COMPANIES CREATE COWORKING SPACES FOR EVOLVING NEW OFFICE ROUTINES

A growing number of companies are creating their own co-working spaces in response to emerging office routines that includes less commuting, more flexible scheduling and a greater need for collaboration when employees are in the office.

Coworking and other flexible workspace approaches were finding their way into the corporate real estate strategies of many of the world’s largest companies, even before the pandemic.  Companies ranging from telcos (Sprint, AT&T) to tech giants (SAP, IBM), to automakers and insurance companies (MINI, State Farm) have been experimenting with different versions of on-premises coworking space shared workspace.  More than just cool space, these companies are looking for the reported benefits of shared workspaces — faster skill learning, better connectivity, and improved employee wellness.

The real revolution in coworking may have less to do with freelancers or startups than with employees of large companies working beyond the boundaries of their organizations.

Coworking space within the premises of a company even has its own name – “corpoworking.” The concept is especially  popular with younger employees who enjoy the vibe, flexibility and sense of community it offers.  The corpoworking space at L’Espace, for example, was “born from the desire to bring together all of the company’s vital forces on the same innovative site to ultimately foster collaboration and team spirit.”

True corpoworking is more than just flexible workplace.  The former is a community and the latter as a commodity. says Mike Hannigan, founder of Coworkinn, who believes that operating as a community is the essence of coworking.  Many experts say a sense of community is the lifeblood of a successful organization.  It encourages people to feel they can bring their most authentic selves to their work and believe in the work they’re doing, leading them to more successful careers and fulfilling personal lives. Companies lacking a positive sense of community are more likely to see “high turnover rates, low employee morale, and unnecessary workplace drama.”

“Coworking and other flexible spaces are popular with tenants looking to redefine the work experience for their employees,” said Todd Greenwald, Compass Properties Executive Vice President.  “Done right, coworking spaces within a company can help employers be more agile while providing their employees with space that can improve their wellness, productivity and sense of purpose.”