With more businesses in Kuala Lumpur rethinking the way they work, one big question comes up: Is it better to rent an office or work from home? On the surface, working from home seems like the cheaper option—no commute, no office rent, and unlimited coffee. But is it really saving you money in the long run? Let’s break it down and see why a hybrid approach with a flexible office space like Jerry Coworking Space might be the smartest choice.
- The Real Cost of Working from Home vs. Renting Office Space
Working from Home: Is It Really Free?
Sure, you’re not paying rent for an office, but have you considered these hidden costs?
- Internet & Electricity Bills: Faster internet plans and increased power usage can add up.
- Home Office Setup: Buying a proper desk, chair, and equipment isn’t cheap.
- Distractions & Productivity Loss: Noise, family interruptions, and the temptation to binge Netflix can kill productivity.
- Lack of Professional Meeting Space: Renting meeting rooms or using coworking day passes for client meetings adds up.
- Mental Health & Burnout: Feeling isolated can lower motivation and creativity.
Renting Office Space: What Do You Actually Pay For?
- Monthly Rental Fee: Varies based on location and office type (traditional vs. coworking).
- Utilities & Internet: Often included in coworking spaces, meaning no surprise bills.
- Office Equipment & Facilities: Serviced offices provide furniture, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and even coffee.
- Networking & Business Growth: Being around other professionals can lead to collaborations and new opportunities.
- The Hidden Costs of Working from Home
You might think remote work is cost-free, but let’s be real—it comes with hidden drawbacks:
- Collaboration Challenges: No spontaneous brainstorming or quick team chats. A study revealed that remote work led to more static and siloed collaboration networks, weakening connections between teams and restricting knowledge sharing.
- Lack of Credibility: Having a real office address adds legitimacy to your business.
- Work-Life Blur: It’s hard to “leave work” when your office is also your living room.
- Disengaged Employees: Teams working remotely long-term often feel isolated and disconnected.
- Unstable Environment: Not everyone has a quiet, well-equipped home office.
- Why Hybrid Work with Coworking Spaces is the Best of Both Worlds
A hybrid work model—where you split time between home and a coworking space—is a game-changer. Here’s why Jerry Coworking Space makes it easy:
- Flexible Plans: Use an office only when you need it, saving costs while maintaining a professional workspace.
- Private Office & Meeting Rooms: Drop in for focused work, important meetings, or client presentations.
- Relaxed Common Areas: Take breaks, recharge, or host informal catch-ups in our shared lounge and breakout spaces.
- Scalability: Expand or reduce workspace based on business needs.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: High-speed internet, utilities, office furniture, and even great coffee are covered.
- Boosted Productivity: A dedicated workspace helps maintain focus while avoiding home distractions.
- Professional Image: A business address in KL gives your company more credibility.
- Community & Networking: Work alongside like-minded professionals and potential collaborators.

Final Thought
If you’re a solopreneur working on small projects, home might work—for now. But if you want long-term productivity, professional credibility, and a better work-life balance, a hybrid approach with flexible office space is the smartest investment.
Why struggle with home distractions when you can have an affordable, flexible, and fully-equipped office space? Check out office space at Jerry —the perfect balance between remote work and office life in KL. Book a tour today!
Read more: How Jerry Coworking Space Helps You Work Smarter Not Harder