Melinda Winkler

​When the COVID-19 storm finally passes, the sun will shine on a very different world. 

There are so many uncertainties looming in the fog of COVID-19. The work environment is largely part of the unknown of what our new normal will look like. Despite these concerns, coworking is an industry poised to thrive post-pandemic. 
For the office worker
Companies will look to “de-densify” their offices which could mean any number of transitions back into a new normal. This could mean staggering shifts, physical spacing of desks, or going to the office only when necessary. More flexibility and understanding towards flexible schedules where there once was rigidity. The companies that may have been slow to adopt the flexible working environment have been forced to put these procedures in place and invest a large amount of capital to do so. There won’t be many that will snap back to their old ways after this is all over. Some companies will slowly transition back but most will remain altered. 
My guess is there will be a few different types of people.

1. The worker who is just becoming comfortable with working from home and just finished settling in to their new home office. 
2. The worker who was already working from home and this is no different at all.
3. And the worker who after a few months of lockdown will be eager to work from somewhere else, ANYWHERE else! 

For the freelancer or entrepreneur
Companies are downsizing and let’s face it, not all employees will be returning to work. There will be an influx of freelancers and people looking for cheaper options for places to be productive. We’re here for them. 
It is projected that the work-from-home force will jump 70%. The need for thoughtful, productive, collaborative space will only grow. When you need to bring your team together or meet with a client, a professional environment is critical in this new working environment in which we find ourselves. 
For everyone
Coworking is so much more than space. Business is social. As human beings, we inherently crave human connection. That has never changed and never will. Connection is pandemic-proof and we will adapt. That craving will (in my opinion) come through to the other side stronger than ever. 
Most coworking spaces don’t just serve the needs of remote workers: they are a crucial support structure for local economies. Coworking spaces often serve as a business hub. They are well-positioned and are better connected to the local business owners. In many cases, they have trusting relationships with them. 
Entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers will need social networks and local connections more than ever to regain their footing. The strength in community will be essential in helping people re-connect, build new networks, and support each other.
This does not mean coworking will be the same. 
Just because the thirst for human connection and need for community will remain, doesn’t mean the working environment will snap back to normal. We would be naive to think we can just re-open with business-as-usual. We, at Work2gether, have taken drastic measures to adapt to this new normal. More on that in our next post! 
We are better together
The last, and biggest, reason why we will still be here when this pandemic recedes, is because of our fundamental belief that we are stronger together. We’ve based our life’s work around this philosophy. Through the support we’ve seen for one another, the roots of the communities we serve have grown deeper through these trying times. Our biggest and most valuable asset we have to recover from this crisis is each other.