India's flexible workspace sector recorded its strongest first half on record in 2026, with operators leasing more than 191,000 seats across the country's top eight cities, as companies increasingly turn to flexible and managed office solutions to support expansion and workplace requirements.According to Cushman & Wakefield, flex workspace operators leased 191,306 seats in H1 2026, marking a 68.4% year-on-year increase from 113,623 seats in the same period last year. The growth reflects rising occupier preference for workplace solutions that offer greater operational agility, scalability and speed to market.The segment also strengthened its position within India's broader office market. Flex operators recorded 8.4 million sq ft (MSF) of gross leasing volume (GLV) during the first half of 2026, the highest-ever half-yearly volume for the segment and 55% higher than the 5.4 MSF recorded in H1 2025.Flex operators accounted for nearly 20% of the approximately 43 MSF of total office leasing activity during the period, compared with 13% in H1 2025. The increase was driven by sustained demand from enterprises, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and occupiers seeking greater workplace flexibility.GCCs emerge as key demand driverGCCs remained a major source of demand for flexible workspaces, accounting for 44% of total flex seats leased in H1 2026, up from 37% during the full year 2025.The increasing share of GCCs highlights the growing role of flexible workspaces in corporate expansion strategies, with global companies increasingly incorporating flex solutions into their broader real estate plans.Bengaluru leads, Hyderabad sees sharp growthBengaluru continued to dominate India's flex workspace market, accounting for 30% of total seat uptake. The city recorded 57,487 seats leased in H1 2026, up 31.8% from the year-ago period.Hyderabad followed with 40,451 seats, but recorded significantly faster growth of 170.8% YoY, making it one of the strongest-growing flex markets during the period. Cushman & Wakefield attributed the growth to sustained demand from technology occupiers and GCCs.Mumbai and Delhi NCR also witnessed strong expansion, with flex seat leasing volumes rising 130% and 152.7%, respectively.Pune recorded a 27.8% increase in seat uptake, while Chennai posted more modest growth of 3.6%. Ahmedabad registered the sharpest percentage increase, with flex seat leasing jumping 570.3% YoY, albeit from a relatively small base. Kolkata recorded a 48% increase.Flex spaces becoming part of long-term workplace strategyRamita Arora, Executive Managing Director, Bengaluru and Head – Flex, India, Cushman & Wakefield, said flexible workspaces have become a core component of corporate real estate strategies, with flex operators accounting for nearly one-fifth of total office leasing in H1 2026.According to Arora, enterprises are increasingly using flex and managed office solutions as part of long-term workplace planning as they seek greater agility and efficiency. GCCs are also using these solutions to accommodate expansion and changing workforce requirements.The nature of demand is also evolving, with occupiers seeking more customised and experience-led workplaces. Flex operators are responding with bespoke offices designed around global workplace standards, corporate identity and organisational culture.Technology-enabled workplace experiences, wellness-focused design and sustainability are also becoming increasingly important in the segment, according to the report. The growing presence of listed flex workspace operators further contributes to greater transparency, governance standards and occupier confidence, supporting the maturation of India's flexible workspace market.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)