Coworking spaces have become an established part of the workspace industry by offering freelancers, small businesses and even large corporations an alternative work solution that cuts costs and nurtures community.

Now, the coworking industry is suffering as lockdowns run rampant all over the world and these shared workspaces are forced to close their doors to members.

In Nigeria, unlike other parts of the world, rent is paid annually then subleased to startups and individuals. This has made keeping the coworking market afloat that much more difficult.

In the meantime, operators have started planning how to open their spaces in a safe and effective manner. While some are concerned that workers will continue to work from home indefinitely, many professionals are missing a workplace environment that is void of distractions and allows them to connect with their colleagues.

Reopening will unsurprisingly include strict sanitations practices, flexible leases and distanced workstations.

For instance, Tunde McIver, founder and CEO of Lagos-based coworking firm MusterPoint, said the company requires temperature checks upon entrance, face masks, installed sanitation stations and performs routine disinfection of commonly used surfaces.

“We understand that people are prone to disregarding these safety measures after a while,” said McIver. “But in addition to placing reminder signages at strategic points within the facility, we make it a point of duty to reiterate their importance from time to time.”