Demand For Flexibility Bodes Well For Coworking Industry

The increasing demand for temporary office space is likely to lead companies to adopt more hybrid or flexible workspaces.

According to Ryan Timpani, managing director at JLL who serves as a leasing agent for WeWork in the Phoenix area, many companies have been slowly making real estate decisions and turning to coworking in order to accommodate increased demand for flexibility.

Timpani added that companies that are entering new markets typically do so by renting out short-term space before committing to a long-term, permanent lease. For example, Phoenix has seen an increase in new market requirements as companies transition to secondary cities.

This is also aiding companies who are adopting hybrid arrangements moving forward, allowing employees the option to work both in an office and from home throughout the week.

“Companies are maybe not comfortable committing to a long-term lease, but they are trying to be opportunistic and want to have a physical presence,” said Timpani.

However, the Phoenix office market is also experiencing an influx of sublease space, which compete with coworking options. But as vaccines continue to be distributed, activity has picked up over the last few months.