In 2026, the global shared office spaces market is valued at $72.56 billion, with Asia Pacific as the largest and fastest-growing market, based on the International Workplace Group (IWG) Global Workplace Survey. The flexible workspace market is estimated to grow by 600 percent by 2030, with an estimated value of $112.51 billion. Thirty-five percent of all office space will evolve to hybrid workspace in the same period, while 74 percent of companies are planning a full shift to flexible working.
In Metro Manila, there are more than 230 co-working spaces. The office and co-work footprint in the country is around 560,000 to 600,000 sqm, according to Lobien Realty Group. For the first half of 2026, Colliers Philippines reported a 100 percent increase in the net take-up of 6,000 units in flexible spaces versus 3,000 in the same period last year.Flexible office market enters a new phase of growth
Demand for co-working and flexible offices surges as companies rethink how and where work happens
Published Aug 1, 2026 10:27 am
Spaces at the Stiles Enterprise Plaza (Photo: IWG)
Rowena Natividad, IWG country manager (Photo: IWG)
“Flexible workspaces are experiencing significant growth in uptake nationwide, driven by hybrid work models, connectivity, cost pressures on traditional office leasing, and corporate reassessments of strategies,” said Rowena B. Natividad, IWG country manager.
She further explained that as infrastructure connects more cities, towns, and regional hubs, companies are looking for agile real estate solutions that allow them to scale quickly.
Expanding beyond traditional CBDs
Beyond traditional Manila CBDs, operators are expanding into regional and fringe markets (Clark, Baguio, Batangas, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao), reflecting growing interest from businesses seeking proximity to talent and decentralized work hubs. Flexible workspaces are enabling the decentralization of work and supporting the rise of a more connected, hybrid economy.
Regus One at Vertis Plaza (Photo: IWG)
“The shift is clear: Over 60 percent of our 2025 expansion is outside traditional central business districts (CBDs), reflecting growing demand for flexible, accessible workplaces closer to where people live and businesses are expanding. While CBDs remain important for headquarters and corporate presence, businesses are increasingly adopting a hub-and-spoke approach—maintaining central offices while expanding into talent-ready satellite locations,” said Natividad.
“The continued adoption of hybrid work is one of the key drivers of this shift. Colliers data shows that 82 percent of Filipino companies have adopted hybrid work models, ahead of Singapore at 55 percent and Australia at 56 percent,” she added.
Benefits above traditional setups
Natividad underscored that flexible workspaces address businesses' need for agility and scalability. “These plug-and-play solutions allow companies to focus on their core operations instead of managing leases, fit-outs, permits, and multiple vendors. As a service-based solution rather than a traditional lease, flexible workspace can help companies manage balance sheet liabilities more effectively.”
Signature at Alveo Park Triangle Corporate Plaza (Photo: IWG)
In startups and small teams, the support comes through scalable private offices and collaborative coworking environments, enabling them to grow or downsize easily. Moreover, they can access meeting rooms and business services, and establish a professional presence without the cost and rigidity of traditional leases.
By bringing workplaces closer to where people live, flexible workspaces help reduce travel time, improve work-life balance, and support stronger local communities.
Beyond business benefits, it supports sustainability with more accessible workplace options, such as IWG’s growing network nationwide, while helping companies attract and retain talent as hybrid work becomes a key employee consideration and expanding access to a broader talent pool.
“At the same time, we are creating new opportunities for property owners. Through our management agreement model, landlords retain ownership of their assets while IWG manages operations, marketing, and customer acquisition—providing a lower-risk way to activate underutilized assets and create new revenue opportunities.”
Spaces at the Stiles Enterprise Plaza (Photo: IWG)
Making flexible work more accessible
IWG is leading the shift, with 50 operating locations totaling 54,000 sqm and more than 50 additional locations signed. Spaces at The Stiles Enterprise Plaza, located in Circuit, Makati City, is the latest addition. Together with Instant Group, their combined portfolio now reaches 92,000 sqm across 55 locations.
In the pipeline for the year, IWG brands Signature, Regus, and HQ will be launched in key locations such as Ortigas, BGC, San Fernando in Pampanga, Mactan in Cebu, and Batangas City. Another important milestone is the opening of Humanly APECO in Casiguran, Aurora, IWG's first venture in health care.
By expanding into these regional hubs, IWG is helping businesses access talent, but also supporting local economic growth.