“The future of work is hybrid and flexible”
In a rapidly transforming work landscape where flexibility and innovation are more critical than ever, zityhub emerges as the technological solution redefining the office concept. Founded in 2019, this Spanish startup has propelled a hybrid and flexible work model connecting businesses to an extensive network of spaces in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Together with Ángel Serrano, co-founder and CEO, we delve into how zityhub is leading this transformation, its most innovative initiatives, and the impact of its “extended liquid office” model on the future of work.
What is the platform’s value proposition?
zityhub provides a tech-driven solution that enables companies to offer their employees the ability to book workspaces, meeting rooms, parking spots, and other services. It is the only solution on the market that transforms the office into a flexible, on-demand workspace for employees while connecting and integrating it with an extensive network of distributed workplaces across the city. This innovative approach defines the concept of the “extended liquid office.”
With zityhub, companies can easily manage workspace reservations, from individual desks to meeting rooms, optimizing costs and utilizing only the required square footage. Our Software as a Service (SaaS) platform adapts seamlessly to in-office, hybrid, or remote work policies, catering to the unique needs of each organization while providing full control and traceability throughout the process.
Our technology simplifies the management of modern offices, delivering an efficient, productive, and flexible experience for employees while aligning with new work dynamics—all integrated into a single platform.
How many flexible workspaces does the company currently offer, and where are they located?
At zityhub, we understand that offices are no longer tied to a single location. Our platform features a flexible network of spaces that connects corporate workplaces to an extensive range of coworking spaces, shared offices, universities, hotels, and professional associations. This network caters to short-term or medium-term workspace needs.
Currently, our platform includes a network of approximately 500,000 square meters, making it Spain’s largest real-time reservable workspace network with pay-as-you-go options—all through a fully digital process.
We operate over 150 hubs across cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Bilbao, Santander, and Seville, among others.
What type of companies and professionals use zityhub, and how many users does the platform have?
Our users are companies spearheading a new way of working—those that truly listen to the needs of today’s professionals and understand that offices should prioritize collaboration over individual work.
We categorize our clients into three types based on their use of our services: companies using our solution to manage their office; those without an office, utilizing our network’s spaces on demand; those leveraging zityhub for both their own office and the extended network.
“Today, flexibility has become one of the key factors in attracting top talent.”
We currently have more than 20,000 users from companies of various industries, sizes, and locations. Our platform is designed for any organization seeking an agile solution to manage the complexities of modern offices while delivering flexible, efficient employee experiences.
Are there any industries showing greater interest?
The tech sector leads the charge in adopting this new work model. However, we also serve a broad range of industries, including healthcare, professional services, call centers, education, and energy.
Our solutions are tailored to fit the unique needs of any company’s work model.
Your platform enables bookings in coworking spaces, office buildings, hotels, and even hospitals, such as Gregorio Marañón Hospital. How has this initiative been received in the healthcare segment?
The initiative has been very well received. It is a socially impactful, philanthropic project aimed at offering flexible workspaces within hospital facilities.
We identified a need and proposed the idea to the Community of Madrid and Gregorio Marañón Hospital to support patients’ families and the patients themselves who spend long hours in the hospital and sometimes need a comfortable place to work.
We call it “Here Nearby,” reflecting the proximity of these spaces to the patients’ rooms. This initiative breaks the hospital routine while providing a nearby and accessible workspace.
Flexibility can be applied in any environment. The modern workspace prioritizes activities over square footage.
Why should companies firmly committed to in-office work consider hybrid or flexible models?
Flexibility enhances employees’ emotional well-being, directly impacting their engagement and productivity.
The future of work is hybrid and flexible. Professionals’ needs have evolved, and flexibility has become a key factor in attracting top talent. It’s no longer just a policy but a strategic pillar for recruiting and retaining the best people.
“The flexible model can deliver savings of 35% to 50% compared to maintaining permanent offices.”
Hybrid and flexible models empower professionals with autonomy and the responsible freedom to choose where they perform at their best. In-person interactions take on a strategic role, driving innovation and strengthening team bonds.
Additionally, flexible models offer companies tangible benefits, such as optimizing resources by aligning workspace usage with actual employee demand.
At zityhub, we embrace the value of a “liquid office” that adapts to professionals’ needs, much like water takes the shape of its container. The work environment is evolving, and not all activities require the same type of space. As philosopher Bauman described, we are living in an era of “liquid modernity,” marked by constant and accelerated change.
The challenge for companies lies in striking the perfect balance: understanding when physical presence makes a difference and when work can flow more efficiently from other locations.
What level of cost savings can companies achieve by opting for flexible workspaces through platforms like zityhub?
Our solution significantly reduces real estate costs. Companies can adjust their workspace usage based on their actual operational needs. This flexible model can deliver savings of 35% to 50% compared to maintaining permanent offices or underutilized square footage, especially in major cities with high real estate costs.
Is the traditional office concept in decline? What role will solutions like zityhub play in the future of work?
The traditional office model—with assigned desks and chairs—is evolving. Companies today seek greater flexibility, strategic locations, and solutions that allow them to manage hybrid and flexible models effectively.
Our solution plays a pivotal role in the future of work. Companies must ask themselves critical questions: Is my space adequate for the number of employees I have? How long does it take for my employees to commute? What is my space utilization rate? How can I foster meaningful in-person interactions?
Visionary companies are already adopting flexible, decentralized models, achieving remarkable results in satisfaction and efficiency. We are leading this transformation alongside organizations committed to a flexible, sustainable model centered on human well-being.
What challenges does the coworking and flexible workspace market currently face?
Meeting evolving market demands is a significant challenge for the coworking and flexible workspace industry. Just as human talent seeks flexibility, companies will too. Moving away from rigid, traditional contracts is essential.
Creating an all-encompassing employee experience in the workplace remains challenging, especially given changing needs. Employees require not just well-designed offices but spaces that foster collaboration—both with colleagues and professionals from other companies. Design must inspire creativity, socialization, and productivity, yet a well-designed space without people becomes “invisible.”
Those failing to adapt to this new era—where intentional, intelligent design dictates the dynamics—will remain stuck in the past as others advance toward a future prioritizing life above all else.