by Bob Fox, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP
Principal
Coworking has gained significant momentum in the modern workplace and will very soon be a mainstream real estate option for large and small companies alike. If you are in a traditional office environment now - you have probably noticed that at any given point during the week half of your coworkers are missing, or taking advantage of “mobile workforce” technology. If you are the CFO, you realize that you are still paying for the unused space in one form or another, whether it is lighting, air conditioning, or other recurrent costs that affect your bottom line.
Coworking centers are popping up all over metropolitan areas, and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles. Theses Coworking facilities essentially represent a variable cost, or a “pay as you go” option; not unlike a parking space. These facilities already include the necessary infrastructure and support to effectively conduct business. In the very near future you will be able to house your staff in a Cowork facility, significantly reducing your overall real estate costs and potentially increasing productivity.
David All Group | Open Office Environment
Inherent in the concept of Coworking is the idea that the space is flexible and adaptable – Coworking centers can exist in even the smallest of cities or similar space can be built in an existing office space. Another powerful aspect to Coworking is that it reinforces the aspect of community in the workplace. The social dynamic and interaction is equally important to the physical space. The most successful centers have a good balance of infrastructure as well as flexibility in order to promote community, thus providing an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and idea generation and development.
It is interesting to note the significant cultural shift taking place and the correlation to the Coworking trend. The Baby Boomer generation grew up in a world where professionals aspired to reach the corner office, and achieve a status that often signified success. Today, “success” is defined differently and those traditional ideas of success are usually a very expensive and an ineffective option for the workplace. Statistics show that the private office is occupied only 40% of the time. It has become acceptable to share workspace or offices – it’s not “your” office anymore. The younger generations and especially the Millenials have prompted a movement where collaboration and innovation happen in many areas of the workspace – not just in a conference room. Progressive companies have learned that it is much more effective, efficient and sustainable to design flexible space to support collaboration, impromptu meetings, as well as focused work areas, and allow people to move freely throughout the space and engage in the work process where it makes sense. This helps to create a stimulating and pleasant work environment.
CB Richard Ellis | Main Employee Lounge
Design is a critical component to a successful workplace. The thoughtful creation of comfortable, productive and sustainable space is paramount to the success of the organization. The size, configuration, furniture, lighting, and aesthetics all support a comfortable cohesive and memorable place to work.
The advances in technology, namely the Cloud and wireless infrastructure, have un-tethered and enabled us to work whenever, with whomever, wherever we want. So you don’t need to be in “your” office or maybe even “in” the office. There is a growing desire to connect with people on multiple levels and the office space must promote and support this aspect of community while providing the end-user with the necessary tools to increase productivity and perform at a higher level.
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