cities reach the conclusion, they’re all in agreement that flexible spaces are the future.
By understanding each city's unique attitude to the hybrid working movement, there’s plenty we can bring back to our own work cultures.
As one of Europe’s largest concentrations of scale-ups and global firms, hybrid working solutions are in high demand in London. Occupiers have increased flexible workspaces in their portfolios to 22%, with plans to reach 30% in the next two years, according to a 2025 survey by CBRE. Organisations continue to seek out non-traditional spaces, and flexible working hubs are stepping in to provide employees with the freedom, community, and convenience they desire.
As businesses slowly return to the office, (if not the permanent pre-pandemic office building of yesteryear) proximity to transport hubs is a key factor for Londoners; the same survey found that 100% of financial service occupiers agreed that this factor would impact their decision to accept a building. Spaces just minutes from the Underground are among the most sought-after, especially during the city’s long, grey, dreary winters.
But it’s not only about having a space to work. In London, it's all about the connections. Networking events, after-work socials, and professional meetups are the heart of the shared-office experience. With people from various industries working alongside one another, flexible working spaces create a melting pot of innovation. Companies have never had a better chance to collaborate and find new business opportunities.
With many Londoners heading into the office midweek and saving Mondays and Fridays for working from home, Thursdays have become the unofficial night for after-work drinks; the new Friday of office socials. The best bars should be on the doorstep of London hybrid working spaces: head to The Culpeper, only a short walk from beyond Aldgate Tower, or go for a pint at the Three Crowns, just opposite beyond The Bower on Old Street.
In a city that thrives on making connections, shared spaces are as much about building relationships as they are about finding a great place to work.
Amsterdam's approach to work is rooted in a strong sense of wellbeing and is designed to fit work around life, not the other way around. Some professionals use shared spaces once or twice a week, while others are early risers who start at dawn and finish mid-afternoon. Everyone is able to shape their schedule around their own needs.
The community is diverse. Locals, freelancers, and a large expat crowd are each finding their footing within a shared space that values individuality. Shared working in Amsterdam often extends beyond the desk. In Noord, creative studios and industrial hangouts line the waterfront, blending art, design, and entrepreneurship. Some spaces even offer canal boats that double as meeting rooms; a reminder of how work and city life can flow together.
Lunch is a simple, social pause in the day. People gather around shared tables, taking time to connect in small, genuine ways. Networking happens naturally here, over coffee or during events like Neighbour’s Day in October.
Whether they’re crossing the ferry to beyond Republica Campus in Amsterdam Noord or meeting by the canal at beyond Gouden Bocht, people come to work with purpose and to enjoy the city they live in. Amsterdam’s flexible work culture celebrates presence, community, and all the everyday moments in between.
Berlin’s hybrid working culture has grown out of the city’s thriving start-up scene. It’s a place that attracts entrepreneurs, freelancers, and global businesses testing new markets, and has become Germany’s founder capital, with around 500 new startup companies per year.
People in Berlin believe in clear boundaries. Work is work, and when the workday ends, it truly ends. Evenings are for life outside of the office; grabbing a drink or two from a Späti on the way home, catching up with friends at the hottest spots around beyond Chausseestraße, or simply switching off.
Community in hybrid spaces builds naturally through shared rituals rather than long hours. Morning breakfasts are well-attended, while lunchtimes bring people together in an easy, social way. Many people step out to nearby cafés, while others enjoy simple homemade lunches.
Berliners value modern spaces that sit close to transport links and provide a seamless start to the day and, crucially, an easy return home. Many companies use these spaces to reimagine the office experience, creating places that make people want to come in, connect, and then leave with a clear line between work and life.
London, Amsterdam, and Berlin all bring their own values and priorities to the way people work, but they share a commitment to flexibility.
For global teams, a flexible workspace goes beyond a nice desk or meeting room. It’s about finding a space that reflects your company culture and the city you’re a part of.
At beyond, we design our locations with this in mind, creating environments that let teams do their best work, wherever they are.
Discover our global locations and find a space that fits your way of working.