Coworking

A few weeks ago, we released the first to a two-part interview series with our KS Connect partner, Cobot. Cobot is the leading management software for flexible workspaces and is used by tens of thousands of coworkers worldwide. With more than ten years of experience, the company is the management software behind a multitude of spaces and coworking projects as they have grown their businesses and communities.

In our first interview, Kristina Schneider, Co-founder and CPO of Cobot, provided us with knowledge of her decade-long experience of scaling coworking spaces around the world and gave us insights into the success stories of their clients and the importance of growing and fostering a community.

For this second part, Kristina discusses the need for human connection as a freelancer, Cobot’s commitment to empowering spaces to fulfil their specific needs, and the company’s deep belief in the potential of coworking.

Due to the pandemic, we spent more time than usual inside our homes. How do you see the future of freelance?

We will see a huge flow of freelancers entering flexible workspaces. After more than a year of living through a pandemic, freelancers are itching to get out of their homes. Having started out as a freelancer myself, I remember two main challenges very well: Opportunities to expand my professional contacts, and seeking to avoid loneliness.

Both have grown extraordinarily difficult recently, and while cafés and public places might still remain closed off for freelance workers, coworking communities are already back (at least partially) and offer safe ways to connect.

Right now workspace management software is on the rise. What distinguishes you from your competitors?

With our decade of experience helping flexible workspaces of all sizes grow, we’ve been able to accommodate the complex billing and payment needs of spaces in many sizes, countries, and languages.

As our toolset has grown, our core features continue to incorporate more integrations, more add-ons, and more accolades—but we’re particularly proud of the stories we hear from managers who tell us how our support and core tools elevated them to a level where they were free to rediscover what they love about coworking. We’re not outsiders or trying to upsell spaces on features they don’t want, rather, we’re here to make growing flexible workspace operations easier and give every space the tools they didn’t know they needed.

Coworking spaces in over 90 countries use Cobot. Do you see a difference in demand coming from cultural differences?

We see strong entrepreneurial energy, especially in emerging markets, and in new spaces starting out with large budgets and huge multi-location projects. At the same time, we see smaller, often rural or small-town spaces pop up, who re-use existing locations and build spaces for just a handful of members.

Our main concerns are the differences in legal, tax, or privacy requirements, and ensuring Cobot is flexible enough to work with all of them. Our billing and invoicing system must be capable of serving a diverse array of spaces—and their tax offices. By providing them with these features our spaces are able to focus on their members and cater to their community needs.

Can you share valuable insight about Cobot that is not known to many, but should be in your eyes?

Can I say what I’m most proud of? I think it could offer an important insight into what motivates us and what guides our feature development and product.

Our company is guided by a deep belief in the potential of coworking, and our employees have used our company values as a springboard to assert their own influence on the company.

Members of our team developed the Coworking Code of Conduct, a free to use (and free to modify) code of conduct designed for coworking-related events. We believe strongly that in order for the growth of the coworking industry to be equitable and accessible, we need to collectively grow our community skillset. Internally, our team drafted and instituted a code of conduct to ensure that we were leading by example.

Our employees also formed a Betriebsrat (Works Council) and I’ve been proud of the way that everyone on our team has taken ownership over the success of Cobot. It’s essentially a worker-led structure meant to give every employee a say in our workplace decisions. What I’ve seen in the process has been that our team feels passionately connected with both the success of our product but also the spaces we help achieve their own goals.

When we consider what to develop internally, it's always about the value to customers. We consider ourselves invested in the success of every space and of the industry as a whole.

What would you like to see for the future of this integration with SALTO KS?

I would love to see this integration open up new possibilities for our shared users. I hope that years from now we lose track of how many customers have been able to use our integration to help their community develop new skills, promote entrepreneurship, break down barriers for underserved communities, and support those most in need of a leg up to achieve their potential.

And on a technical level, I can’t wait to see how both of our products will evolve to meet the needs of flexible workspaces in the future. This past year has only reinforced my desire to help coworking spaces grow with automation. We could never have predicted what challenges we’d face today—but what we’ve always known is that coworking is at the forefront of the future of work and that we’ll always need an agile mindset to adapt to the latest developments across the industry.

We believe strongly that in order for the growth of the coworking industry to be equitable and accessible, we need to collectively grow our community skillset.

If you missed the first part of our interview with Cobot, check it out here on our blog.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Kristina and the team at Cobot for sharing their industry insights and vision with our readers! If you would like to find out more about Cobot, visit their website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

As the Coworking industry continues to expand and develop at a rapid pace, it is important to zoom out and observe the state of the industry. This is why we reviewed the most representative data of industry leaders and gathered results in this infographic which will guide you through key insights in Coworking, specifically its members, locations, sizes, challenges, and profitability.

By providing this infographic, we hope to incite reflection while provoking thought on the industry’s future and its potential.

By providing this infographic, we hope to incite reflection while provoking thought on the industry’s future and its potential.

The use of an office or other working environment by people who are self-employed or working for different employers.

Freelancers are known to have more independence and flexibility, yet very often, there can also be a lack of control over one’s work environment. If you’re a freelancer, there are ways in which you can improve your experience, by opting for a coworking space with effective and seamless integrations. This enables you to make optimal use of your working environment.

A coworking platform that integrates with the right technology can transform into a self-service community, thereby providing you with a dependable workspace. This can save time, energy and money: Positively influencing relationships between coworkers and increasing productivity. Such spaces can benefit by using tools ranging from finance and CRM software to smart thermostats and electronic signatures, enhancing your overall experience.

These integrations are possible through cloud-based access control which can allow endless possibilities for coworking spaces to improve and optimize the customer journey; thereby transforming your work experience and the environment as a freelancer.

With cloud-based access control, data can be extracted in real-time to display occupancy rates, leverage community engagement and centralize management. For a coworking space, SALTO Keys as a Service is such a solution. By integrating SALTO KS with existing management tools, coworking spaces can scale to provide more efficient operations and user-friendly space experience.

This also encompasses customizable actions, which can dramatically amplify the coworking experience through the use of coworking tools. For instance, customized welcome messages can be sent to first-timers, extended bookings can be automatically invoiced, and access can be granted to guests depending on the usage of rooms.

The following list contains 5 benefits of smart workspaces, which every freelancer should keep in mind when selecting a coworking space:

The following list contains 5 benefits of smart workspaces, which every freelancer should keep in mind when selecting a coworking space:

With this integration, you may book meeting rooms online well in advance using booking calendars or apps which allows for both flexibility and independent work. Additionally, you are no longer required to an email asking if rooms are available nor need to worry about forgetting to notify the receptionist if your meeting ran late. If the booked meeting room is occupied longer then reserved for, you are automatically charged accordingly.

With this integration, you may book meeting rooms online well in advance using booking calendars or apps which allows for both flexibility and independent work. Additionally, you are no longer required to an email asking if rooms are available nor need to worry about forgetting to notify the receptionist if your meeting ran late. If the booked meeting room is occupied longer then reserved for, you are automatically charged accordingly.

For a freelancer, time is money. The right technology can ensure that you never have to wait for mundane tasks such as printing or scanning. You only need to present your Digital Key or scan the app after which your documents will be waiting for you in the printer.

For a freelancer, time is money. The right technology can ensure that you never have to wait for mundane tasks such as printing or scanning. You only need to present your Digital Key or scan the app after which your documents will be waiting for you in the printer.

Coffee is essential for a coworking space and can be the factor which distinguishes the quality of one workspace from another. In a smart coworking space, you can, for instance, be given access through your Digital Key or app which is presented to the machine-reader. The machine will then charge you automatically and the coffee-credits can be viewed in your app or platform.

Coffee is essential for a coworking space and can be the factor which distinguishes the quality of one workspace from another. In a smart coworking space, you can, for instance, be given access through your Digital Key or app which is presented to the machine-reader. The machine will then charge you automatically and the coffee-credits can be viewed in your app or platform.

It is vital to know that your workspace of choice has a solid security system and software in place, no matter the amount of time you spend on the premises. Furthermore, camera integrations can be a valuable asset. This is especially crucial considering traffic rates with members and the increasing risks for modern workplace theft. Surveillance accompanying access control can allow real-time footage to be retrieved, elevating security systems entirely and giving you a more comfortable and reliable experience.

It is vital to know that your workspace of choice has a solid security system and software in place, no matter the amount of time you spend on the premises. Furthermore, camera integrations can be a valuable asset. This is especially crucial considering traffic rates with members and the increasing risks for modern workplace theft. Surveillance accompanying access control can allow real-time footage to be retrieved, elevating security systems entirely and giving you a more comfortable and reliable experience.

With these facilities in place, a coworking management system can be integrated to know if and how long a meeting room has been used, and therefore might not need cleaning. This can guarantee your workspace is hygienic and organized. Ultimately, cleaning contracts get optimized and costs are reduced, and the coworking space of your choice is sustainable and smart.

There you have it! Look out for these 5 factors when searching for your next coworking space, and you can guarantee a smart workspace.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

Andcards is a Coworking space automation platform that connects the world’s best apps and services in access control, payments and customer communication to save time and automate routines like managing your (multiple) coworking space(s) on the go.

Because we are always interested in a good background story especially when it comes to our KSConnect partners we asked andcards a few questions.

Read along with us:

What is the story of andcards foundation? How long are you on the market?

Andcards got its first customers in Seoul, South Korea. The capital of one of the most innovative countries in terms of the economy (according to the 2019 Bloomberg Innovation Index.) Much like everywhere else, the coworking industry is booming in Korea. As coworking businesses mature, they want to reinforce their brands and add value.

Working at a coworking space, we learned a lot of their challenges and needs and used our energy to help take coworking businesses to a new level. Since July 2018, we’ve expanded our operations to 11 countries of Asia, Europe and America.

Why did you choose the coworking niche? Do you believe that the future belongs to workspaces for remote employees?

Coworking spaces have personality and diversity. In pursuit of differentiation, coworking businesses open workspaces for startups, broadcasting studios, gender-oriented coworking spaces, coworking spaces in the countryside for employees on workstations etc. You can always find the one that’s right for you.

Another thing we love is the flexibility for fast-growing companies. I don’t need to worry that my team will quickly outgrow the room, as I can always add more space or move to a larger room, all without over-the-top long-term leases or obligations. Along with great advantages, throughout our coworking experience, we have discovered challenges to operational efficiency and accessibility of coworking services. So we embarked on a mission to make coworking spaces cooler and more efficient.

Instead of building an “all-in-one solution” like other businesses, andcards focuses on integrations. Why do you believe it’s a better way to cater to your target audience's needs?

We want to minimize success gaps and build a great user experience, which is the reason why andcards focuses on integrations. Everybody knows that replica will never be as good as the original. For instance, instead of building our own invoicing mechanism, we chose to integrate with the best invoicing tools such as Stripe or Xero. These products are the best in their niche and are able to satisfy your business invoicing needs to a higher degree.

We found that workspaces around the world already use many great apps that they love, and don’t want to give up. So we help them continue using those apps, synchronizing the customer data between their apps, and giving them one central place where they can consolidate all information to have a bird’s eye view of what’s going on in their business.

What does digital innovation such as SALTO KS can do in this field?

As we mentioned in the andcards blog, access control system advantages include enhanced security, more positive and cool workplace culture, and higher efficiency of coworking space services thanks to 24/7 operation. All these coincide with andcards mission, and we believe are important to any growing workspace. Not only SALTO KS access control solution technology helps transform workspaces into online service hubs, but it also drives forward this transformation globally due to SALTO KS availability all over the world.

How do you see the coworking industry development?

With all the remote work and flexible office culture trends we observe right now, I think the future will have 3 kinds of workspaces with clearly defined target audiences.

With all the remote work and flexible office culture trends we observe right now, I think the future will have 3 kinds of workspaces with clearly defined target audiences.

In all three cases, we believe the workspace will not be just rooms and desks, but rather a hub of various value-added services.

Thank you andcards for giving us insights on your way of working and your view on the future of Coworking.

More KSConnect partners? Find them on the KS integrations page.

Read how to scale your coworking space with these five great tools.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

A mile-long spreadsheet, an overbooked calendar, dozens of reminders going off at the same time.… Sounds familiar? When you manage an office, that is exactly how your regular workday probably looks like.

Whether you manage a coworking space or a busy headquarters of an international company, you’re always running around, trying to keep tabs on who is coming and going, unlocking doors, and, generally, waging a war on keys.

We’re very pleased to announce the launch of the ZapFloorHQ & SALTO KS integration that provides customers with a care-free office space experience, giving them the opportunity to focus on aspects of their business that really matter and offer a unique office management solution for a growing number of business spaces across Europe.

ZapFloorHQ is a modular, easy-to-use office space management platform designed specifically for busy office buildings, coworking spaces, and business centres. Forget about copying keys and always being on-site. ZapFloorHQ allows you to manage even the tiniest details straight from your smartphone, making your job stress-free in the process! (well, almost)

Combined, both tools allow you to easily achieve peak efficiency in every space you manage making problems with office and meeting room access obsolete.

The integration between ZapFloorHQ and SALTO KS allows members to:

• Seamlessly integrate with other applications (accounting, printing, and more)
• Access control and space management in one intuitive app
• Grant office use permissions on a need-to basis, 24/7 or during specified times
• Unlock doors remotely at any time, reducing stress on reception services
• Block or suspend tags manually or automatically (when members fail to pay)
• Automatically sync members’ information between ZapFloor and SALTO KS.

Automatically sync the members’ access to preconfigured groups based on:

• Membership / Contract type.
• Office (Resource) assignment.
• Bookings (15 mins before the booking)
• Automatically ‘check-in‘ members (in progress).
• Check the ‘connected’ group directly in the OfficeRnD members’ profile.

The ultimate goal of ZapFloorHQ is to prepare your office space for the IoT future by becoming a one-stop-shop for office managers. Its modular design allows you to customize your app experience, picking modules and integrations that will make your life easier.

One size doesn’t necessarily always fit all. Your unique business deserves a unique management solution, one that you can tailor to meet your specific needs just like d’Offiz, operating in Turnhout, Belgium, that is now able to provide their customers with a flawless customer experience using the ZapFloor x SALTO KS integration.

Regardless of the modules you choose, you will still benefit from the no-nonsense, easy-to-use contract management system ZapFloor provides. Enabling you to create contracts and pull up relevant information, such as occupation rates, remaining meeting room hours, outstanding invoices, and more in just a few clicks.

Get in touch to find out how much easier your life will become once you join the key-free world!

We would like to thank #integrationpartnerincrime ZapFloorHQ for their contribution to this blog post.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Hospitality, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

When it comes to choosing the right access control system for your Coworking or Coliving space, certain features should be placed at the top of your wish list. Investing in smart locks will enhance security and convenience both digitally and physically. This is why it is crucial to keep in mind which features are essential when integrating such technology while implementing an access control system.

Read on to find out the must-have features that make a great access control system:

Read on to find out the must-have features that make a great access control system:

With an access control system, users should be able to assign people varying levels of access on an individual, group, or role basis. While this feature is standard on most access control systems, it is most essential in granting and restricting access.

With selective access, you can regulate which people have what kind of rights through certain entry points and are able to manage the amount of these entries.

With scheduled access, it is possible to limit entries to specific times within the day or week and even according to certain locations. This results in helpful functionalities like visitor access that can be scheduled in advance, granting access during the Christmas holidays, for example.

With scheduled access, it is possible to limit entries to specific times within the day or week and even according to certain locations. This results in helpful functionalities like visitor access that can be scheduled in advance, granting access during the Christmas holidays, for example.

An access control system makes it possible to create customizable reports which can be instantly generated. These reports provide detailed information for users regarding who is coming and going from any location. This detailed access log and event reporting comprises entries, users, and dates which can be exported to CSV or automatically emailed to relevant parties.

The dashboard of an access control system can display reports in real-time and for each entry. These reports can be customized according to specific parameters in order to present information ranging from doors being opened for too long to even unused or inactive users. This data can be used to monetize your space.

The dashboard of an access control system can display reports in real-time and for each entry. These reports can be customized according to specific parameters in order to present information ranging from doors being opened for too long to even unused or inactive users. This data can be used to monetize your space.

Cloud-based access control systems store permissions in the cloud which makes it possible to remotely manage, view, and control your access. This is possible using a web- or smartphone app whereby upon authorization, the user may operate the system through an intuitive interface.

Additionally, cloud storage for reports and events ensure backups that can be scheduled. This ensures that data is never compromised and is easily accessible.

Additionally, cloud storage for reports and events ensure backups that can be scheduled. This ensures that data is never compromised and is easily accessible.

For added efficiency, an access control system should be equipped with the potential for built-in integrations and third-party apps. This can be for cloud services including Office 365 and Active Directory, as well as tools relating to human resources, membership and facility software via API.

Some of these integrations can be an alarm, intercom, and video surveillance systems so all aspects of access control are managed through a single user interface which makes management easier and user-friendly.

Some of these integrations can be an alarm, intercom, and video surveillance systems so all aspects of access control are managed through a single user interface which makes management easier and user-friendly.

The ability to remotely unlock and schedule entries is vital in selecting access management systems. For instance, with the push of a button on a smartphone, access can be granted or restricted from any place and at any time. This is particularly useful for those with multiple-door facilities or multiple locations to control.

Remote visibility is another asset as it enables visual monitoring which allows video access or information through a web browser or mobile app.

Remote visibility is another asset as it enables visual monitoring which allows video access or information through a web browser or mobile app.

An access control system can be interactive through notifications in the form of alarm, email or text alerts to inform users of when an entry point has been accessed or rejected. Notifications will appear when a door is held open, forced open, and can even be limited to a specific door.

This feature can also be customized in order to make alarm notifications with specific sounds whereby one can differentiate between regular and urgent situations. Some systems even enable photo notifications which display photos of employees or residents as they pass through entry points.

Above features should be kept an eye out when researching and selecting the access control system that suits your requirements.

Not sure which access control system is suitable for your business? Contact us, we are happy to guide you on your way to the access control solution that's tailored to your business needs.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

We were invited by Coworkies to attend the widely anticipated event Hack Coworking London 2019 , which was also co-sponsored by SALTO. Our very own Alexander Rosdorff (KS Connect Partner Manager) and Kateryna Tokar (Senior Backend Developer) had the pleasure of attending and representing SALTO KS at the event. It was great for us to participate in this event and meet with coworking partners with whom we could collaborate with.

The hackathon itself had a very interesting standpoint for our representatives. It was an opportunity for them to interact with other participants and come up with new ideas to bring back home.

The event started with a brief presentation conducted by our vertical coworking manager, Xabier Apellániz. He provided some insight about what SALTO KS is, what it does, and what we are hoping to achieve. This also involved having our KS Connect partner manager, Alexander, take a walk around and meet with current and potential partners, like Cobot who was also one of the participants at the Hackathon, and one of our latest KS Connect partners.

- Adapted, Group Challenge Winners

Next, an important part of the hackathon was, of course, our SALTO KS challenge. On the technical side, Kateryna opened up our API to the participants and they were challenged to come up with the best integration with our API that they could come up with.

The group called ‘Adapted’ ended up winning the prize sum of 1,500 pounds. Congratulations Adapted! Their impressive solution involved creating meeting room space with mobile walls and the SALTO KS smart locking access system. This design allows a user to book as much space as they need in a meeting room by adjusting the position of the walls to their comfort. This means it you would be physically building a room of your preferred size with just a few clicks of a button. Adapted says they were inspired to come up with this idea as a result of fixed installations of office spaces and that the solution was some utilization of industrial design concepts.

Thank you Coworkies for giving us the opportunity to participate in this inspiring Hackcoworking event!

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

What is a coworking space?

You need to find some peace and quiet to work or a change of scenery to let the creative juices flow, right?

Coworking spaces are always a good idea! Coworking spaces are booming all around the world, including Amsterdam.

That’s why we made a top 5 of the most outstanding coworking spaces in Amsterdam, to help you pick the right one for you!

Salto Systems' top 5 coworkings in Amsterdam

1. Regus

Regus is the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace solutions, with customers including some of the most successful entrepreneurs, individuals and multi-billion dollar corporations. It is ideal for larger companies that are looking for a more corporate environment, with opportunities to use multiple workspaces around the world. Currently, all new Regus business centres opening around the world are using the Regus access control app.

Several locations throughout the world: http://www.regus.nl/workspace/Amsterdam

2. Spaces

Spaces, born in Amsterdam acquired by Regus, has beautifully designed coworking spaces measured to your needs! Whether you need a cosy get-together nook, a large lunch table or a small phone booth, anything is possible at Spaces! It provides a less corporate, more hip working environment compared to its ‘big brother’ Regus. Just like Regus, Spaces is also a customer of SALTO KS.

Several locations in Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam and throughout the world: https://www.spacesworks.com

3. TNW

‘A curated tech space in the centre of Amsterdam’. TNW has become the heart of the Amsterdam startup community. During the day you can find yourself working in the members only club, attending an interesting event and then drinks afterwards every Friday evening. TNW is all about helping your startup grow and focus on what’s important, by providing a productive workplace with a big international network.

Singel 542, Amsterdam: https://thenextweb.com/spaces

4. The Thinking Hut

A true coworking space for the creative individuals! This old horse stable was built in 1912 and renovated in 2012 by a group of friends who decided they needed a place where they could work on their projects while meeting creative like minded people. The Thinking Hut was born. On your break, you can stroll through the lovely Oosterpark. A meeting room can be booked per hour, but if a day pass is more your thing: no problem! The Thinking hut is a very cosy creative coworking space where you most certainly will come up with a new life-changing idea!

Mauritskade 55c, Amsterdam: http://www.thethinkinghut.com

5. Zoku’s social spaces

Zoku is the international living room of Amsterdam! What makes Zoku different from others is that it offers flexible home/office hybrid apartments in Amsterdam with communal working areas. They have an impeccably designed space on the top floor of a hotel. It feels light and warm. When it’s a summer day you can sit in one of the glass houses on the roof terrace or hang in a hang mat to think your presentation over. Whether you sit in the living room, game room or at the large kitchen table everyone feels welcomed at Zoku!

Weesperstraat 105, Amsterdam: https://livezoku.com

A wireless access control solution to redefine the experience of coworking

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

In the modern world we live in, flexible work has evolved into a highly beneficial aspect for the workforce population. The demand to have flexible work as an option in peoples’ jobs is rapidly rising. Not only are employees demanding flexible work, but business leaders are also globally encouraged to offer flexibility due to its perceptible success with their employees. The old norm of working 9 to 5 in an office cubicle is being overcome by the concept of flexibility. Employees relatively show higher levels of happiness, engagement, and productivity as a result of being able to work not just flexible hours, but also in flexible spaces. This includes working from home, cafes or libraries rather than solemnly being in the same office 24/7, five days a week.

In order to accurately calculate the statistics behind the benefits of flexible work, IWG, conducted a global workplace survey. The survey consisted of users from their numerous worldwide offices, taking into account the responses of approximately 15,000 participants across 80 countries.

In order to accurately calculate the statistics behind the benefits of flexible work, IWG, conducted a global workplace survey. The survey consisted of users from their numerous worldwide offices, taking into account the responses of approximately 15,000 participants across 80 countries.

Perhaps the most substantial findings of the survey were that an astounding 85% of respondents perceived higher productivity in their businesses as a result of implementing flexible working standards. This shows that higher efficiency can be achieved by properly stimulating flexibility. Respondents indicated that this efficiency relates to some factors such as commuting and work environments. Many employees tend to go through long commutes to get to work and often leads them towards lower productivity. Some of them describe their commutes as “the worst part of their day”. Offering them the ability to sometimes work from home or a location that is situated closer to home. Some employees feel dissatisfied when working in the same office on a daily basis. Therefore, the ability to work in different environments allows them to often feel reconciled and more motivated to work efficiently.

One of the key findings of the survey is that a global average of 77% of companies use flexible working benefits as an incentive to attract and retain talented employees. A few countries that rank amongst the highest in this global average are Australia, The Netherlands, and Canada. The previous figure correlates to a finding from respondents that 83% of people would be more inclined to choose between two job offers if one of them offers flexible working standards.

One of the key findings of the survey is that a global average of 77% of companies use flexible working benefits as an incentive to attract and retain talented employees. A few countries that rank amongst the highest in this global average are Australia, The Netherlands, and Canada. The previous figure correlates to a finding from respondents that 83% of people would be more inclined to choose between two job offers if one of them offers flexible working standards.

Whilst flexible working proves to be a successful factor in increasing productivity of employees, businesses need to ensure that they properly implement this concept in order to reach that higher level of productivity. For example, providing their employees with proper equipment for remote work is a crucial aspect. Some businesses expect professional work from their employees, whilst not providing them with the professional equipment to accomplish that. This shows that by offering flexible work, a business must also invest in providing their employees the proper equipment.

Another important challenge that businesses face through flexible work is data security. It is easy to fear data breaches when working from remote locations. This raises a possible threat for some companies that then need to further implement precautions to prevent something like this from happening.

Want to read more about various concepts that redefine the workplace? Check out our previous blog post here , or read more about how IWG came to partner up with SALTO KS.

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

Over the past few months, we have seen the impact of the pandemic across several industries all over the world. Businesses have been gravely affected, communities have been strengthened, and initiatives have been taken in response to these changes. In April, we looked into the Coliving industry; the positive response to the crisis and the various avenues through which some spaces kept their locations open and running.

Now we offer our platform to experts in the Coworking industry. To do this we invited DropDesk—New York-based real estate marketing agency & the creators of the DropDesk coworking management software. Graham Beck, Founder of Dropdesk has penned his views for us on the impact of COVID-19 on the Coworking industry.

Read ahead to find out why the industry is here to stay, and how it has been changed forever, according to Graham:

I have been getting a ton of questions lately about how COVID-19 will impact the Coworking industry. Being both a coworking space operator and a part of a technology company that supports shared workspaces, I thought it was time to provide some insight and set expectations.

For obvious reasons, any community or location that brings together vast amounts of strangers is due for disruption with the current state of affairs, but what will the impact be for the long-term on the industry as a whole?

How Coworking has been impacted

Coworking spaces rely on selling both open space memberships to small businesses, as well as private spaces to companies of all sizes. The industry has often been criticized on the sustainability of signing long-term leases with landlords and short-term leases to members or tenants. This model places the burden on the spaces themselves while giving members the flexibility to cancel or upgrade their memberships.

There have been very little studies or information on what the impact will be as a whole with an economic downturn and other large coworking companies that have boosted economic resilience, have shown that this is simply not the case.

So will coworking and remote workers be affected? Of course. Coworking spaces in New York City are actively navigating the stay home climate by negotiating with long-term members on lease discounts or membership suspensions to ease the bleed. Occupancies have dropped across the board by 40%-60% (with a focus only on servicing essential companies), cutting communities in half.

Workspaces that have been struggling to keep their head above water, who are unable to take advantage of government or SBA loans, will, unfortunately, meet their end.

With all the above, it might be difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel, but I can assure you that there is, and we will all get through this.

Why Coworking is here to stay

1. Everyone has to work, period.

Whether remote or in an office, businesses that have never embraced remote work are now being forced to do so at rapidly expanding numbers. With remote work being a new norm, once the pandemic clears, companies will look to coworking spaces as a feasible alternative. Shared workspaces are a major catalyst that helps spur remote productivity at a local level.

2. We can do without the commute

With the spread of COVID-19, people are looking to avoid close proximity to public transportation such as a packed subway or train. Biking or walking to a local workspace sounds much better (healthier to say the least and better for the environment!).

3. Flexibility will always be in demand

Businesses who have signed long-term lease agreements will start to rethink their options when it comes to finding space (especially at a time like this).

4. Community cannot be replaced

One of the major reasons companies choose coworking spaces is for the sense of community. If you are a remote employee or freelancer, what is better than working and having conversations with like-minded professionals? You can dress up a volleyball and call it Wilson, but you cannot replace real human connection.

5. Small communities need them

It is a fact that coworking spaces attract jobs, companies, and economic activity to their local towns. They serve as an anchor to retain business, especially within suburban regions.

How remote teams have evolved

Being able to remotely meet, log tasks, and secure employees have been popular topics. So what can you do as an employer to ensure your team is just as productive as they were before?

1. Utilize remote collaboration tools for video conferencing such as Zoom.

2. Protect employee logins and sensitive material by verifying employees are who they say they are, using identity verification tools like Ipsidy.

3. Document processes using project management software tools like Trello.

With all being said, there seems to be a bright future ahead for the adoption of remote work and expansion of coworking spaces.

This article was supplied by Graham Beck, Digital Marketing Expert and Founder of DropDesk, a platform that offers solutions for coworking spaces, local businesses, and remote teams.

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