Coworking operators are scrambling to find new ways to adjust to the new reality of a COVID-19 world as they face drops in occupants and membership cancellations.
“As we take steps as a community to flatten the curve by staying home, offices, whether they are traditional leases, coworking spaces or private, flexible meeting and office spaces, are rightfully being left empty with teams working remotely,” said Bryan Murphy, CEO of coworking space Breather.
Some coworking companies are finding new ways to keep clients engaged by providing services for them, such as mail handling. Additionally, operators are choosing to support the needs of their communities by cutting down capacities to accommodate social distancing guidelines, providing membership discounts, adjusting cancellation policies and digitizing their services.
Furthermore, many coworking firms have prioritized their cleaning policies to keep everyone safe and healthy by using products that can be used to reduce the risk of coronavirus.
Operators are also offering up their spaces for essential companies who are helping combat the spread of COVID-19. For example, Breather is providing free private offices and meeting spaces for companies and organizations on the front lines of this health crisis during the month of April across cities such as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Boston, Toronto, Montréal and London.
