How to Prepare Your Coworking Space for the Post-Pandemic Landscape
In the last few years, we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of coworking spaces. In 2019, there were about 19,000 coworking spaces worldwide, servicing more than 3 million coworkers. Coworking spaces have allowed a number of businesses to operate without the need for a permanent office. Projections even suggested more coworking spaces would open in the coming years—until the pandemic hit, that is. Strict social distancing protocols have discouraged many from going to coworking spaces, and the growth of the industry was greatly diminished.
However, as the majority of people are slowly adjusting to life following recent guidelines, establishments have started to reopen. With the coronavirus vaccines also coming into their last trial phases, coworking spaces are expected to be in demand once again.
Still, as a responsible business owner, you need to ensure that your business is ready for the post-pandemic world. And you can start with considering these variables:
Digitize booking
The pandemic has forced a lot of companies to shift several administrative tasks online—and you should too. Digitizing your staff’s day-to-day tasks, like handling client bookings and scheduling the use of meeting rooms, lessens face-to-face interactions between them and your clients. The pandemic has actually pushed several industries to develop online booking systems. This allows you to manage the flow of people coming in and out of your coworking space, making sure that it’s never overcrowded.
Having all these services online makes it convenient for your clients, too. This assures them that they’ll have the space they need, when they need it, even before arriving at your coworking space. An online system could help you attract even more people, too. Post-pandemic forecasts expect there to be more remote workers than ever before, so you can expect a surge in the number of coworkers once it’s acceptable to work in shared spaces again.
Consider a new business structure
Several small to medium business owners operate as sole proprietors or in partnerships, but in these difficult times, you may need more financial security. You might consider forming an LLC or incorporating your business. An LLC offers legal protection by allowing you to have separate personal and business assets, making your business a legal entity of its own. This means that you won’t be legally liable for damages and suits filed against your business. Similarly, incorporating your business has several benefits, even for small business owners. It also protects your personal assets, and gives you the opportunity to offer employees stock options. Depending on the size of your business, you may also be eligible for lower tax rates.
Business owners, especially during economic turmoil, need this type of personal security. You’ll be servicing a huge number of people in a day, and these people will rely on your establishment for their safety and security.
Put a premium on sanitation
The pandemic has forever changed the way sanitation and hygiene are perceived. Case in point: masks may become mainstays in everyday garb, even after the vaccine is developed and made available. In the post-pandemic world, hygiene and cleanliness will be a priority. This is why you should invest in providing sanitation products for your clients as well as professional sanitation services as part of your package.
Your coworking space should set the gold standard when it comes to cleanliness, by using reliable sanitizing products and professional cleaning services. Look for a service that not only cleans surfaces but also disinfects every nook and cranny of your coworking space. This deep cleaning should be done regularly to help eliminate viruses and other pathogens.
The post-pandemic future looks bright as a lot of companies have adjusted to remote work. They may actually prefer lower-cost work arrangements like using coworking spaces! If you want to learn more about coworking spaces from our trends and insights write-ups then make sure to check our blog on a regular basis.
