The coworking industry like many others has felt the effects caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. In less than a month in March 2020, it suddenly slowed down from being in the momentum. Some coworking customers stopped coming to them, while another part stayed. There was also a small (much smaller than before) surge of new clients. Read the article to the end to learn more about coronavirus versus the coworking industry.
Coronavirus and the coworking industry
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the surrounding world on many levels. The restrictions and sanitation regimes introduced by the Government have resulted in a decline in the number of people using coworking spaces. Though on the other hand the number of people doing their work remotely, usually from their residence, has increased. Every person working remotely is a potential client of coworking space. It is difficult at this point to make a judgment about the future, although experts estimate that after the Covid-19 pandemic the labor market and the way we do our work will change significantly. Therefore, one might be tempted to say that after the pandemic is “tamed”, coworking spaces will reach greater popularity and attendance than before.
Prospects for the future
As practice shows, many professions can do their work outside of a designated office or headquarters. A possible scenario seems to be that after the economy is completely opened up and all restrictions are lifted, some workers will not return to offices, but will continue to be able to work remotely. This trend in the way work is done may translate into interest in coworking spaces. Coworking spaces serve many different functions. Besides the most important one – providing a place to work, interacting with other entrepreneurs and employees is important. Coworking is a great place to make new business contacts. The pandemic has forced many people to partially or completely re-brand themselves or open up to new areas (e.g. wedding photographer to product photographer). And this results in an expansion of one’s skill set, the emergence of new ideas, but also questions. Perhaps in a coworking space you will be able to realize your plans, get a hint or gain a business partner.