Future.
Only one in eight wants to return to the corporate office
02.05.2022
Coworking for SMEs: Why companies are opening up to new working models and how they benefit.
The pandemic has changed working habits and accelerated digitisation: While daily presence in the office was once the rule and, with a little luck, one day of working from home a week, the situation is now the other way round. “A survey by Deloitte in 2021 suggests that only one in eight employees wants to return full-time to the corporate office,” says Claudius Krucker, co-chair of the Coworking Switzerland association. More than half would like to work primarily from home or some other location. In reality, workers are increasingly seeking flexibility and autonomy, For companies, this means that “If you want to remain attractive as an employer, you have to respond – for example, with new working models.” For a long time, it was mainly the self-employed who rented workspaces in coworking spaces as needed. This has changed.
Why SMEs are finding coworking worth their while
“It’s a fact that SMEs benefit from coworking scenarios,” says Krucker. These offer flexible solutions that can be booked depending on the kind of work coming up – which saves on expensive permanent office space. Need a large room for a team meeting? Coworking spaces have them available to rent on demand. Staff don’t want to commute to the office every day? Desk space that can be rented flexibly close to home is often a better alternative to working from home. "Coworking spaces usually offer better facilities and more efficient working; they also help maintain personal contact with others,” says Krucker. And the availability of corporate car sharing vehicles at coworking spaces is also useful (see map). Especially when there’s a shortage of skilled workers, companies need to accommodate their employees’ desire for greater autonomy – for example by covering the cost of desk space in coworking spaces.
What SMEs should bring to the table
However, in order to integrate the form of co-working into a company, a corresponding corporate culture is needed, Krucker stresses: “A company should not rely entirely on compulsory attendance, but should be open to autonomous working.”
Tips: How SMEs can get started in coworking
Hire a fixed team office: Ensure that similar industries are represented in the coworking space (better networking and exchange).
Renting an individual workplace: Employees choose according to their personal needs (e.g. proximity to home).
Ensure easy access: Can the coworking space be reached by public transport? Proximity to Mobility vehicles: both coworking and corporate car sharing are rooted in the notion of sharing and sustainability.
Do you have the right business subscription for full flexibility?
A single transferable Mobility card for the whole team? That’s a bit of a nuisance. Upgrade now: Each team member will receive their own card, giving them more flexibility. Get in touch with us. Your Key Account Manager will get back to you shortly.
Further information
Coworking in Switzerland: https://coworking.ch/