For Higher Education teams, the right workspace must meet diverse needs
Universities operate in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Staff move between research partnerships, student-facing work, policy development, financial planning, community engagement, and collaboration across departments.
A workspace for Higher Education isn’t just a place to sit, it has to support:
cross-functional collaboration
hybrid teaching and meeting
stakeholder engagement
project planning
administrative clarity
data-sensitive conversations
professional presentation
For a Head of Procurement, choosing a flexible workspace means balancing functionality, accessibility, value, and user experience.
This guide helps Higher Education teams understand what to look for, and why DeskLodge Temple Meads is a strong fit for universities and academic departments in Bristol and beyond.
1. Location matters - choose a space that supports regional collaboration
University staff frequently collaborate with:
industry partners
external researchers
visiting academics
funders
public sector organisations
community groups
Being able to host them easily matters.
Temple Meads is the most convenient and credible location for Higher Education because it is:
next to the main station (ideal for visiting staff or regional partners)
easy to access by public transport
surrounded by amenities
central for cross-department meet-ups
Accessibility increases engagement and reduces friction for external stakeholders.
2. Look for hybrid-ready rooms that support academic-style meetings
Higher Education increasingly relies on hybrid formats:
online research collaboration
remote teaching
multi-campus discussions
international project reviews
committee work
funding panels
Temple Meads meeting rooms offer:
✔ Large screens for presentations and teaching materials
✔ Clear audio and high-quality cameras
✔ Stable connectivity for international calls
✔ Comfortable layouts for longer discussions
✔ Enough privacy for policy or budget-sensitive meetings
Explore meeting rooms: https://www.desklodge.com/meeting-rooms
For a procurement lead, hybrid readiness is no longer optional, it’s mandatory.
3. Choose a workspace that supports quiet academic focus and group work
University teams move between:
analytical tasks
research-related work
funding applications
policy writing
project collaboration
teaching preparation
committee planning
Temple Meads allows for all of these through:
✔ Quiet zones for concentration
✔ Breakout areas for planning
✔ Phone booths for confidential or student-sensitive conversations
✔ Lounge spaces for informal team discussions
✔ Coworking areas for cross-department collaboration
Different academic tasks require different types of space - your workspace should support them all.
4. Ensure the workspace aligns with HE standards for professionalism
Universities have reputational responsibilities. Any external workspace must reflect:
credibility
accessibility
inclusivity
student-focused values
professional conduct
trustworthiness
Temple Meads has:
a welcoming front-of-house team
a professional atmosphere suitable for external partners
modern, accessible layouts
bright, positive spaces for teaching, presenting, or hosting events
It’s a workspace you can confidently use for academic collaborations.
5. Flexibility is essential for cross-functional Higher Education teams
HE teams are rarely fixed in size. Different projects require:
visiting lecturers
external examiners
research assistants
part-time or hybrid staff
administrative support
project-based collaborators
DeskLodge supports this with:
Flexible memberships
Day passes
Dedicated desks
Private offices
Meeting rooms for teaching-style sessions
Explore memberships: https://www.desklodge.com/memberships
For procurement teams evaluating value, flexibility is a cost-effective advantage.
6. Check that the workspace meets your technical requirements
Higher Education teams need:
✔ Reliable enterprise-grade Wi-Fi
✔ Secure network usage
✔ Hybrid-compatible AV setups
✔ Spaces for presentations and workshops
✔ Quiet rooms for student or staff support meetings
Temple Meads meets all of these needs, and provides the technical consistency academic work requires.
7. Choose an environment that supports wellbeing and culture
HE staff workloads are high. A workspace should help reduce stress, not add to it.
Look for:
✔ natural light
✔ comfortable seating
✔ social spaces
✔ opportunities for informal connection
✔ a calm, supportive atmosphere
Temple Meads offers all this: helping staff work productively and feel good while doing it.
8. Use this workspace checklist for Higher Education teams
Workspace essentials for academic and professional services staff:
✔ Hybrid-ready meeting rooms
✔ Quiet pods for deep work
✔ Collaboration areas for cross-functional projects
✔ Secure, professional spaces
✔ Central location for visiting partners
✔ Accessible layout
✔ Reliable tech infrastructure
✔ Calm, positive atmosphere
✔ Friendly on-site support team
If the workspace meets these criteria, it will support teaching teams, research staff, admin departments, governance groups, and external collaboration.
Why Higher Education leaders choose DeskLodge Temple Meads
Because it provides:
Hybrid teaching-ready rooms
Professional meeting and hosting environments
Strong accessibility for external partners
A balance of quiet and collaborative areas
A friendly, supportive workspace culture
Flexible options for teams of all sizes
Exceptional location for multi-campus or regional staff
It’s a workspace that fits the rhythm of Higher Education: flexible, people-centred, and ready for cross-functional collaboration.
FAQs
Is Temple Meads suitable for academic and professional services teams?
Yes, it’s designed for cross-functional staff who need both focus and collaboration.
Can we host teaching-style sessions or research workshops?
Absolutely. Meeting rooms are ideal for presentations and hybrid learning.
Do memberships support term-time variations or project cycles?
Yes, flexible desk and room options adapt to academic calendars.
Is the workspace secure enough for confidential HE discussions?
Yes, private rooms and controlled access support professional conversations.
Is it appropriate for visiting academics, funders, or partners?
Definitely, the location and professionalism make a strong impression.
Give your Higher Education team a workspace that supports excellence
A flexible workspace should enhance academic collaboration, support hybrid working, and give staff a professional environment that reflects university values.
At DeskLodge Temple Meads, you’ll find a workspace designed for connection, clarity, and productivity, right in the heart of Bristol.
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