The Future for flexible workspace: Giles Fuchs in React News

COVID-19 has created a period of uncertainty for many people. In the commercial real estate sector, the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have been felt dramatically, but flexible workspace providers such as Office Space in Town have been working hard to support their tenants during lockdown and prepare for a safe return to the office.

In a recent article for React News, OSiT CEO Giles Fuchs explores the impacts of COVID-19 for flexible workspace and how short-term uncertainty has put greater pressure on certain segments of the industry. Providers who operate a freehold model, ourselves at OSiT among them, have been some of the best placed to support their community in navigating the crisis – without the shadow of rent obligations hanging over them. Likewise, providers offering serviced office space as opposed to high-density dependent co-working space have been better able to implement effective health and safety measures.

A period of enforced working from home has thrown up issues with this, from increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety, to not having the correct equipment and working hours bleeding into ‘home time’ or not being able to switch off. It has also highlighted that a move to more flexible working is possible.

While there are clearly short-term challenges for the sector, there are many reasons why we should be optimistic about the future for flexible workspace, and, especially, the ability of providers to respond quickly to new safety priorities and more flexible ways of working, which the traditional office model may struggle to accommodate.

Read Giles' piece in full here