So many businesses were forced to close offices or downsize in the wake of the pandemic, but the trends had started well before March 2020. Coworking, in particular, had become an essential service for the growing ranks of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startups looking to run lean while still having access to professional corporate amenities.
Fast-forward to today, coworking spaces have come into their own, providing secure, cost-effective options for remote teams and offering significant advantages for companies as they adjust to the “new normal.”
How Coworking Spaces Can Thrive in the Post-Pandemic World
The business of running a coworking space has its fair share of ups, downs, and uncertainty. Today, coworking providers have a massive opportunity at hand, to be a game-changing service to downsizing companies and provide workers with a holistic professional environment where they can do their best work.
Here are a few ways in which you can position your coworking space for success:
1. 24-Hour Access
The workday has changed along with the work environment. Asynchronous work is a common strategy, meaning that workers (especially women) do not have set hours and may split their schedules to allow them to manage home and family. Providing flexible access supports this trend and may position your coworking space as a preferred facility.
2. Security
There are two types of security you need to focus on: cybersecurity and physical security. The prevalence of cyber threats continues to mount in the post-pandemic world, fueled largely by remote work, shared devices, and disconnection from company security policy. Firewalls are often not enough—you must ensure your systems and all endpoints are well-protected and monitored with cloud-based threat detection. On the terrestrial side of things, access control is also critical to ensure the safety of your members and your premises. Prioritizing a safe and secure environment helps you stand out from your competitors and shows you care about your people.
3. Technology
The right technology is the difference between a successful office environment and a frustrating one. Business-grade high-speed internet is foundational, as is providing the latest communications and conferencing technology to support every possible need.
4. People
Work does not happen in a vacuum. Whether your coworking space is busy all the time or sparsely throughout the day and night, you will always need capable people on hand to help your members accomplish their goals. From virtual services and call answering to corporate concierges, event planners, and admin gurus, ensure your staff is well-trained and able to jump in and facilitate work when needed.
5. Community
Since their invention in the early 1990s, one of the most compelling things about coworking spaces is the community they offer. Remote workers, freelancers, and digital creatives thrive off the energy and connections made in coworking spaces, so it’s essential to provide an environment that’s conducive to those desires. Design your space with collaboration in mind and offer options to suit all working styles. Communal desks, lounges, hot desks, and quiet spaces are all required. The better you can satisfy all these needs, the easier it will be to choose your facility over the competition.
Connect with Workplace Strategies for more tips and ideas to help your coworking location thrive in the post-pandemic world.
