Coworking After COVID-19: What You Can Expect as the New Normal
As we reopen the doors to Co-Balt Workspace and welcome our members back, the world of coworking is adapting to a new normal.
What does that look like?
This seismic shift will impact both the coworking industry as a whole as well as our space and our members individually.
Here’s what to expect.
The new world of coworking in the wake of COVID-19
If you want to understand the future of coworking, you need to look more broadly at the future of working on a macro level.
The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic will be multifaceted.
Large companies will begin to decentralize
Large-scale companies are quickly learning that their workforce can work remotely and be extremely productive in doing so. This is clearly illustrated by recent announcements from companies like Twitter, Shopify, and more, indicating that their workforce will be able to work remotely permanently.
In addition to the potential ability for companies to reduce the overhead costs that come with having a physical office space, this swing will also allow companies to recruit talent from other states without asking them to relocate.
Not all employees will want to work from home
As companies begin to decentralize, you can expect to see a wave of professionals who simply don’t want to work from home.
But there’s a kicker: many of the traditional options for remote workers who want to get out of the house, such as coffee shops, may no longer be viable due to capacity limitations.
So, you can expect to see an influx of people joining the coworking world as an alternative.
Shifts in commercial real estate will spark new coworking spaces
With companies decentralizing, traditional large-scale office spaces will likely become less in-demand.
As a result, commercial landlords — or organizations with long leases that no longer need the space — will start looking for ways to take large-scale chunks of space and transform them into profitable coworking facilities.
Self-employment will jump significantly
Between people who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic and people who have begun working from home, it’s likely that there will be a significant jump in people wanting to start their own businesses.
Many of them may opt to join coworking spaces. But for those who don’t, virtual services, such as mail reception and telephone services, may see a sharp uptick.
Increased safety and sanitation
Coworking operators will need to make considerable changes to their spaces to account for new safety and sanitation requirements.
There’s a strong likelihood that you’ll see full revamps in the way spaces are divided and laid out. Plexiglass dividers will also become commonplace, making workstations feel more like cubicles than an open-concept workspace where you sit directly next to your neighbor.
And as a result, coworking operators can expect a significant rise in the demand for private office space versus hot desking.
The steps Co-Balt Workspace is taking to adapt post-pandemic
With a forecasted rise in coworking membership combined with a new and unprecedented need for safety and sanitation, Co-Balt Workspace is taking significant steps to protect its members and to keep our space safe.
We’re implementing some new protocols and best practices. Here’s what you can expect to see when you come into Co-Balt Workspace.
Limited events
While community and gatherings are at the core of Co-Balt Workspace’s spirit, we, unfortunately, won’t be able to host events in the same capacity that we once did until a vaccine becomes available.
No public access
In an effort to ensure our workspace is as safe as possible, we will be a members-only facility until further notice.
Masks in open areas
We will be asking that our members wear masks or cloth face coverings in common areas as a courtesy in consideration of the wellbeing of fellow members and Co-Balt Workplace staff.
Hand sanitizer stations
You’ll see an increase in hand sanitizer stations situated throughout the space so that it’s even more convenient for you to clean your hands frequently.
Plexiglass on desks
The desks in our open workspace will have plexiglass dividers as a means to provide members with a physical barrier between themselves and their neighbors.
New cleaning and sanitization measures
We’ve ramped up our cleaning and sanitization measures including comprehensive cleaning each night as well as the installation of a new HVAC system.
What our members can do to help keep our space safe
We know that our members are aware of the best practices for keeping themselves and their fellow members safe.
As you return to work at Co-Balt Workspace, we would request that you:
- Follow all CDC guidelines
- Wash your hands frequently
- Wear masks in common areas
- Use common sense in acting in a safe, professional, and respectful manner
The more that our members abide by these measures, the better we can protect everyone in our building.
One thing’s for certain: we’re in the midst of uncertain times. The world is in the midst of a pendulum swing and we don’t know what the future holds. But one thing is for certain: change is coming and Co-Balt Workspace is doing everything possible to be ready for it.
Want to Learn More?
If you’ve got questions about what we’re doing to keep our members safe during COVID-19 or if you’d like to book a tour of the space, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
