The year 2005 marked a time of transition. Angela Merkel became Chancellor of Germany, and YouTube went online. Music was played on MP3 players, not smartphones — the first iPhone was still two years away. And the world of work? Shaped by a strong presence culture, clear hierarchies and fixed office structures.
It was precisely in this environment that the Office Club location at Friedrichstraße 171, housed in the historic Einsteinpalais, first opened its doors — at the time still operating under the name ebuero.
Co-working was largely unfamiliar back then. Sharing space, working independently of location, staying flexible? For many, it sounded more like an experiment than a vision for the future.
Yet right in the heart of one of Berlin’s most iconic streets, a place emerged that enabled new ways of working long before co-working and hybrid work models became a widespread trend.
20 Years of Change: How Work Has Been Re-Organised
In 2005, work was above all one thing: location-based. Physical presence was seen as proof of productivity, and working from home was the absolute exception.
Today, the picture looks very different. Current data highlights just how much has changed: in 2023, around 23.5% of all employees in Germany worked at least partly from home — a significant increase compared to the pre-pandemic period and especially compared to 20 years ago. In addition, a large proportion of employees now divide their working time between the office and home rather than working exclusively in one location.
Learn more in our article about how hybrid work strengthens employee health and business success.
Companies, too, are increasingly embracing flexible models and hybrid ways of working. In short: what was once the exception has become routine. Work now takes place where it creates the most value — not only in the office, but also at home, on the move or in a co-working space.
Friedrichstraße: A Constant in Times of Change
While work models, technologies and routines continue to evolve, the importance of the right location remains unchanged. For decades, Friedrichstraße has stood for movement, internationality and economic relevance. This is what continues to make it a strong place to work and a prestigious business address.
Located between the government district, embassies and major transport hubs, Friedrichstraße connects politics, business and urban life. Restaurants, cafés and retail options shape the area, as does its proximity to Berlin landmarks and the main railway station.
The Office Club location at Friedrichstraße 171 brings all of this together: a prime location, strong visibility and an attractive urban environment — then as now.
The Location Today: Modern Ambience in a Historic Setting
The workspace concept at the Einsteinpalais, built in 1913, combines historic architecture with contemporary working environments. The location features five offices, four conference rooms, an open-space work area and a Club Kitchen. Large windows and a high-quality, urban design create an atmosphere for focused work and productive exchange.
From the conference rooms, views extend over Friedrichstraße and the corner of Französische Straße, all the way to the former Galeries Lafayette department store.
A lounge area and the Club Café complement the offering as places for short breaks, conversations and spontaneous networking. A professional on-site team ensures smooth daily operations. Whether flexible workspaces, private offices or a virtual office, the location provides the infrastructure that modern work requires today.
Looking Ahead: The Office Is Not Over — It’s Getting Better
The world of work is not facing another turning point — it is already in the midst of one. Hybrid models are becoming standard, teams work in a project-based way, and the role of the office is fundamentally changing. It is evolving into a place for exchange, community, culture and identification.
Shaped by 20 years of experience, the Office Club location on Friedrichstraße is a workplace with a future — ready for the next exciting decade.
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