Prior to the pandemic, coworking spaces were geared towards entrepreneurs and startups to give them access to an affordable workspace and unique networking opportunities.
However, post-pandemic, the purpose of these workspaces is anticipated to change. While startups and entrepreneurs will remain a base of coworking memberships, corporations are also finding the benefits in these offices.
“Many employees of larger companies who are given the option to work from home are choosing to work from a coworking space or follow a hybrid approach instead yet most larger companies continue to seek traditional space for their central office locations,” said Eli Randel, chief strategy officer at commercial real estate firm Crexi.
Because of the new embrace of hybrid and remote working, coworking spaces have been able to position themselves as a drop-off point between employees’ homes and an employer’s main headquarters.
Not only are these spaces an ideal workspace alternative, but they are also historically cheaper thanks to having all-inclusive perks within their memberships.
Workers that may not have high-speed internet, meeting room space, or modern technology necessary for remote work can have all these amenities and more with a coworking membership.
“Many employees spend their workweek in a coworking space to switch up their scenery and to feel more productive in an office environment without having distractions they would have at home,” said Randel.
In short, the coworking industry serves as a perfect option in a time when companies are operating in limbo, testing out the waters of new work arrangements, and supporting new workplace demands from employees.