According to a World Economic Forum report from May, over half of gig workers lost their jobs which has left them with little to no income. So how can coworking and flexible offices, which normally are home to entrepreneurs and gig workers, be growing?
The online publication Coworking Resources anticipates that the flexible workspace industry will expand from 2021 with an annual growth rate of 21.3%.
The ongoing pandemic has undoubtedly hurt the flexible office market in the short-term as workers from both small and large businesses transition to remote working arrangements. However, research has indicated that several employees expect to return to the office at least some of the time in the near future as they realize the need for a private workplace outside of the home.
Organizations are tackling how to find a balance between the benefits of remote and in-office work arrangements. The decentralization of the workplace has caused collaboration and connection to take a hit, which is why the coworking industry is starting to see a growth in demand. This demand is being led mostly by large businesses who are eager to get workers back together, without putting their health at risk.
This move could open a door of opportunities for landlords who are currently experiencing high vacancy rates. Implementing some sort of flexible office space, rather than lavish workspaces, could help boost their revenue and avoid dealing with risky long-term leases.