The global business market has been moving towards increased coworking for many years. It’s been questioned if this trend would continue in light of the worldwide pandemic, but it’s now clear that the change is still accelerating.
In fact, coworking spaces are expected to take up more than 30% of many major markets by 2030. The way coworking moves towards the future, however, isn’t what everyone expected ten years ago. Take a look at five of the top predictions for global coworking trends in 2022 and beyond.
Prediction #1: Reduced Corporate Headquarters Size
Coworking became a vital part of long-term business plans in many corporations long before the pandemic. Corporate strategies continue to include plans for reducing overall real estate costs and increasing coworking options and other flexible solutions to the business’s needs.
Long-term lease commitments proved to be incredibly costly during the pandemic. Corporations paid massive amounts to get out of leases and announced plans to reduce their overall real estate in the next few years.
Corporations around the world discovered ways to do business without these commitments. Some companies find better profits by reducing the need for large blocks of commercial real estate and moving towards coworking solutions for some employees.
Prediction #2: More Specialised SaaS Implementation
Global coworking trends lean towards technical SaaS implementation on many different fronts.
First, we’re seeing more and more companies implementing varying SaaS options for their coworking employees as opposed to software that needs to be installed on each device. These cloud-based options enable faster coworking and different features without the commitment of device management. SaaS options can and are incredibly specialised to each company, team, and employee.
Coworking space owners and operators also incorporate SaaS solutions for smooth, effective management and operation. The flexibility and structure provided by SaaS solutions for coworking spaces ensure that everyone involved with the space can access necessary communication, visitor management, accounting, reservation, and access control software.
Prediction #3: Increased Suburban Options
Employee packages are losing focus on offering the highest salary. Employees are more focused on choosing a package and position that will offer them the best perks to contribute to a sustainable work-life balance.
One survey showed that 76% of people expect employees to continue valuing their personal life over work, choosing to find a new job over sacrificing for work.
As employers allow more coworking options, the availability of coworking spaces grows in the suburbs. Employees choose to live where they want without the pressure of needing to commute, thanks to this increased availability. Corporations may pay for their coworking memberships or provide a stipend to cover the cost in place of providing office space and support.
Prediction #4: Privatised Coworking Spaces
Another solution to the move away from commuting is for corporations to create their own satellite coworking spaces. These privatised spaces are managed and paid for by the corporation but operate on a much smaller scale than a standard office. Teams may have just a few members at a satellite, and the environment is a flexible coworking space.
These privatised spaces allow reduced real estate costs for employers while also providing the flexibility and improved lifestyle expected by modern employees. From companies with hybrid workforces to those that are moving towards remote work, these satellite offices fill a huge gap in corporate office infrastructure.
Prediction #5: Increased Coworking Space Competition
Finally, corporations and coworking space managers will see more competition for managing coworking spaces. As the global market for coworking keeps growing, landlords and other real estate investors continue to move into the market to see their share of profits.
While this is generally beneficial to everyone involved, there is also a risk of lacking spaces taking over the coworking market. Recommending the right coworking spaces for globally located employees or contractors will enhance your business and ensure its success.
Coworking Builds on Flexibility
As you can see from these predictions, the coworking market changes daily based on business and personal employee needs. The ideal use of these spaces is as spaces that can adapt and change as the global coworking environment changes.
Flexibility is key. Keep an eye on how different privatised and shared coworking spaces develop. Those fitting global needs will thrive while others wither away; which side of the bridge will your business be on?
Photo credits: coworkinglondon.com