COVID-19 upended many business and societal norms that people had become accustomed to for many years beforehand. Mandatory workplace attendance, close interpersonal collaboration, client meetings, and water-cooler friendships seemed to disappear overnight.

Despite shutdowns, masking policies and social distancing recommendations, the pandemic panic has begun to wane, and business as usual has begun to surge again. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the sudden explosive growth in coworking spaces. Despite the return to the workplace, many business owners remain concerned about how best to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers from future health risks. Let’s look at some proactive considerations.

Focus on Safety and Hygiene

The first step towards safeguarding your business success in a coworking environment is to focus on the basics of cleanliness. Attention to sanitation and cleanliness will not only prevent the spread of COVID but also protect you, your employees, and your clients against illnesses and infections of all kinds. You can achieve this by implementing the following measures:

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures: Clean and disinfect all surfaces on a regular basis, especially high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Keep hand sanitizer publicly available.
• Social distancing measures: Following guidelines on social distancing can help reduce the potential for person-to-person spread of viruses and bacteria. Offer masks to clients and employees who might be feeling under the weather.
• Contactless check-in and payment systems: You can reduce contact between members and staff by implementing contactless check-in and payment systems. This can be done using mobile apps or RFID cards.

Foster Remote Community and Connection

You can build community interaction both in person and remotely to help reduce viral spread and grow your network and business at the same time. Here’s how:

• Organize virtual and in-person social events: By organizing virtual and in-person social events, you can help your contacts connect with each other. This could include things like happy hours, networking events, and workshops.
• Networking and mentoring opportunities: Coworking spaces can provide access to networking and mentoring opportunities. This could include things like hosting guest speakers, organizing roundtable discussions, and connecting members with mentors.
• Create a supportive and collaborative work environment: Coworking spaces can encourage members to interact with each other and share ideas. This could include things like having open common areas and providing members with access to shared resources.

Embrace the Hybrid Work Trend

Many companies are now adopting hybrid work models, where employees split their time between working in the office and working from home. Coworking spaces can capitalize on this trend by offering flexible workspace options and amenities that meet the needs of hybrid workers.

For example, coworking spaces could offer dedicated workspaces for hybrid workers, such as soundproof offices or offices with locking doors.

Stronger Business Growth with Urban Office

Despite the risks associated with COVID-19 and even future pandemic threats, Urban Office can help you not only survive times of medical emergency but come out stronger on the other side. By providing state-of-the-art facilities, we are the partner that can provide you with the tools you need to grow your business no matter the situation. With locations in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, we’re here to provide you with the workspace that can help your business thrive. Urban Office offers modern, small private offices where members have their own private office with shared world-class amenities. If you would like more information on our all-inclusive membership agreements and our affordable, flexible private office space, contact us through our website or give us a call: in Houston at 832.827.3999, in San Antonio at 210.435.9515, and in Austin at 512.505.0008.