We’re posting This Week In Coworking updates on the forum to enable asynchronous discussions of the weekly news and summaries.
Coworking updates.
Google adds new guideline on listing virtual coworking members.
Google almost sneaked in a new Google My Business guideline that restricts some virtual-only or mail-only coworking-based businesses from listing themselves on Google Maps.
Whilst the rules are pretty vague, this news has spun up conversations about how they’d be enforced, on who and how operators can prepare to comply and support existing/virtual customers.
North Texas coworking leaders discuss the flex-space in the region.
Flip Howard ( WorkSuites ), Jason Anderson ( Venture X ), Megan Kaye Marti ( Common Desk ) contribute to an article with NTX Inno about the state of operating flex spaces in a region that boasts a dozen local coworking brands like Work214 and Good Coworking , alongside national brands like WeWork .
One year on, 4 conclusions around the return to the office.
Michelle Killoran of OMERS Ventures shares four key conclusions on how people will want to, or need to, return to the workspaces. They include how hybrid could be too hard for early stage co’s, the opportunity for ultra-comfy home offices, the challenges of enticing employees ‘back to the office’, and what the “office v2.0” may look like.
H/t to Glenn Felson for sharing this story.
Insights into coworking in Africa from continent-wide operator.
Gregoire Schwebig shares insights behind the founding of pan-African coworking brand AfricaWorks . With 8 locations across the continent, the chain aims to open 20 locations by the end of 2021 to help hundreds of businesses overcome the barrier to entrepreneurship that is renting real estate in Africa.
More than a third of mid-sized UK co’s expect to trim office space.
Paul Unger ( PlaceTech ) shares the results of Grant Thornton ‘s survey of 275 business leaders from UK companies with revenue between £15m and £1bn.
Pilot ‘digital nomad village’ launches in Madiera this month.
CNN shares the story about how a tiny archipelago, a remote work consultant (Gonçalo Hall), the regional government of Madeira and StartupMadeira are launching a ‘digital nomad village in Ponta do Sol, offering participants accommodation, free coworking space, and community.
Could this become a trend, or an example for other beautiful places to welcome remote workers? All-inclusive workations anyone?
Architects share a model example of post-Covid coworking.
Amy Frearson shares designs, insights and inspiration around Threefold Architects ‘ newly completed Paddington Works coworking and events space in London.
The implementation and clustered-approach was built upon the firm’s research into bringing wellness principles into architecture to create healthier & happier work environments. We expect to see more intersectional designs and build-outs like this.
Coworking celebrations.
Coworking IDEA issues social media representation challenge.
The first Coworking IDEA project has issued their first challenge to coworking spaces to informally audit their representation on social media.
The project is a global initiative aimed at developing Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) within coworking & shared workspaces. February’s challenge is facilitated by Tash Thomas .
Coworking technology.
Former NYC CRE execs launch 3-tap coworking booking app.
Robbin Orbison (also from CapeSpace) and Mathieu Schepard , who were previously CFO and Coworking Director of Sales & Marketing respectively at Silverstein Properties in NYC, have announced that their PopDesk will launch test market in New York City on Feb 14th.
We’ve already asked if they’ll also be adding auto-updating profiles via Syncaroo and will let you know what they say.
Coworking events.
24 Feb: International conversation about the February Coworking IDEA challenge.
26 Feb : “Using Clubhouse to promote your coworking space” Coworking Convo.
22 Apr: Save this date if you’re in, running, or interested in Coworking Alliances .
Coworking conversations.
Bernie Mitchell and Tash Thomas chat all about First Friday calls and other upcoming events supported or run by the European Coworking Assembly .
Braden Drake tackles the “back-of-house” parts of business that many coworking operators (and members) often procrastinate around, with Jamie Russo .
Discussing these topics.
We’ll be monitoring this forum and engaging with discussions on any of the updates above.