Yoga with your dog and coffee conversations excluding your pajamas are two of many indicators that shared workspaces are coming back to life.
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Optimism is a winning strategy for any business owner, but in 2020 the coronavirus appeared without warning and hit all aspects of life, including the shared workspace industry. This year will be remembered as one of the most challenging years in the field. The pandemic has cut office occupancy by dozens of percent, and instantly changed plans for shared workspaces scattered across the country. Those who knew how to make the necessary adjustments stayed afloat, and this year can already enjoy the benefits of the trend's comeback. What are the reasons for this phenomenon? They are probably simpler than you imagined.
More than just a person's best friend: Between all the tasks and workload forming your daily routine, suddenly walking on all fours, a dog emerges between your legs catching your eye. Whether it's the first time you've met or you two have already become best friends, this is a sight to which one cannot remain indifferent. A dog's presence in the office contributes to the feeling of creativity, calmness, and serenity. A person's feeling of calmness in his or her workplace maximizes the levels of work productivity. The benefits far exceed the disturbances caused by the occasional barking.
Off with the pajamas! What a wonderful feeling it is to drink the first cup of coffee of the day or that of the late morning alongside co-workers. This time you can leave behind your sloppy stay-at-home outfit and the feeling of loneliness accompanying you while drinking your coffee cup at home all alone. Chances are, that whether you are more of a tea person or simply in love with your home – getting all dressed up for your coffee date at work with your favorite work buddy is an integral part of your workday. These are moments that cannot fully be experienced through emojis on WhatsApp or Zoom that has become a popular communication tool these days. From a business point of view, coffee dates can be a wonderful opportunity both in terms of networking and in terms of opportunities for professional or personal growth.
The mandatory Smile Law: Simplicity and interpersonal relationships affect the sense of happiness in a workplace. That being said, providing the extra amenities to the members enhances the sense of comfort and excitement at a workplace. Whether it's yoga classes (with dogs), gym sessions, massages, or the weekly HAPPY HOUR - how can one not smile in the face of such amazing benefits?
It's not all about the money: Those who realized early on that the members are an essential part of the community they're forming knew how to make the accelerated organizational changes for the member's benefit. The flexible entry contracts were key to enabling members to join or continue renting during these financially challenging times. These agreements attested to a continual positive attitude change from the co-owners towards the unstable reality. Members experienced this change of attitude positively and supportively. An act of not only social reciprocity but also social-financial cohesiveness.
Home sweet home: There's no doubt that there were certain benefits for working from home, but after prolonged confinement at home, people missed the feeling of being part of a community, the sense that everything is coming back to life, and the intensity of the day-to-day. The confusion and uncertainty that accompanied the alerts about maintaining health by staying at home or the counter-statement that a return to routine is possible and even acceptable was felt for far too long and disrupted the natural flow of life. Home became the all-inclusive primary workplace, social hangout, and downtime space and residence. Now, the house returns to being home – the sole refuge from the intensity of work and social life, the place that coming back to, releases those ever nagging aches and pains accumulating through the day.
It seems that 2021 will undoubtedly lead to a resurgence of the shared workspaces industry. As a business owner, there is more to be said than just sticking to an optimistic approach. The ability to be mentally flexible, to adapt to constant changes, while simultaneously, being able to see the well-being of your customer - makes a significant difference between the reality as is and the reality as it should be.
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