The Changing Face of Coworking Space in the Times of Social Distancing

1. The Changing Face of Coworking Space in the Times of Social Distancing Could the aspects of coworking spaces and the amenities offered by them change post Coronavirus? As the lockdown eases and the restrictions are lifted, fewer employees will not be the only thing that one will notice on returning to workplaces. There are huge possibilities that your workstation, washrooms, or canteen area might also have undergone a significant change. With social distancing becoming the norm amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces are changing their dynamics to ensure a safe and healthy space for employees. Any place or activity bringing together several people can play a significant role in spreading infection. Coworking offices encourage employees from different organizations to share a common space and work together. They are not only cost-effective but also provide good networking opportunities. With the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection, it is evident that the demand for coworking spaceswouldn’t be the same as it used to be. However, in order to build a safe and productive environment for employees, many leading coworking spaces are emerging stronger from the COVID-19 crisis through innovative ideas and design upgrades. Here are few of the measures being adopted by coworking spaces in metropolitan cities to keep COVID-19 at bay: • Presence of 30% staff at a time or enhanced emphasis on shift-based timings: While working from home might seem a viable option to carry out daily operations of your workplace but certain drawbacks such as miscommunication, noise, weak connectivity, and so on can cause unnecessary delays in the fulfilment of tasks. Hence, it often becomes necessary to go to work in order to get a particular task fulfilled. However, due to the rise in Coronavirus cases, shift-based work timings are being implemented by shared offices in leading cities like Chennai so that safety and productivity are not compromised. Another option being considered by several coworking office spaces in Chennai is maintaining a 30% employee presence at a time while encouraging the rest of them to work from home. • Change in workstations: The coworking spaces are now being thoroughly cleaned and several office furniture is being removed to make room for employees. Moreover, their pathways are also being marked with circles in order to ensure that the required distance is maintained. In addition to this, a number of coworking spaces in Chennai are also increasingly using physical barriers between desks to keep co- workers six-feet apart. • Following social distancing at washrooms, elevators, and canteens: Office canteens are no longer going to be the same. Many coworking spaces are limiting the number of food stalls and are encouraging employees to bring their own lunch. Furthermore, tokens are being given to employees to open washroom doors along with a desk mat to lay on the desk before using it.

2. • Replacement of in-person meetings with virtual meetings: Despite employees being present in offices, most coworking spaces in Chennai are adopting the method of virtual meetings to interact with employees. This ensures the fulfilment of tasks without meeting people. • Usage of contactless technology: Today’s world demands the implementation of high-end technologies to reduce physical contact. Several coworking spaces have started making use of these technologies. These include motion sensors, automatic elevators, digital payment methods, facial recognition apps, smart lighting solutions, ordering coffee and food through mobile devices, and so on. Along with these benefits, advanced technologies can also be used to remind employees of social distancing. Demand for Variable Set-ups by New Businesses will Lead to a Rise in Coworking Spaces Due to the impact of lockdown and the rapid spread of the COVID-19 infection, there is an urgent need to transform the existing coworking offices into spaces equipped with a six-feet rule. Several emerging businesses are preferring variable office set-ups over traditional set-ups as offered by coworking spaces. It is increasingly being a concept that will be in favour of companies looking to work remotely. Nowadays, many coworking office spaces in Chennai are offering employers ample boutique spaces so that social distancing can be followed efficiently. Moreover, they are also stocking up the workspace with sanitizers, disinfectants, gloves, and masks before reopening to ensure proper protection from infection.