Insights from MIPIM: “Some years ago, landlords saw flex operators like Second-Class tenants. Now they see us as partners”
Every year, thousands of developers, investors, city leaders, and real estate professionals gather in Cannes for MIPIM, one of the most influential global events for real estate, urban development, and workplace innovation.
This year, we had the opportunity to speak with Ewelina Kałużna, Managing Director of Business Link, to discuss how the role of coworking and flexible workspaces is evolving within the real estate industry.
Business Link is a flexible workspace operator fully owned by Skanska, one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups. In Poland, Business Link operates across four cities and supports more than 300 companies.
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From “Second-Class Tenant” to Strategic Partner
For many years, coworking operators attending MIPIM were often perceived as secondary players in the real estate ecosystem, says Ewelina.
Flex operators were typically seen simply as tenants leasing space, rather than as partners contributing to the long-term value and attractiveness of a building, she observes.
According to Ewelina, that perception has changed dramatically.
“A few years ago, investors believed that having a flex operator in a building could reduce its value. Today, the opposite is true — without a flexible workspace component, many projects are simply less attractive.”
This shift reflects a broader transformation in how office buildings are designed, marketed, and operated.
Flex Workspaces as a Key Element of Modern Office Buildings
Today, building owners, developers, and investment funds increasingly see flexible workspace operators as partners that enhance the overall value of their projects.
“For developers and investors, having a flex operator in a building has become a competitive advantage rather than a risk.”
According to Ewelina, one message from conversations at MIPIM was clear: corporate tenants are actively requesting flexible solutions.
Companies increasingly want buildings that offer:
- flexible workspace options
- scalable office capacity
- agile lease structures
- attractive environments for employees
The Hospitality Shift in Workplace Design
Another trend that stood out to Ewelina at MIPIM is the growing importance of hospitality in office environments.
After years of remote work and hybrid models, the challenge for companies is clear: how to bring people back to the office.
“Today we need to offer employees something more than just a desk.”
Flexible workspace operators have long focused on community, service, and workplace experience — elements that are now becoming increasingly important across the entire office market.
Looking Ahead
Looking toward the future, Ewelina believes the conversation around flexible workspaces will continue to grow within the real estate industry.
While awareness of coworking and flex concepts has increased significantly in recent years, she hopes to see more discussions, panels, and industry dialogue about flexibility and workplace experience at future editions of MIPIM.
For her, the evolution is already clear: flexibility is no longer a niche concept but an increasingly important element of modern office development.
