Why hub-and-spoke is reshaping where we work
The traditional model of one large downtown headquarters is giving way to a more flexible approach. Hub-and-spoke combines a central hub with multiple smaller satellite locations, or spokes, so employees can choose where they work depending on tasks, commute, and lifestyle. That flexibility is now core to hybrid work and is driving how companies think about space, talent, and productivity.
How the hub-and-spoke model works
At its simplest, a hub is a primary office with shared infrastructure and core teams. Spokes are smaller locations that may be satellite offices, coworking spaces, client-facing suites, or even a designated cafe or a home office. Spokes give employees options: a quiet room for focused work, a social space for collaboration, or a nearby spot that reduces a long commute.
Spokes can be formalized by the company or exist informally when workers choose local spots to meet and work. Many businesses now treat employees' homes as spokes, extending company resources to make remote work seamless and secure.
Key benefits for businesses and employees
- Reduced real estate costs: Companies can shrink central footprints and lease smaller, lower-cost spokes or use coworking memberships instead of long-term leases.
- Improved access to talent: Hiring is no longer limited by geography. More spokes means a larger candidate pool.
- Higher employee satisfaction: Shorter commutes, more control over work environment, and variety in workspace types all support wellbeing and retention.
- Greater agility: Companies can pivot meeting locations to be close to clients or projects, improving responsiveness and presence in key markets.
Technology and infrastructure you need
Technology is the backbone of hybrid hub-and-spoke operations. Without secure, reliable connectivity and common collaboration tools, hybrid work breaks down quickly.
Essential tech checklist
- High-speed, secure internet at hubs and spoke locations
- Cloud-based collaboration tools for file sharing and document versioning
- Reliable video conferencing hardware and standardized meeting software
- Endpoint security and mobile device management for laptops and phones
- On-demand access to printers, scanners, and office supplies at spokes or via shared services
Building flexible work policies
A successful hub-and-spoke setup depends on clear, practical policies. Flexibility should be balanced with structure so teams can collaborate without friction.
Policy suggestions
- Define core collaboration days for teams to be in the same location when needed
- Provide guidance on booking spaces, reserving desks, and using coworking memberships
- Clarify expense and equipment policies for remote and spoke-based work
- Offer training on effective hybrid collaboration and digital etiquette
Why coworking is becoming the default spoke
Coworking spaces neatly fill the role of spokes. They offer flexible memberships, shared amenities, and a ready-made community. For companies, coworking reduces the need for capital investment in new branches and creates branded experiences for teams when face-to-face time matters.
Shared spaces also maximize utilization. Instead of paying for empty desks and meeting rooms in a rarely used HQ, organizations can buy membership access to multiple coworking locations and scale usage to actual needs.
Designing the office of the future
Future-focused offices are experience-driven. Employees want variety: quiet rooms for deep work, collaborative zones for teamwork, and event spaces for learning and social connection. The best hubs and spokes combine these options so workers can choose what fits their task and mood.
Design principles to consider:
- Mix private and open spaces to support diverse work styles
- Include indoor-outdoor options and flexible furnishings that adapt to different activities
- Prioritize health features like good ventilation, natural light, and comfortable ergonomics
- Offer community programming to build relationships and reduce isolation
Financial and operational advantages
Moving to a hub-and-spoke model can improve return on real estate while maintaining the benefits of in-person connection. Companies often reduce fixed costs by leasing smaller HQs and relying on coworking partners for access to multiple spokes. Operationally, spokes can be scaled up or down faster than traditional offices, allowing businesses to match capacity to demand.
Steps to implement hub-and-spoke in your organization
- Audit current space utilization and remote work patterns to identify needs.
- Define core functions for the hub versus spokes and prioritize required amenities.
- Choose technology and security standards that apply across all locations.
- Pilot coworking and shared-spoke arrangements with a few teams before wider rollout.
- Gather feedback, measure outcomes, and iterate on policy and space design.
Common questions companies ask
Will productivity suffer if people are not in one place?
Evidence shows productivity often improves when employees have choice and autonomy. The key is clarity: set expectations for collaboration, use the right tools, and create opportunities for meaningful in-person time.
How do we maintain culture across multiple spokes?
Invest in regular in-person events, cross-location programs, and digital rituals that reinforce values. A consistent brand experience in spokes and hubs also helps maintain cohesion.
Conclusion: Make work personal and flexible
The future of work is about choice and design. Hub-and-spoke, with coworking as a flexible spoke, gives companies a way to reduce costs, broaden talent access, and create better employee experiences. By combining the right technology, thoughtful policies, and human-centered design, organizations can build a workplace that supports how people actually want to work.
Next steps
Start by mapping where employees live, what they need from the office, and which tasks benefit most from in-person collaboration. Use that data to pilot spokes in coworking locations, and scale the model as you learn what works best for your teams.
