Coworking spaces were first popularized in the early 2000s, supplying the need for alternative office spaces for company meet-ups and as a workspace for self-employed individuals. These spaces accommodate at least 25 to 50 customers at a time, which has led to the popularity of these establishments of at least 22,400 coworking spaces worldwide.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary observation of social distancing, it has made coworking spaces face one of its most challenging business hurdles yet.
Coworking establishments amid COVID-19
Organizations and individual freelancers formerly made use of coworking spaces as an alternative to using their office spaces. However, many of these regular clients have been forced to employ work-from-home setups due to COVID-19.
Because of this shift, there has been a significant drop in sales for coworking establishments due to establishments closing down in the face of the global pandemic. Coworking spaces that want to remain in operation have upped their game by implementing better hygiene protocols to protect the safety of their customers. Read our Phase 1 reopening guidelines on how we are keeping all our members safe.
Businesses focusing on work-from-home setups
Laying off waves of personnel became a necessary response to keep the business alive while dealing with the consequences of being forced to refrain from operating for a few months. The more humane option would be to employ work-from-home setups to allow a business to keep its employees. Though most enterprises have closed down indefinitely, some still continue operations, but with noticeably fewer personnel in the workforce to observe proper social distancing protocols.
Instead of seeing the pandemic as a temporary situation, most businesses have shifted their business models to cater to a work-from-home setup. Companies are now slowly realizing the benefits of using modern technology and software to speed up their organizational workflow.
On-site establishments facing massive changes
Though work culture has been permanently changed by the new environmental landscape, the proposed work-from-home setup is a privilege that not all employees can enjoy. Office spaces will need to face massive structural and operational changes to qualify as a healthy work environment for on-site workers.
One of the most pressing concerns in social distancing protocols is the limiting of people in one location. Social distancing measures will lead to a renewed understanding of spatial design for on-site work areas, such as coworking spaces. Companies might be compelled to create shifts for people at specific times of the day to reduce the risk of congesting their spaces.
Managing coworking spaces is far from being a dead industry. With almost all businesses unsure of how to deal with the logistical needs of keeping an office, they might be forced to liquidate their on-site spaces indefinitely. Until they figure out how to create locations that observe proper safety protocols, they might be left to look for alternative means of holding on-site interactions, which is a coworking spaces’ specialty.
Conclusion
While the search for a vaccine is still ongoing, the world will continue to deal with adapting to the global pandemic’s societal impact. Business owners are faced with the complicated issue of moving forward in a post-COVID19 world. As for coworking establishments, the only way they’ll thrive in this type of global condition is if they have the initiative to provide what a business needs now in their time of trouble.
It takes a brave and well-equipped coworking space to stay active during the pandemic. If you are looking for coworking spaces in Charlotte, NC, we at CoCoTiv can supply you with a safe and secure alternative office environment. Book a meeting with us today to see how we can help!