COVID Can’t Keep Coworking Down
We’re more than halfway through 2020 (thank goodness!) and yet more companies than ever are still working remotely. In fact, major tech companies, like Google and Facebook (to name a few), are most likely not having their staff return to their offices until 2021. Additionally, a recent HR survey uncovered that 62 percent of employers plan on keeping people working from home until experts agree it's safe to go back to work. Not to mention, even once officials confirm it is safe to return, in a post-pandemic economy, large corporations may be the only ones who can actually afford to maintain headquarters and physical locations. However, they will probably heavily consider “de-densifying” their offices, both now and in the future.
Nevertheless, as the pandemic continues, people are itching to get back to some sense of normalcy. In fact, there’s growing concern from doctors, therapists, and specialists around the long-term effects this pandemic, and in particular, social distancing, will have on mental health. HuffPost quoted, “A lack of social support can increase the risk for a variety of mental health problems, including depression. Although people are connecting virtually, that’s not always equivalent to the types of support that people get from a large variety of social network members – neighbors, colleagues, store clerks, etc. – on a regular basis.”
So, what’s the solution? From a psychological perspective, there are helpful ways to cope with and reduce stress. But what about a social and physical aspect? Well, coworking might just be the answer.
Despite the majority of people still working remotely, coworking spaces are expected to make up 30 percent of the market by 2030.
And even though employees have grown significantly more comfortable and accustomed to working from home, it doesn’t mean they’ll want to operate this way forever. Analysts hypothesize that eventually people will be beyond eager to get out of their house and work from somewhere. Additionally, while the remote workforce is expected to continue growing, many still strongly desire a place to connect with others in person. Coworking spaces are uniquely positioned to address this.
Take Tech Square ATL Social Club, for instance. Not only do we offer a physical location – a 9,000 square foot shared workspace – but we also have the added benefits of being part of a community, which includes fostering profound connections and providing ample resources.
Forbes states that coworking spaces serve more than just the needs of remote workers, “they are also a crucial support structure for small businesses, sole proprietors, the self-employed, and other entrepreneurs.” At TSQATL, we provide the connections and access to significant people and/or entities that would be otherwise difficult to tap into.
More so, experts think “workers will be more likely to leave their home offices for a work environment that offers more than just desk space.” People want to interact with others, form meaningful connections, build relationships, and find a purpose – and we do just that with our thoughtfully-curated community events.
Forbes also mentions that coworking spaces are a “key ingredient in rebounding from the crisis.” Since social distancing isn’t going away anytime soon, this could exponentially cause community ties to fray and bonds to weaken. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and remote workers alike will need local connections more than ever to regain their footing and a strong community will be vital in re-invigorating stale connections and much-needed support.
If you’re interested in learning more about our robust membership packages, which includes access to our clubhouse, curated events, and community stories, click here. Innovation awaits – start connecting now.
DID YOU KNOW?
The coworking spaces market is majorly determined by the increase in the number of start-ups globally. According to thegeniuswork.com publication in October 2019, the global startup economy was worth $ 3 trillion in 2019, with a rise of 20% from 2017 and 2018.
What would entice you to frequent a coworking space? Let us know in the comments below.