OVID-19 is sending shockwaves through the labor force, changing norms, and creating possibilities that some workplaces never considered adopting before. Many people are being told that they would be working from home potentially permanently, or at least in the long run. But working from home is not for everyone. I imagine all the working parents with screaming toddlers counting the days till their office opens up again. People miss catching up with their friends over coffee in between meetings. And some people's work cannot become remote. However, the pandemic is diverging work norms, normalizing what used to be considered a "fringe" way of work: digital nomadism. I have been immersed in this lifestyle for the last two years. And I see the many opportunities it holds for society both locally and globally.
Let's first look at the local level. People miss people, and that makes perfect sense since belonging is a basic human need. But this thirst can be quenched by reimagining the workplace norms. I am currently based in London, and have been working from co-working spaces worldwide as I study in different countries through Minerva Schools. You may be surprised to hear that I feel like I belong to a community. Coworking is a fantastic solution that more workers should consider adopting. Shared workspaces can offer both a community and physical infrastructure while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Community members get powerful internet, a quiet space, new opportunities to expand their professional network, make new friends, and consume unlimited coffee, obviously. Employers on the other hand can significantly cut “dead weight” from renting offices, buying equipment, and investing in infrastructure that is no longer deemed relevant.
The wonderful thing about coworking spaces is that they can exist anywhere. The model already has a strong presence in urban centers, keeping cities relevant. But we should probably start to see more of these spaces created in "second-tier cities" as well. This shift will be extremely valuable for workers migrating from cities due to the high cost of living, especially through a model that grants access to coworking spaces everywhere. For coworking to become mainstream, providers should consider different business models that emphasize affordability and accessibility.
There are significant opportunities at the global level as well. By removing the constraints of location and promoting remote work, employers can create a more interconnected world and welcome diversity. I cannot emphasize how powerful, diverse knowledge is. At my work I regularly use platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, hiring skilled designers, data scientists, and content writers from all over the world, mostly from developing countries. It is clear how COVID-19 could promote more equal opportunities in terms of creating jobs. But only as long as more companies adopt this approach, independently or through mediating platforms.
COVID-19 hit the world hard and fast, leaving the labor force out of sorts. But I believe that it is vital to use this time to see the local and global opportunities that emerge from this new normal and customize existing tools to meet the basic human needs of belonging and a place to work (shelter) while promoting more opportunities for diversity and equality.
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How Coworking Spaces Can Help Build Local Communities and Enable Global Inclusion
October 16, 2020
C
OVID-19 is sending shockwaves through the labor force, changing norms, and creating possibilities that some workplaces never considered adopting before. Many people are being told that they would be working from home potentially permanently, or at least in the long run. But working from home is not for everyone. I imagine all the working parents with screaming toddlers counting the days till their office opens up again. People miss catching up with their friends over coffee in between meetings. And some people's work cannot become remote. However, the pandemic is diverging work norms, normalizing what used to be considered a "fringe" way of work: digital nomadism. I have been immersed in this lifestyle for the last two years. And I see the many opportunities it holds for society both locally and globally.
Let's first look at the local level. People miss people, and that makes perfect sense since belonging is a basic human need. But this thirst can be quenched by reimagining the workplace norms. I am currently based in London, and have been working from co-working spaces worldwide as I study in different countries through Minerva Schools. You may be surprised to hear that I feel like I belong to a community. Coworking is a fantastic solution that more workers should consider adopting. Shared workspaces can offer both a community and physical infrastructure while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Community members get powerful internet, a quiet space, new opportunities to expand their professional network, make new friends, and consume unlimited coffee, obviously. Employers on the other hand can significantly cut “dead weight” from renting offices, buying equipment, and investing in infrastructure that is no longer deemed relevant.
The wonderful thing about coworking spaces is that they can exist anywhere. The model already has a strong presence in urban centers, keeping cities relevant. But we should probably start to see more of these spaces created in "second-tier cities" as well. This shift will be extremely valuable for workers migrating from cities due to the high cost of living, especially through a model that grants access to coworking spaces everywhere. For coworking to become mainstream, providers should consider different business models that emphasize affordability and accessibility.
There are significant opportunities at the global level as well. By removing the constraints of location and promoting remote work, employers can create a more interconnected world and welcome diversity. I cannot emphasize how powerful, diverse knowledge is. At my work I regularly use platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, hiring skilled designers, data scientists, and content writers from all over the world, mostly from developing countries. It is clear how COVID-19 could promote more equal opportunities in terms of creating jobs. But only as long as more companies adopt this approach, independently or through mediating platforms.
COVID-19 hit the world hard and fast, leaving the labor force out of sorts. But I believe that it is vital to use this time to see the local and global opportunities that emerge from this new normal and customize existing tools to meet the basic human needs of belonging and a place to work (shelter) while promoting more opportunities for diversity and equality.
