From Amenity to Advantage: How Smart Tech Creates a Competitive Coworking Space

• Smart technology can create a tailored environment in a coworking space with automated lighting, temperature control, and noise management, boosting member satisfaction and productivity.

• Smart tech collects valuable data on space usage, preferences, and patterns, enabling strategic adjustments to layout and amenities, improving both member experience and operational efficiency.
• By automating various tasks and reducing energy consumption through smart systems, coworking spaces save money, streamline operations, and reduce the need for on-site staff intervention.

The coworking scene is thriving. With 75% of spaces already using software for management, it’s clear technology plays a big role. But what is it that can truly set your space apart?

The answer: Smart technology. Forget generic software solutions. It’s possible for a space to include lights that adjust to member preferences, meeting rooms book with a tap, and comfort reigns supreme. This is the power of smart coworking attracting and retaining happy, productive members.

There are a few new tech trends to take note of that have the potential to transform your space into a smart member magnet. Here’s how technology can unlock your space’s full potential.

The Smart Coworking Advantage

By integrating smart technology into your space, you can create a personalized experience for each member, boosting their comfort, productivity, and overall satisfaction. But the benefits extend far beyond happy members. Here’s how smart tech can become your secret weapon:

1. Members rave, you win: A happy member is a loyal member, and a loyal member tells their friends. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, and by providing a seamless, tech-driven experience, you’ll encourage positive buzz and attract new members.
2. Data drives decisions: Smart tech collects valuable data on space usage, temperature preferences, and common meeting times. This goldmine of information allows you to optimize your space layout, adjust thermostat settings for peak comfort, and even predict future member needs. You’d know exactly how many meeting rooms to offer based on real usage data. 
3. Save money: Smart lighting and temperature control systems can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills. Plus, by automating tasks like access control and booking management, you can free up staff time and potentially reduce overhead costs.

Important: Don’t overwhelm members with complex technology. Opt for intuitive apps and user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate and understand.

Key Tech Trends to Implement

Finding the right technology solutions for your space is key. There’s so much more than simple AI tools out there. Here are some ways to implement smart technology in your space.

1.The Internet of Things (IoT)

The coworking market is saturated with generic amenities. What ultimately sets you apart is offering a data-driven experience that caters to individual needs. This is where the Internet of Things (IoT) shines.

Imagine a member walking into a perfectly lit workspace — energizing for the morning rush or calming for afternoon focus. This isn’t magic; it’s smart lighting systems adjusting to member preferences set through your app. No more thermostat wars — smart systems learn individual comfort levels, reducing energy bills while keeping everyone happy.

But the benefits extend far beyond convenience. 

Occupancy sensors detect vacant areas, automatically turning off lights and adjusting climate control. This saves energy and provides invaluable data on space usage. 

Analyze this data to optimize your layout — ensure there are enough quiet zones for focused work or collaborative areas for brainstorming teams.

Unveiling Member Needs: Noise Monitoring Takes Center Stage

Tech can even help you go beyond basic comfort. Implement noise monitoring sensors to identify areas with excessive noise pollution. Integrate this data with your member app. 

Now you can suggest soundproof booths or designate specific quiet zones, creating a haven for focused work, boosting member satisfaction.

The Seamless Advantage: Member App Integration

The final touch? Integrate smart technology with a member app. This allows members to control lights, temperature, and even book meeting rooms with a tap. It’s a win-win — members get a personalized experience, and you streamline operations with a user-friendly system. 

This seamless approach sets your space apart, fostering a happy and productive environment that keeps members coming back for more.

2.Unleashing the Power of AI

Smart technology goes beyond automatic lights and temperature control. Artificial intelligence (AI) can take your coworking space to the next level, creating a more intuitive and efficient experience for both members and operators.

Member Experience at its Finest

Consider a member walking into your space for the first time, and an AI-powered assistant on their member app greets them, recommending workspaces based on their preferences — a quiet corner for focused writing or a collaborative area for brainstorming sessions. 

Need to book a meeting room or reserve a locker? The AI assistant handles it all with a simple voice command or app tap. 

If a technical issue arises, the AI assistant can troubleshoot common problems or connect them with the right support staff. 

This personalized approach creates a seamless experience for members and reduces the need for on-site staff intervention.

This personalized approach creates a seamless experience for members and reduces the need for on-site staff intervention.

Optimizing Your Space with Data 

AI doesn’t just cater to individual needs; it can also optimize your entire space. By analyzing data on space usage, meeting room bookings, and noise levels, AI can predict future member needs. This allows you to make data-driven decisions — knowing exactly how many meeting rooms to offer or strategically placing quiet zones based on member preferences.

Smarter Security and Streamlined Operations 

AI can also enhance security with features like facial recognition access control systems. This not only provides peace of mind for members but also frees up staff time for more strategic tasks. 

Additionally, AI can automate administrative tasks like billing and access management, streamlining operations and reducing the workload on your team.

Pro Tip: Don’t be intimidated by AI. Start simple. Integrate an AI assistant into your member app and explore its capabilities. As you gain experience, you can delve deeper into data analysis and explore advanced security options. The key is to leverage AI to create a smarter, more efficient coworking space that caters to both member needs and your operational goals.

3.Exploring Other Tech Frontiers

We’ve covered the essentials of smart technology, but innovation doesn’t stop there. Here are some exciting trends to keep an eye on:

1.Smart Furniture on a Budget

Don’t let budget limitations hold you back. Consider a simple option like incorporating height-adjustable desks with integrated charging stations. These offer ergonomic benefits for members, promoting better posture and well-being, while the charging stations add a convenient touch.

2.A Glimpse into the VR Future

Virtual reality (VR) technology is rapidly evolving, and coworking spaces can leverage its potential. Think of the idea of hosting remote team meetings or collaborative brainstorming sessions in a virtual environment, eliminating geographical barriers and fostering a sense of connection. 

VR can also be used for fun member events, creating a truly unique and engaging experience.

3.Your Member App: The Essential Hub 

Your member app is the central nervous system of your smart coworking space. Here are some must-have features:

• Desk Booking: Allow members to easily book workspaces through the app, eliminating the hassle of searching for an available spot.
• Community Chat: Foster a sense of community by offering a platform for members to connect, network, and share ideas.
• Event Updates: Keep members informed about upcoming workshops, social gatherings, and other events happening in the space.
• Feedback Mechanism: Make it easy for members to provide feedback on the space, amenities, and technology. This valuable insight allows you to continuously improve and cater to their needs.

Make it easy for members to provide feedback on the space, amenities, and technology.

Pro Tip: Remember, the goal is to create a seamless and intuitive experience. Focus on user-friendly interfaces and ensure your app is accessible across different devices. 

Implementing Smart Solutions: A Practical Guide

If you’re ready to transform your coworking space with smart technology, here’s a roadmap to guide you through the process.

1.Planning for Success

Before diving headfirst into the latest gadgets, take a step back. Conduct member surveys to understand their specific needs and frustrations. Is it inconsistent lighting or a lack of meeting room availability? 

Knowing your members’ pain points will help you choose the right technology solutions.

2.Setting SMART Goals 

Don’t just implement tech for the sake of it. Set clear, measurable goals for your smart space.  For example, you might aim to increase member satisfaction by 10% within 6 months. 

This quantifiable objective allows you to track progress and measure the impact of your technology investments.

3.Finding the Perfect Tech Partners

Industry events and conferences are a great way to network with leading technology providers specializing in coworking solutions. Do your research — check references, evaluate data security practices, and ensure the technology can scale alongside your growing space.

4.Building Trust with Data Security 

Data security is paramount. Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect member information. Consider obtaining relevant data privacy certifications to demonstrate your commitment to responsible data management.

Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect member information

Transparency is key — clearly communicate with members about what data is collected and how it’s used.

The Evolving Landscape of Smart Coworking

The exciting world of smart coworking is constantly evolving. Here’s a glimpse into emerging trends to keep your space on the cutting edge:

1.Sustainable Smarts

Eco-conscious members will appreciate features like smart sensors that automatically adjust lighting and climate control based on occupancy, reducing energy consumption. You could integrate these features with your member app, allowing them to personalize their workspace while minimizing their environmental footprint.

2.Bridging the Physical and Virtual Divide

Hybrid work models are here to stay. Consider incorporating VR technology to create virtual meeting rooms, fostering collaboration and team building for geographically dispersed teams.  

This allows your space to cater to a wider range of members, offering a seamless blend of physical and virtual work environments.

Pro Tip: The key to success lies in staying informed and adaptable. Attend industry events, follow thought leaders, and actively research new technologies.

Conclusion

Coworking spaces are getting competitive, and basic amenities just won’t cut it. Members crave a personalized, seamless experience that enhances their productivity and well-being.  This is where smart technology steps in, transforming your space from a collection of desks into a thriving hub of innovation.

Neglecting smart tech puts you at a disadvantage. Remember, happy members are loyal members, and loyal members spread the word. By embracing technology, you can create a space that wows your members and sets you apart as a leader in smart coworking solutions.

Neglecting smart tech puts you at a disadvantage.

Don’t just offer space; offer an experience. Embrace the power of smart technology and watch your coworking space become the go-to destination for happy, productive members who rave about your space to everyone they know. The future of coworking is smart, and the future is yours to shape.