User preferences for coworking space characteristics

1. User preferences for coworking space characteristics Minou Weijs-Perrée (m.weijs.perree@tue.nl) Jasper van de Koevering Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek Theo Arentze

2. Introduction • The growth of new types of multi-tenant offices •  sharing facilities/services, cost savings and knowledge spillovers • Increased popularity of coworking spaces

3. Introduction Little is known about user preferences Academic research is still limited • The aim of this study is: • ‘To analyse the user preferences of coworking space characteristics and the influence of user characteristics on these preferences’

4. Motivations for working at a coworking space Community Professional support Collaboration Coworking space Social interaction Affordable Vibrant atmosphere

5. Methodology| Data collection instrument Gender User characteristics Top 3 motivations User preferences Age Work-relatedcharacteristics Socio-demographiccharacteristics Education level Business sector # Hoursworking in coworkingspace User group Position in organisation

6. Methodology| Data collection instrument • Attribute-based stated choice method Accessibility Atmosphere & interior Layout Diversity in spaces Reception & hospitality Events Tenant diversity Lease contract

7. Methodology| Attribute based stated choice method • The experimental design  27 profiles/alternatives • Questionnaire nine choice sets  3 versions randomly distributed

8. Methodology| Data collection procedure 66 coworking spaces in NL were approached 25 coworking spaces 16 coworking spaces were visited personally 219 useful questionnaires

9. Methodology |Mixed multinomial logit model • Analyze user preferences of coworking spaces characteristics • A mixed multinomial logit model (MMNL) • A very efficient discrete choice model • It is able to capture unobserved heterogeneity • A constant utility parameter the alternative ‘none of these options’ • A random parameter was estimated for each attribute • Multiple MMNL models were estimated with interaction variables (e.g. age * accessibility by car) •  entered in the model as non-random parameters

10. Results | Motivations

11. Results | Model (goodness of fit ρ2= 0.2376)

12. Results | Influence of user characteristics

13. Results | Total utility of attributes

14. Conclusion • Owners or managers could: •  Create a vibrant and creative atmosphere with homey interior • A half-open lay-out with workstations for different work activities •  Not focus on selecting a specific group of tenants •  A coworking space without a coworking host • A fitness centre and bar are not preferable for coworkers • Monitor the needs and preferences and adapt to these preferences

15. Limitations and future research • Characteristics of the current coworking spaces were not taken into account • By using the attribute stated choice model, hypothetical choices were measured • Differences between different types of multi-tenant offices, with regard to user preferences • A larger dataset with data of coworking spaces in different countries could increase the generalizability of the results

16. m.weijs.perree@tue.nl

17. Appendix 1 | Sample characteristics

18. Appendix 2 | Model results 1

19. Appendix 3 | Model results 2