The Office Strikes Back: Flexible RTO Is on the Rise
More businesses are seeking office space to rent in Cape Town. And no, it’s not only due to the growing influx of people semigrating into the Western Cape. RTO (Return to Office) is officially making a comeback, with local businesses increasingly calling on employees to collaborate in a shared physical workspace.
“The post-pandemic dust has settled, and we’re seeing a clear shift back to in-person working,” says Louis Fourie, founder of Venture Workspace. “Every company is different, but the key drivers behind this trend appear to be increased productivity, team efficiency, and reviving company culture.”
According to recent data from CareerJunction, local job listings labelled as ‘remote’ have decreased from 4.3% in 2023 to 3.7% in 2024.
“The initial reaction from professionals to this shift may be hesitation, with some feeling as though their remote working wings have been clipped. Fortunately, the workplace landscape is changing for the better. Modern companies are embracing flexible schedules, and offices today are nothing like they used to be,” Louis adds.
Enter coworking and flexible workspaces
With a surge in demand for hybrid office space to rent in Cape Town, Venture Workspace emphasises that the recent RTO trend isn’t about reverting to the traditional eight-to-five model. Recent 2025 findings from Robert Half, a global staffing firm, confirm that the job market is tilting decisively towards flexible work arrangements.
“To attract and retain top talent, companies need to be smart about how they entice employees back into a shared workspace,” says Louis. Employee satisfaction is a priority. From what we’re seeing, they’re focusing on establishing environments that allow people to work how they feel most productive.”
He highlights that the growing demand for hybrid office spaces and coworking solutions is a clear reflection of this shift. “Coworking spaces are the poster child for flexibility. They’re purposefully designed to meet the evolving needs of modern professionals stepping back into the world of in-person working,” he adds.
This year, the global shared office space market was valued at US 41.4 billion. By 2029, it is expected to hit US 62.75 billion. Looking locally in South Africa, as of 2023, a total of 442 hybrid offices have been established nationwide.
“If companies default back to the way things were, with strict work hours, peak traffic hour commuting and uninspiring work environments, RTO mandates can damage relationships with employees,” Louis adds.
The perks of coworking and hybrid offices
With a focus on accessibility, seamless set up, reliable power and connectivity, hybrid office space to rent in Cape Town offers businesses and independent professionals the most efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional models.
“Although new offerings continue to crop up, not all coworking spaces are created equal. You have to be discerning with the type of office arrangement your team needs, be it more enclosed areas or open space,” Louis adds. “Too much quiet can also be detrimental to workers. You have to find the sweet spot between fun and productive.”
Fortunately, there is a broad spectrum of flexible office solutions to consider across the country. “As we’ve expanded our Venture Workspace portfolio between Cape Town and Johannesburg, the team has been intentional about offering privacy without isolation across our on-site facilities, from social areas to meeting rooms, private serviced offices, and hot desk options.”
In the case of our latest Cape Town branch at the Riverlands Mall, Louis highlights how members can engage with others socially yet still get their work done within a professional environment: “We’ve found that the most important aspect of the physical office is providing choice and a greater sense of freedom. This is exactly what companies need to keep in mind as they call workers back into a shared location,” he adds.
The office is here to stay
Here at Venture Workspace, we firmly believe that the physical office still has a role to play in our future world of work. It is one of the few environments where we are compelled to connect and interact with other humans. This is important, particularly as we become reliant on AI tools and machine learning.
“To us and our members, a physical office isn’t a place to maintain strict control of your teams and keep them under constant surveillance,” Louis explains. “It’s a place where society can be repaired, and isolated individuals can come together to create and build wonderful things that benefit local and global communities.”
Louis further highlights the significance of a physical office as a place to provide mentoring and coaching opportunities. “Yes, this can happen remotely, but the quality and opportunity for upskilling to happen increases when people are in the same physical space.”
Ultimately, Louis supports the RTO movement as long as there is scope for flexibility and a growing uptick in the coworking and hybrid office economy. “We’re proud to be able to offer businesses affordable platforms to revitalise their company culture and productivity while creating spaces that raise the bar for better ways of working,” he concludes.
Need a flexible office space to rent in Cape Town?
Join us at Venture Workspace: +27 (0)861 370 260 or info@ventureworkspace.co.za
