Top 6 Tips to Get the Ultimate Value from Coworking During COVID Times

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The ongoing pandemic has caused businesses to ditch traditional work arrangements in favor of remote and hybrid models. It has also made entrepreneurs realize the value of coworking and flexible workspaces, so more companies are opting for shared spaces and managed offices to survive the pandemic and stay in business.

However, simply shifting to a coworking space might not be enough to tide over the difficult times. Given that the pandemic will continue for several months, you must also know how to get the maximum value from coworking. The key here is to understand the unique features of coworking and unitize them to your advantage.

In this post, the experts at The Office Pass (TOP), one of the leading coworking operators in India, talk about how you can derive the ultimate value from coworking during COVID times.

6 Tips to Get the Ultimate Value from Coworking During COVID Times

  1. Make the Most of Lease Flexibility
  2. Come Up with Smart Schedules and Timings
  3. Keep Yourself Up-To-Date with Virtual Events
  4. Network Within the Community
  5. Ask About Bonuses and Discounts
  6. Choose Neighborhood Offices in Multiple Locations

1. Make the Most of Lease Flexibility

One of the defining features of coworking is flexibility, and you can tap into it while navigating the current economic instability caused by COVID-19. Rather than committing to a long-term contract, you can lease desks for anywhere between a few days to a few months. It gives you the flexibility to downsize or upsize your team or exit the workspace without complications.

Some operators might also offer hourly or pay-as-you-use packages, which are ideal for small businesses. Short-term packages also make it easier for you to switch to remote working when the government enforces lockdowns and curfews. You can start working out of your coworking space after COVID restrictions are eased, and you don’t have to pay for the period when you didn’t use the office.

Many coworking spaces also have ways for businesses to maintain their square footage while lowering costs. For example, you can reduce the rental by switching from a window office to an interior office. So, check your membership plan and see how you can make the most of it.

2. Come Up with Smart Schedules and Timings

Everyone in the business world would agree that it is going to be a while before we return to a daily 9 to 5 routine. To maintain physical distancing and minimize office costs, you can consider scheduling your office timings strategically. For instance, instead of renting ten desks, you could rent five desks and have your employees work on alternate days.

Alternatively, you can take a more free-form approach that allows team members to book time in the office that is most convenient to them. For example, an employee may want to work from the office for a few hours in the morning when his/her children are attending online classes. Likewise, another employee might prefer afternoon hours when there are fewer people around.

Such smart timings and schedules help you balance your budgets and enhance employee productivity during the pandemic. More importantly, you can make sure that your business is functioning in a safe and COVID-appropriate manner.

3. Keep Yourself Up-To-Date with Virtual Events

Coworking offices have always been known for the wide range of networking and business events they organize. One of the effects of COVID-19 on coworking spaces is that most of these events have moved online and become easier to attend. Such events are the best way to stay connected to the community and keep yourself updated about the latest trends and changes in the industry.

Besides, you can attend events organized by other companies working in the same space. You’d be surprised at how often they’re facing the same challenges you are. The coworking operator may also give you free or discounted access to private events, all of which help you get better perspectives and insights.

4. Network Within the Community

While many things about how businesses function may be changing, the one thing that has remained constant is the need for networking. With the advent of the pandemic, networking opportunities outside offices have become scanty. However, since coworking spaces house multiple businesses and professionals in the same building, networking happens naturally.

Try and connect with the community around you to keep your spirits high and expand your business during the pandemic. Even large, successful companies have started looking at decentralizing their offices and are working out of coworking space after COVID. You can meet and network with professionals from diverse sectors, and even seek collaborations.

Also Read: Managed Offices to Gain Importance in COVID Times

Many shared offices also often have internal communication channels like their own LinkedIn Group or a Slack channel. Log into these channels of communication and use them to exchange views with other people working in the space.

5. Ask About Bonuses and Discounts

There are several cost-cutting deals you may get at a coworking space. For example, you may get business discounts on Amazon Web Services, gym memberships, air tickets, passes to networking events, and discounts on business services from partners. Coworking space providers may also offer referral bonuses or credits that can be used in exchange for facility usage.

Not all of this information may be listed on the company website. Unless you ask about it, you probably won’t hear about it. So, speak to the space providers as well as other people who have been working out of the space. Many reputed coworking operators like The Office Pass also offer free credits, discounts on packages, and additional discounts for female members.

6. Choose Neighborhood Offices in Multiple Locations

To get the ultimate value from coworking spaces, you can also choose more than one neighborhood office. Many coworking space providers have multiple locations in the city. Rather than choosing several desks at a single location, look into the possibility of dividing the number of desks between the different spaces.

Neighborhood offices make it more convenient for employees in different parts of the city to use the facilities. It also helps reduce the risks related to commuting since employees can walk to the office. Click here to know more about the benefits of neighborhood offices during COVID times.

Final Thoughts 

According to the latest studies, flexibility and other features offered by shared offices ensure a strong future of coworking post-COVID times. In other words, coworking spaces are here to stay, despite the setbacks and challenges posed by the pandemic. It’s high time you moved into one and started reaping the benefits of coworking.

If you are looking for a coworking space in Delhi, Noida, or Gurgaon, why not check out The Office Pass (TOP)? Give us a call at 89998 28282 to know more about how your business can benefit.

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How Coworking Spaces Are Revamping to Meet Workplace Needs During COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic, one of the gravest health emergencies of our times, has affected everyone in the business world. As regular commuting and traditional offices have become unfeasible, organizations are switching to alternative work arrangements. According to the latest report by JLL, the pandemic has accelerated the demand for flexible workspaces, including coworking offices.

And, operators of coworking spaces and neighborhood offices across the country have responded to this demand in the best way possible. In addition to offering their services at competitive rates, coworking service providers are also taking multiple measures to ensure the safety and health of their customers.

Nikhil Madan, Cofounder, TheOfficePass

Nikhil Madan, Cofounder, The Office Pass (TOP)

In this post, Nikhil Madan, Cofounder, The Office Pass (TOP) a leading Coworking Space provider in the Delhi-NCR region talks about various ways in which coworking spaces are revamping their structure, layout, and practices to meet the workplace needs during COVID-19.

How Coworking Spaces are revamping to meet workplaces needs during COVID-19

  1. Frequent Sanitization
  2. Supplementary Safety Regulations
  3. Revised Layouts
  4. Technological Upgrades
  5. Increased Flexibility
  6. Virtual Events
  7. Behavioural Signage

1. Frequent Sanitization

Before the advent of the pandemic, sanitization was only part of the daily cleaning routine – it was an activity that happened outside office hours. Office spaces were cleaned at the beginning and end of each day when no one else was around. Today, to ensure the highest level of safety and make people feel comfortable and confident, sanitization and disinfection are carried out more frequently (even during work time).

All reputed coworking operators sanitize their office and premises as per the guidelines issued by the authorities. All surfaces and objects, including desks, telephones, keyboards, chairs, etc., are wiped and disinfected at regular intervals. Hand sanitizers and wipe dispensers are placed around the coworking space so that people can sanitize their hands not just on entering the space but also after each interaction. Masks, gloves, and other sanitation supplies are available to whoever needs them.

2. Supplementary Safety Regulations

In addition to sanitization measures, many coworking spaces have introduced additional safety regulations to promote COVID-19 appropriate behavior. People without masks, whether it is customers, clients are not permitted within the offices. Names and contact details of visitors are recorded for ease of contact tracing.

Coworking spaces with in-house cafes and dining options have extended the lunch period from 12.30 to 3.30 pm so members can stagger their lunch. They have also put posters to prevent crowding in Café. Food and beverages, however, are being made available to customers by following all safety standards. Likewise, members who tested positive can resume work only after producing their COVID-negative certificate.

3. Revised Layouts

Seating arrangements that promote a sense of community and collaboration have been one of the main features of shared offices. Though people who work from coworking offices once looked forward to working at a different spot every day, they now want a desk space that no one else has used. Coworking spaces have had to make structural and layout changes to cater to such changing preferences.

Considering the importance of well-ventilated spaces during COVID-19, shared offices are utilizing their open layout to maximize customer safety. Desks are being rearranged to ensure ample distance between them and have been fitted with plexiglass shields. Layouts that make members face a wall are preferred as compared to previous layouts where-in members used to face each other.

Managed offices, where a company can reserve a private, enclosed space for its employees, are becoming more popular during COVID rimes. Many operators, including The Office Pass (TOP), have added managed office solutions to their offerings. It provides all the benefits of the coworking office along with a dedicated space and privacy.

Also Read: Managed Offices to Gain Importance During COVID Times

4. Technological Upgrades

Technology is playing a significant role in the coworking revamp during the pandemic. Many space providers are installing thermal cameras at the entrance to monitor the temperature of people entering the space. Instead of push and pull doors, coworking spaces are installing automatic doors and hands-free check-in to minimize the touchpoints in the office.

Similarly, lighting is being upgraded to smart lighting that can respond to voice commands or switch on and off automatically when a person enters the area. Software that allows operators to keep track of desk usage across different locations has also proved beneficial to ensure the safety of customers. They can now direct an employee to the closest coworking space with zero physical interaction.

5. Increased Flexibility

Flexibility has always been the most defining feature of coworking spaces as it gives them an added momentum during COVID times. As the pandemic has thrown many businesses into economic uncertainty, people favor short-term agreements and on-demand workstations over traditional long-term leases.

Operators of shared office spaces are looking at ways to make themselves even more flexible than they were. In an attempt to offer customers optimal value for their money, many service providers are allowing customers to pay a fixed monthly rent and choose to have their employees work from an office close to their place of residence, popularly known as Neighborhood Coworking.

Coworking Spaces in Gurgaon

For example, you can have your employees work in location A for one week and then use location B for the next week. Or, you can choose desks at multiple locations at the same time, and employees can opt to work from the location nearest to their residence. Coworking providers also allow you to maintain the number of desks while reducing costs by changing the desk position. For example, you can move from window desks on the 10th floor to corner desks on the 1st floor – you may lose the view, but can save some bucks.

6. Virtual Events

Networking is one of the biggest attractions of a coworking space. Before the pandemic, service providers of shared offices used to organize social events, de-stressors, and workshops quite regularly for the people working there. Today, these events have moved online. It makes attendance easier even if the person isn’t present physically at her/his desk on the day of the event. Such events also enable members to plug into the community and get the support they need to survive the challenging times.

7. Behavioural Signage

Behavioural signage is another measure many operators have adopted as part of their coworking revamp. Since repeated reinforcing is required for people to develop COVID-appropriate behavior, shared office spaces are installing behavioural signage and directions in all strategic spots within the office. Posters and boards on the importance of hand-washing and physical distancing are placed in different languages as friendly reminders.

Summing It Up

As companies find their footing in the new normal, coworking spaces become the most practical and the safest choice. With the revamped design, layouts, structure, and practices, coworking spaces enhance safety and ensure COVID compliance. If you’re looking for a coworking space that adheres to safety measures, check out The Office Pass (TOP)  or give a call at 89998 28282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

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What’s Better – Furnishing Your Office or Moving into A Pre-Furnished One?

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Choosing between a furnished or unfurnished office depends on budget, setup time, company size, and workspace needs.

What is Neighborhood Coworking? Know 5 benefits of Coworking Spaces

6 Major Differences between furnished vs unfurnished offices

  1. The Total Cost
  2. Things on Your To-Do List
  3. Quality of Office Furniture
  4. Time Taken to Get Operational
  5. Building the Right Brand Image
  6. Maintenance

1. The Total Cost

As mentioned earlier, the cost of renting out an unfurnished office is 10-15% lower than the cost of renting a furnished office of the same size. High rent rates are often considered one of the main cons of furnished office spaces. However, you can’t work out of an empty office – your office will need to be furnished with desks, chairs, cabinets, etc. You will also need Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, whiteboards, and other office supplies and equipment to function smoothly.

If you value quality, the cost of these purchases can be quite high, as high as INR 2,500/- to INR 3,000/- per square foot. On the other hand, though the rent of a pre-furnished office may be slightly higher, it is an all-inclusive cost.

2. Things on Your To-Do List

One of the most important pros of furnished office rentals is that it ticks off several tasks on your to-do list. You don’t have to go around looking for furniture or find the materials needed to build custom furniture that would fit the space. You don’t have to bother yourself finding professionals to furnish the office or bargaining with sellers.

If you opt for a furnished office in a reputed coworking space, you stand to gain more. The facilities at shared offices include not only the furniture but also administrative services, and facilities like Wi-Fi, whiteboards, access to meeting & conference rooms etc. Thus, it saves time and effort, allowing you to focus more on your business and growth plans.

đź’ˇ Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

3. Quality of Office Furniture

When you look for furniture like office chairs, you’ll see a large array of products in a wide price range. Does this mean that you need to buy the most expensive product to get good quality? Not necessarily, but you need to know how to select the right furniture for your office. As you try to stay within your budget, you may find yourself buying lower-quality furniture.

Unfortunately, you can assess the quality of office furniture only much later when it starts developing recurring issues. On the other hand, when you rent a furnished office space or coworking office, you can check the quality of furniture before you sign the lease. Moreover, if there are any issues, the management will typically take care of them.

Also Read: Difference Between Coworking and Shared Office Space for Freelancers

4. Time Taken to Get Operational

One of the main furnished vs. unfurnished office differences that could affect your decision is the time taken between signing the lease and moving into your new office. In the case of an unfurnished office, it could be a few weeks typically 6-8 weeks. After signing the lease, you’ll need to plan your furniture layout, buy furniture and appliances, and furnish the space before moving in.

On the other hand, when you rent a pre-furnished office or a shared office space, you can move in almost instantly. All you need to do is bring in your files and your computers, and you’re ready to get working.

5. Building the Right Brand Image

For many, one of the benefits of furnishing your office is that it gives you control over office branding. But, did you know that even when you rent a furnished office, you can still decorate it to match your brand image? You can then use decals, posters, etc., to reinforce your brand colors in the décor. A coat of paint on the walls in your brand colors can instantly transform the atmosphere.

That’s not all! Many renowned coworking space providers like The Office Pass (TOP) offer managed offices where the office space is custom-built by the service provider to suit your needs. In other words, managed offices offer you the benefits of furnishing your office, while the task is fully handled by the service provider.

6. Maintenance

To maintain a professional look and ambiance, you must keep your office space and your furniture well-maintained at all times. If you furnish the office on your own, you are responsible for the maintenance of the furniture. It could be a tiring affair that consumes your time, money, and energy.

However, when you rent a furnished office, the responsibility of maintaining the equipment and furniture falls to the office leaser. All you need to do is pay for the usage as mentioned in your rental agreement.

đź’ˇ Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

Summing It Up

In most cases, choosing to move into a pre-furnished space is the smarter move because the pros of furnished office rentals often outweigh their cons. Though you may think that it’s more expensive, it actually isn’t, and you get peace of mind that all your maintenance requirements are taken care of. What’s more, you get the confidence that your office space exudes a professional look, and you can move in as soon as you sign the lease. Furnished offices are an excellent choice for small startups as well as established businesses.

If you’re not looking for an entire office space for yourself, you could consider moving to a shared office space. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, you also get to enjoy the flexibility to accommodate additional employees as your company grows.

Interested? Get in touch with The Office Pass (TOP) at 8999 828282 to rent coworking space in Gurgaon, South Delhi and Noida.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

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What Makes Coworking Spaces A Better Option During Covid Times?

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The impact COVID-19 has had on our working style is fairly apparent. Remote working is considered the new normal, and even in places where offices have reopened, white-collar professionals will probably not return to the traditional 9 to 5 routine till the pandemic situation gets under control.

Unsurprisingly, these changes have also been reflected in office space consumption. According to the India Real Estate – Residential and Office H2 2020 report by Knight Frank India, gross office space absorption in India fell from 60.6 million sq ft to 39.4 million sq foot over the past year. As the road ahead is likely to be slow and uneven, companies must relook at their real estate footprint.

Is There Still A Need for Office Spaces?

The COVID-19 pandemic has proved that most of what you do from the office can be done from home. So, it raises the question – is there even a need for businesses to have an office space anymore? The answer is simple – yes!

For starters, offices aren’t just a workplace – they also serve as networking hubs. More often than not, your office is the face you project to your clients, while it symbolizes stability for your vendors & employees. It is also a learning platform for newcomers and younger employees. Though work may continue remotely, there is still a need for companies to have an office.

However, it doesn’t mean that you must have a large and centralized office for everyone to work in. In the current COVID times and probably for a few months to come, coworking spaces may be a better solution.

Why Coworking Spaces Are A Better Option During COVID Times? 

Whether you are looking for a make-shift arrangement to tide over the difficult times or a sustainable and flexible work arrangement, coworking offices perfectly fit the bill. Let’s check out the advantages of shared offices during COVID-19, and beyond:

7 Benefits of Choosing Coworking Spaces During Covid Times

  1. Cost-effectiveness
  2. Flexibility
  3. Building A Sense of Community
  4. Office Decentralization for Business Continuity
  5. Productivity
  6. Networking
  7. Safety

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Rent is one of the biggest overheads for any business. Irrespective of whether they’re having profits or losses, rents are a constant outgoing cost. The pandemic has affected almost everyone’s profit margins, and for small & mid-size businesses, maintaining their offices is becoming increasingly difficult.

Coworking spaces offer 15-20% lower rentals and shorter leases, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional offices. Instead of a single large office to house everyone, businesses can now rent smaller but distributed Neighborhood Coworking Spaces that can be used by different employees based on their proximity to these spaces.

2. Flexibility

Flexibility is a key shared office advantage in COVID-19. The administrative bodies in many Indian cities are imposing and easing restrictions on mobility when the number of COVID-19 cases increases and decreases. Coworking spaces give businesses the flexibility needed to comply with these changing regulations. The short leases make it easy for companies to switch from work-from-home to work-at-desk models and vice versa.

You can also add and remove desks as per your business needs. For example, you may want a larger space during a product launch week and fewer desks at other times. It’s the ideal solution in the current scenario.

3. Building A Sense of Community

In addition to being a space where people can work, coworking spaces also provide a sense of community & togetherness that is much-needed during COVID times. Working from home for months could trigger feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. According to the survey conducted by SAP, Qualtrics, and Mind Share Partners, two out of every five respondents claimed that their mental health has deteriorated since the COVID-19 outbreak.

On the other hand, coworking spaces facilitate interactions that help employees stay emotionally and mentally strong. It also helps them feel that they are part of a team even though they may not see their colleagues every day.

4. Office Decentralization for Business Continuity

For businesses that need employees to be physically present in offices, coworking spaces are the best way to decentralize the workforce. It helps maintain business continuity even if one of the employees tests positive for the disease. Since there are multiple office spaces, there’s no need for everyone to be quarantined at home. Employees in other coworking offices can continue working without any disruption.

are coworking spaces worth it

5. Productivity

Despite all its benefits, the work-from-home model has its own challenges in India. Remote working often blurs the line between an employee’s personal and office time, and given the many distractions, productivity may not be consistent.

Spaces that promote coworking in COVID-19 are an easy way to overcome this challenge. You can set up multiple coworking office spaces across the city and tell employees to work out of the space closest to them. As shared offices are equipped with all amenities, there is also no worrying about productivity being hampered by technical issues such as internet unavailability.

6. Networking

One of the disadvantages of working from home is that employees have no opportunity to network internally or with people from other offices in the building. Coworking offices allow solopreneurs and small businesses to coordinate resources, network, and grow their business. Many coworking spaces conduct online networking events and webinars to bolster networking and collaboration.

7. Safety

Safety is one of the biggest factors that highlight the heights of coworking importance. If you were to continue working out of traditional office space, you would need to set aside additional resources to sanitize your workspace daily. On the other hand, when your employees work out of coworking spaces, the coworking operator takes care of all sanitization measures. Setting up multiple coworking office spaces across the city also reduces the distance your employees need to travel to get to the office. The less they travel, the lower their exposure to the virus.

To Sum It Up

When you are looking for a work arrangement that ensures productivity and professionalism while keeping employees safe, there’s nothing better than coworking offices. The benefits of coworking space during COVID-19 make it a better option than traditional offices.

Want to keep up with the changing trends in the office real estate market? Take a look at the coworking facilities offered by The Office Pass (TOP). With transparent leases, elegantly furnished offices, and a host of facilities, we cater to the needs of businesses while keeping people comfortable and safe. To book a tour of our office spaces, call us at 8999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR