As we celebrate Coworking Day on August 9th, we can’t help but reflect on the ways coworking has changed after the last two years of the pandemic. Even as our workspace communities were able to come back together in-person, it was clear that Covid ushered in new challenges and opportunities regarding the future of work.
The future of work is definitely flexible
Flexibility has always been an attractive attribute for coworking, but now we can undeniably say that flexibility is more relevant than ever before. With so many having to experience work-from-home (WFH), when it came time to return to the office, flex office operators had to move fast and come up with new offerings that combined remote/WFH with coming into the office. Coworking operators got creative with even more flexible membership plans such as an All Access Pass to meet the demands of the new hybrid workforce.
At the start of vaccinations, many of our communities also liked the idea of having designated spaces which required proof of vaccination. These dedicated desks within a private office space allowed for an affordable way to return to the office with an additional safety measure in place.
Re-imagining the configuration of spaces also needed consideration, such as adding plexi-glass shield barriers to open workstations, more privacy booths, modular meeting rooms, wellness rooms, and outdoor workspace areas. The hybrid workplace also demands new technology like keyless or no-touch entry systems and higher-end video conferencing systems that allow for easy collaboration for distributed teams. These adjustments required testing and learning and we look forward to coming up with additional ways to bring even more flexibility into our coworking communities.
Creating community requires intention
A lot goes into how people choose to work these days. It’s a very personal decision and there are many factors that one has to consider. With so many options, it’s imperative for coworking space operators to celebrate the unique culture within our workspace communities. Does that mean kombucha on tap? For us, not so much. Although we like a good kombucha, our communities have always centered around the idea of offering solutions to ‘Make Work Better.’
Whether it be a place to work productively and connect with others, the flexibility of working when and where you want to support your hybrid work schedule, managing your pesky business mail, or having our outstanding staff (aka Pacmates) do everything in their power to get your presentation slides up on that TV display, we got you. Our communities are about bringing people together who want to make work better and, most importantly, care for each other. Our intention is to continue to build upon our communities with those values in mind as we look forward to what the future of work holds for all of us.
In celebration of International Coworking Day, come cowork for FREE on Tuesday, August 9th! It’s a great opportunity to meet and connect with others and enjoy business-grade wifi, coffee, tea, and good vibes at any of our spaces. Reserve your spot!
Happy Coworking Day from all of us at Pacific Workplaces!
