The value of local coworking, the Wework case, and the future of the coworking model
WeWork, the global coworking giant, has filed for bankruptcy, marking a significant milestone in the history of coworking businesses. The news has sparked reflections on the sustainability of large-scale coworking models and has highlighted the importance of local coworking companies. WeWork: From Euphoria to Bankruptcy WeWork, at one time, was synonymous with innovation in the shared workspace or coworking model. However, its rapid expansion decisions, a questionable financial model, a business approach far removed from its operational reality, and challenging internal management accelerated its downfall. You can see a quick analysis that I did to understand the keys to the failure of WeWork’s business model. Logically, the bankruptcy of WeWork has generated uncertainty about the long-term viability of the coworking giants. But at the same time, it has also fostered a greater appreciation for local coworking companies. The Coworking model is more current and alive than ever. What failed was a way of understanding the business. Defending the value of Coworking and its model: Despite WeWork’s setback, the coworking model remains a viable and attractive solution for professionals and companies of all sizes. Here are fundamental reasons to defend and support the concept of coworking: 1. Flexibility and Adaptability: Coworking spaces offer flexibility in terms of rental length, space size, and configuration options. This allows businesses to adjust their workspace to their changing needs without committing to long-term contracts. 2. Community and Collaboration: Local coworking spaces foster the creation of authentic communities. Collaboration between professionals from various industries is one of the greatest strengths of coworking. Local businesses make connecting and sharing ideas easy, which can drive innovation and business growth. 3. Competitive Costs: Unlike the inflated models of global giants, local coworking companies tend to offer more competitive and transparent rates. This is beneficial for both individual entrepreneurs and established companies looking to optimize their operating costs. 4. Personalization and Customer Service: Local coworking companies often stand out for their ability to customize their services and adapt to the specific needs of their clients. More direct and personalized customer service contributes to a more satisfying coworking experience. 5. Contribution to the Local Economy: Local coworking companies play a vital role in strengthening the local economy. By choosing local coworking services, companies directly contribute to the development of their communities. Local companies end up generating employment, supporting local businesses, promoting the real estate sector, and helping to improve urban development in a more balanced way. 6. Resilience and Financial Stability: Unlike global giants that can face massive financial challenges, local coworking companies often operate with a stronger and more sustainable financial structure. This improves its ability to withstand economic crises and offer uninterrupted services to its members. Looking to the Future of Coworking: WeWork’s bankruptcy has been a reminder of the importance of authenticity and sustainability in the world of coworking. As we reflect on this fall, we also celebrate the strength of many other local coworking companies, who continue to offer flexible, community-focused solutions. The future of coworking lies in the diversity and adaptability that companies can offer. Cowork is synonymous with flexibility and adaptation. Those looking for shared workspaces should first consider the value that a local coworking, such as Cowork Rambla Catalunya, offers you, as they not only meet your needs but also ensure long-term security and resilience. As we move forward, we learn from past mistakes and recognize that the sustainable success of coworking is rooted in flexibility and adaptation, mutual support, and building local communities of business and human value. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
8 Essential Ideas About Coworking
Ideas about Coworking. We have compiled 8 ideas about coworking as a result of a workshop held by Cowork Rambla Catalunya, a community of freelancers, businessmen and businesswomen, SMIs, and entrepreneurs with a passion to learn and innovate, sharing space in a collaborative and elegant environment. In the workshop, a brainstorming session was held on coworking. A petition of the participants had compiled all the ideas that had emerged during those 15 minutes of brainstorming. The Dynamic of the Workshop The participants of the event were divided into 3 groups of 15-20 people of which each contained a diversified variety of professionals of different types: architects, engineers, economists, computer specialist, marketing, leisure, etc. Each team stood in a different space within the Cowork: Còrsega Space: Team Gray Còrsega Space: Team Gray Universitat Space: Team Yellow Three issues emerged from which good ideas emerged. Thank you for all your contributions and shared knowledge…some of us are already doing it! Also, as Monica Deza says, “an idea that is not communicated does not exist.”. The ideas that have been compiled are described below: 1. The Networking and Events Es difícil de creer que solo una idea sea común en los todos los grupos: la importancia del networking a través de afterworks, masterminds o resolución de los problemas para compartir conocimiento de las nuevas tendencias y retos del trabajo. 2. Presentation The presentations among the members of the network, in a talk, between co-workers are key for people to feel at ease: send a presentation email, introduce the person personally, and, in short, know who they are talking to. Also, for those who wish it would be interesting to make an Elevator Pitch of new projects to coworkers and the community to share ideas, learn, and to help one another. 3. The spaces For this networking to happen, the spaces and multipurpose rooms are important to relax. A more informal environment complementary to the kitchen with Wi-Fi and interactive whiteboards. 4. The database Two groups recorded the importance of having a good database. But this is not all…that person who has expert experience in this sector is such a thing that I can find? How can I communicate with them? 5. Let’s have fun Two of the groups expressed ideas that apart from working is, also, a place to have fun. Eat, play videogames, social events. There was, also, an interesting idea: to make team building trips in a farmhouse or to the outskirts in order to interact in places outside of work 6. Discounts/ Benefits for the Community/ Entrepreneurs Team Gray expressed that it would be interesting to provide the community with hotel discounts or discounts to service companies or the gym. 7. Network communication and Coworkers To have a space both online and offline, where the coworkers can post ideas, share interesting articles, projects, events, etc. 8. Community Objectives and Requirements It is very important to have community objectives among the community and it is believed necessary to have requirements to be a part of and to select who are the members that belong to it. Ideas about coworking! Remember: alone we are smart. TOGETHER WE ARE BRILLIANT. Neus Inglada Founder of Cowork Rambla Catalunya. Coworking Consultant