Coworking and COVID-19

All over the world around 2 million people work at 35 thousand coworking locations. The initial stage of the coronavirus pandemic “froze” the shared spaces sector. As the months passed the situation started to improve. How did COVID-19 impact the co-working sector?

According to the Global Risks Report 2021 the pandemic widened digital, economic and health inequalities. Its knock-on effects will be visible for around 3 – 5 years, and the impact may be felt for as long as 10 years.

See also: Coworking vs. sharing economy

– The impact of COVID-19 is not only the economic slump, but also a change in relations with clients and employees. Flexibility of operations, both in terms of internal and external communications, is very important today. Many people still implement the social distancing measures and feel that coworking may pose a threat. Companies that want to stay on the market will need to monitor the ongoing situation, prepare a crisis management strategy and be ready to take risks – says Rafał Wilk, COO at Solutions.Rent.

How to shift from a studio flat to a co-working space

The pandemic proved that free space, comfort and independence are very important in everyday life. Many people living in their own or rented studios couldn’t designate a separate room for working. The situation was even more difficult if the flat had to become a workplace for two adults employed in various industries, but also a place where their children attend school classes.

Coworking is a perfect answer to these circumstances, promoting both focus and creativity, but also ensuring completely comfortable working conditions. Fast internet connection, free access to conference rooms, a kitchen or a lounge may become a good solution for the pandemic.

Read also: Those companies have started in a coworking space. Today, they celebrate their success

– We do everything to ensure safety to people working at our common areas. Solutions.Rent is regularly disinfected. Kitchens and bathrooms are equipped with extra antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers. The facility manager declares that the air conditioning system is inspected according to the device specifications and manufacturer requirements. If the conditions don’t allow you to work from home, you can come to the coworking space and do your job there – comments Marta Kamińska from Solutions.Rent.

Community, collaboration and contribution

Undoubtedly, many people still see their co-workers as a potential threat. The need to re-establish social connections, however, is clearly growing – especially among younger people. That’s why the tenets of co-working are still valid. The notion of community, collaboration and contribution survived the pandemic quite well. What’s important for young people is being at a place where they can constantly grow; and creating community additionally motivates them and even contributes to their wellbeing.

Higher efficiency, less formality

A big benefit of coworking is undoubtedly a rent contract tailored to the needs of a team, company or an employee, a modern and completely comfortable space and no unnecessary formalities. It’s not a surprise at all that more and more companies switch from regular offices to coworking locations. This allows them not only to save money, but also to promote higher productivity and efficiency of employees.

Even though the initial economic paralysis resulted in closures of coworking spaces, the pandemic situation may be expected to accelerate the development of the co-working industry.

Looking for a space to work? Click here and check out Solutions.Rent offices.