Raising the Bar in Flexible Workspaces: How FlexGrade and Preferred Office Network Empower The Flex Ecosystem

In today’s flexible workspace market, the conversation is shifting from availability and price to quality, operational excellence, and enterprise readiness. More than ever, corporate occupiers want assurance that their teams will find consistent levels of service, security, and professionalism across every location they choose.

That’s where Preferred Office Network and FlexGrade are making a difference by helping operators stand out and occupiers chose with confidence.

Why Quality  Matters for Enterprise Clients

One operator we interviewed shared that more than half of their client base comes from enterprise occupiers signing 12–24 month agreements. These clients aren’t just looking for space; they’re looking for certainty—certainty that amenities, compliance, and service will meet their expectations.

Enterprise decision-makers often evaluate multiple spaces through platforms  like Preferred Office Network.

For them, trust signals like FlexGrade’s Bronze, Silver, and Gold grading badges, measured across eight categories, serve as evidence of quality and help build confidence. As the previous operator told us, “Clients love seeing the categories; some care about network security, others care about design or health and safety. FlexGrade lets us show them exactly what they need to know.”

How Operators Leverage FlexGrade in Practice

FlexGrade certification doesn’t just live on paper. Operators are finding creative, high-impact ways to bring their grading outcomes into everyday conversations with clients and advisors:

• In Proposals & Sales Decks – Operators and platforms include the FlexGrade outcome alongside floor plans and pricing. One operator noted, “It gives our proposal credibility before we’ve even spoken.”
• On Tours – Operators display their FlexGrade certificate on the wall. Prospects notice it immediately, and it breaks the ice: “It saves time and gets us straight into what matters.”
• In Post-Tour Recaps – Sales teams use FlexGrade categories in follow-up emails to highlight strengths that match a client’s priorities, whether that’s amenities, compliance, or sustainability.
• Online & Social – Displaying certification on websites, email signature, LinkedIn posts, and marketing materials reinforces quality and builds brand trust beyond individual tours.
• In Renewal Conversations – Certification acts as proof of continued quality, helping operators justify renewal terms or premium pricing with existing clients.

The effect? Operators report that FlexGrade helps them save time, build trust faster, and differentiate in a crowded market.

Preferred Office Network × FlexGrade: Raising the Standard Together

As one of the largest networks of flexible office providers, Preferred Office Network is uniquely positioned to help operators amplify the impact of FlexGrade certification.

Together, Preferred Office Network and FlexGrade create a flywheel of trust:

• Operators gain a competitive edge and attract more enterprise clients.
• Occupiers enjoy confidence in consistency, security, and service.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Flex

The flexible workspace industry is poised for massive growth. Just as hospitality embraced star ratings, flex operators now have the chance to showcase quality in a way that resonates with corporates and investors alike.

By combining the reach of Preferred Office Network with the independent validation of FlexGrade, the industry is taking a decisive step toward transparency, trust, and growth.