Flexible Rental Models for Offices: Fix Desk, Flex Desk & Private Office Explained

The working world is becoming increasingly flexible – and with it, the rental models for office spaces. Fix Desk, Flex Desk, and Private Office are three key options that differ in cost, flexibility, and setup. While a Fix Desk offers a dedicated workspace in a coworking space, the Flex Desk allows maximum freedom of movement without a fixed spot. The Private Office, on the other hand, provides a closed office with complete privacy. The choice of the right model depends on your requirements, your budget, and the desired notice period.

What are flexible rental models?

Flexible rental models have revolutionized traditional office leasing in Switzerland. Unlike classic commercial lease agreements, which often require multi-year commitments and high initial investments, flexible models offer short terms and lower barriers to entry. They have become particularly popular in urban centers like Zurich, Geneva, or Basel.

These rental forms are aimed at companies and individuals who value scalability. Startups can begin with just a few workstations and expand easily as they grow. Freelancers benefit from professional infrastructure without long-term commitments. Established SMEs are also increasingly using flexible models for project teams or temporary locations.

The biggest advantage lies in the all-inclusive mentality: internet connection, cleaning, reception services, and often even coffee are included in the rental price. This significantly simplifies budgeting and reduces administrative efforts compared to conventional commercial renting.

The three most important flexible rental models at a glance

Fix Desk – Your dedicated spot in the coworking space

With a Fix Desk, you rent an assigned workspace in a coworking space. This spot belongs entirely to you – you can leave personal belongings there, set up your monitor, and arrange the workspace to your liking. Unlike the Flex Desk, you sit at the same desk every day.

The setup typically includes a height-adjustable desk, an ergonomic office chair, and a lockable rolling cabinet. You have access to common areas such as kitchens, meeting rooms, and phone booths. Wi-Fi, printing facilities, and often beverages are included.

The Fix Desk is particularly suitable for people who regularly work on-site and appreciate a certain routine. You benefit from the community of a coworking space, while at the same time having your own familiar workspace.

Flex Desk – Maximum flexibility without a fixed spot

The Flex Desk model gives you access to the coworking space without being assigned a specific desk. You can decide where you want to work every day – depending on availability and your mood. This model is also known as hot desking.

The infrastructure is identical to the Fix Desk: you have access to all workstations, common areas, and services. However, you cannot leave personal belongings permanently at the desk. Some providers do, however, offer lockers or small storage options.

Flex Desks are ideal for digital nomads, part-time freelancers, or people who only occasionally need a professional workspace. This model is also cost-effective for companies whose employees primarily work remotely or from home.

Private Office – The enclosed office with full privacy

A Private Office is a completely enclosed office space within a coworking building or business center. Depending on the size, it offers space for one to over twenty people. The rooms are usually furnished and feature a door that can be locked.

In contrast to the Fix and Flex Desk, you have complete privacy here. You can hold confidential conversations, store sensitive documents, and design the room according to your corporate identity guidelines. Nevertheless, you still benefit from the coworking provider's infrastructure: reception, meeting rooms, kitchen, and community remain accessible.

Private Offices are aimed at small teams, startups with data protection requirements, or SMEs that need a representative business address but do not want to commit to a long-term commercial lease. This model is also attractive for companies that want to temporarily test a location in a new city.

Cost structure of the different rental models

The prices for flexible rental models vary significantly depending on the location, provider, and amenities. In Zurich or Geneva, costs tend to be higher than in smaller cities like Lucerne or St. Gallen.

A Flex Desk in Switzerland costs on average between CHF 200 and CHF 400 per month. For day or weekly passes, the calculated costs are correspondingly higher. Many providers offer multi-passes or annual subscriptions with discounts.

Fix Desks are priced between CHF 400 and CHF 700 per month. The surcharge compared to the Flex Desk is justified by the guarantee of a dedicated spot and the ability to permanently set up equipment.

Private Offices start at around CHF 800 per month for a one-person office and can reach several thousand francs for larger rooms. The cost per workstation decreases as the room size increases.

Important to note: Unlike traditional commercial leases, ancillary costs are usually already included in the price for flexible models. This includes electricity, heating, internet, cleaning, and sometimes even coffee and snacks. This makes budget planning significantly easier, as there are no unexpected additional costs.

Which model is right for whom?

The choice of the right rental model depends on various factors: working style, team size, budget, and the need for confidentiality.

Flex Desk is the right choice for you if:

You only occasionally need a workspace away from home
You are on the go a lot and work at different locations
You want maximum cost flexibility
Social exchange with changing people is important to you

Fix Desk suits you if:

You regularly work in a coworking space (3-5 days a week)
You appreciate a personal workspace with your equipment
You want to be part of a community but need your dedicated spot
You prefer routine and a consistent workspace

Private Office is the best option if:

You have a small team (2-10 people)
Confidentiality and data protection are important
You need a professional business address
You want to host clients in a private setting
You want to show brand presence but do not want to commit to a long-term lease

Many coworking providers in Switzerland also allow hybrid models. For example, you can rent a Private Office for your core team and additionally book Flex Desk access for external employees or freelancers.

Notice periods and contract terms

A decisive advantage of flexible rental models over traditional commercial lease agreements is the short notice periods. While classic office lease agreements in Switzerland often have notice periods of three to six months and minimum terms of several years, flexible models are significantly more straightforward.

For Flex Desks, monthly cancellations are often possible, sometimes even on a daily or weekly basis. This gives you maximum flexibility but also carries the risk that the provider can adjust the conditions at short notice.

Fix Desks typically have a notice period of one month. Some providers require a minimum contract term of three months, but offer more favorable conditions than with a monthly booking in return.

Private Offices usually have notice periods of between one and three months. The larger the office and the longer the rental period, the more likely individual agreements can be made. For longer-term contracts (12 months or more), many providers grant discounts of 10-20 percent.

An important note: These flexible rental agreements are not subject to the same legal provisions as classic commercial lease agreements under OR 253ff (Swiss Code of Obligations). They are often structured as service contracts, which gives the landlord more flexibility in contract design. Therefore, pay special attention to:

Price adjustment clauses
Included and excluded services
Liability regulations for damages
Rules for the use of common areas

Most reputable providers make sample contracts available, which you should review before signing. For larger Private Offices or longer terms, a legal review by a lawyer is worthwhile.

Conclusion: The right rental model for your needs

Flexible rental models have lastingly changed the Swiss office landscape. They offer an attractive alternative to traditional commercial renting – especially for startups, SMEs, and sole proprietors who value flexibility and manageable financial commitments.

The Flex Desk is the most cost-effective option and ideal for occasional use. The Fix Desk offers the perfect compromise between community and personal workspace. The Private Office delivers maximum privacy and professionalism for teams.

When deciding, you should consider not only the costs but also the notice periods, location, infrastructure, and community of the provider. Many coworking spaces offer trial days or weeks – use this opportunity to get to know the ambiance and working atmosphere before committing.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual situation. The good news: Thanks to the short notice periods, you can flexibly switch if your requirements change. That way, your workspace adapts to your company – and not the other way around.