If you’ve scrolled LinkedIn anytime since the start of the new year, it’s likely you’ve come across some startling remote work statistics, such as over 70% of work from home employees report feeling lonely.1
With the pandemic behind us and as industry leaders spark rumors of returning to the office, many are considering a hybrid work model. But there’s just one issue - many of these brands began to sell their corporate real estate assets or reconsidered their position on office leases throughout 2021 and 2022.
As we enter 2023, and embrace this new era of work, flex office spaces and hybrid work models are the talk of the town amongst leadership teams.
Let’s explore 8 compelling reasons why flexible work space is quickly becoming the future of work in the Centennial State. From increased productivity to a sense of community, we'll highlight why coworking spaces, such as those offered by local industry leaders Venture X and Office Evolution, are the perfect solution for remote workers and business owners alike.
1. Flexibility and Cost-effectiveness
Since the start of the pandemic and with recent talks of a recessive economy, businesses are looking for any way to cut unnecessary costs. Coworking office spaces offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional corporate real estate, resulting in one of the main reasons flex spaces are becoming the top work environment for many industries. Members only pay for the space and services they need, rather than committing to long-term leases and assuming related office expenses that may not be necessary.
This allows businesses to scale up or down as needed, and to easily adapt to unforeseen changes in their operations or the economy. Additionally, coworking spaces offer a variety of membership options such as private office, flexible shared work space plans, daily or weekly passes, and even virtual memberships - allowing for massive cost savings for companies and the ability for remote and hybrid workers to pop in whenever necessary or beneficial.
2. Community and Collaboration
As the world turned inward during March of 2020, people around the world gained plenty of time at home but lost critical human connection. Now that many parts of the work world are even coming out stronger on the other side of the pandemic, one thing people are longing for is collaboration - something so many of us missed during the lockdown.
Coworking spaces create a sense of community and collaboration that can be lacking in traditional offices and certainly from work from home environments. Brands like Venture X thoughtfully design upscale, modern spaces that makes community and collaboration irresistible. With numerous shared lounge areas, community desks, stocked kitchens, and even rooftop terraces, members can easily share ideas and resources, working alongside others resulting in enhanced productivity and motivation.
3. Access to Resources and Services
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you enter a traditional office space? Gray cubicles, fluorescent lighting, a water cooler sitting in the corner, and if you’re lucky, one uninspiring conference room (sounds a lot like the TV show ‘The Office’ - and while Dwight and Michael are hysterical, they are most certainly not models for real world workplaces!)
Flex spaces on the other hand are a totally different story. Coworking offices offer a wide range of resources and services, fresh coffee (and sometimes even beer on tap), large conference rooms filled with original art, ‘bar’ like areas for gathering, personal mail boxes, fitness center access, outdoor patios, and much, much more. This not only helps businesses save money on traditional resources like private office spaces and conference rooms, but provides unique value-add services and amenities employees will greatly appreciate.
4. Increased Mobility
Rewind back to 2020. Do you remember when remote work went into full effect, leaving citizens with a choice they have never had before - should I stay or should I go? With the rise of remote work, professionals across the nation, especially ones in areas like New York and California, began choosing to relocate to different cities or states. With so many out-of-state Americans flocking to Colorado, many found themselves without an office space or community when first arriving.
Coworking spaces allow new professionals in the area to easily find a turnkey workspace in their new location, without having to commit to a long-term lease or go through the process of setting up a home office from scratch. Furthermore, many coworking and flex space brands - such as Venture X and Office Evolution - offer multi-location access throughout the greater Denver metro area, adding additional value to members with respect to geographic diversity and accessibility.
5. Attraction of Talent
Job seekers are pickier than ever before - benefits such as a free lunch and access to a ping pong table no longer cut it. In 2023, companies continue to seek creative ways to attract and retain top talent. By providing employees with the option to work in a coworking space, companies can offer their team members much more than ever before.
From a beautiful office spaces that inspires creativity, to cross-company networking events that are actually fun and engaging, to mental and physical health amenities, these flexible environments are boosting employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Flexible office and coworking spaces have now become a recruiting tool.
6. Environmentally-Friendly
No matter if you’re sharing an Uber or an apartment, sharing space and services naturally creates efficiencies and more optimal use of resources. . Coworking spaces incorporate “green” features such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable materials in their design and construction. They also promote environmentally-friendly practices such as recycling and waste reduction programs, which help to reduce the environmental impact of business operations.
7. Access to Events and Networking Opportunities
Something our community managers hear often when giving tours of our space is how potential members are extremely interested in the networking and event aspect of it, often mentioning how they find it difficult to seek out networking groups and events on their own.
Coworking spaces host events and networking opportunities for members, which help to connect businesses with potential clients and partners. For example, these events may include knowledge sharing workshops on marketing and sales, or industry specific networking events which provide valuable opportunities for businesses and their employees to connect with other professionals in unique industries.
8. Stress-Free Commuting
When traditional work environments went out of style in 2020, so did long commutes. With the rise of remote work, work from home, and hybrid employment models, many professionals are seeking workspaces that are so close, you could walk there on a sunny day.
Flex office and coworking spaces, such as those offered by Venture X and Office Evolution, provide flexible options closer to their homes and neighborhoods, which helps to mitigate stress, reduces car emissions, and improves overall quality of life. With offices in downtown Denver, Five Points, and Greenwood village the time saved from commuting can now be better spent with friends and family….or simply relaxing.
Bonus! Access to Additional Amenities
Many coworking spaces offer additional amenities as part of their membership package to provide an even more comprehensive and convenient experience. Some of these amenities could include:
- Gym access: Many coworking spaces have fitness equipment onsite or form partnerships with local gyms and fitness centers, making it more convenient for members to incorporate exercise into their workday.
- Studio access: Some coworking spaces have creative facilities onsite for member use, such as photography,video and podcast recording studios.
- Partnerships with local businesses: Partnerships with local businesses, such as coffee shops, restaurants, and retailers can provide members with discounts or special offers.
- Yoga, meditation or other wellness classes: Coworking spaces may offer access to yoga, meditation or other wellness classes for members or at discount through partners.
These additional amenities enhance the overall experience of working in a coworking space and make it an even more valuable resource for members. It also increases the sense of community and creates a better work-life balance.
Coworking spaces have become an increasingly popular choice for businesses and professionals in Colorado due to all of the benefits they provide. They are the future of work in Colorado and beyond. As the trend of remote and hybrid work continues to grow, the demand for coworking spaces will also continue to rise, making it an excellent investment for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Interested in learning more? Contact Venture X here.
Source:
Dickerson, Michael. "Loneliness in the Age of Flexible Work: Statistics and Solutions." LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/loneliness-age-flexible-work-statistics-solutions-michael-dickerson/, published on February 11, 2021
