The New World of Business

When the pandemic hit, back in 2020, most people believed it would be a short-lived experience. As the weeks turned into months, though, most of us began to realize that we were going to come out of it with an entirely new “normal.” This is certainly true when it comes to the business landscape. Offices closed, travel shut down, and remote work became the norm, and it’s unlikely we will ever go all the way back to the way things were before COVID-19. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but, interestingly, three years later it’s still somewhat of a work in progress for most of us.

Working from Home vs Coworking

For many people, working from home was a novel idea pre-pandemic. Now, however, remote work is commonplace. While some people enjoy it and have adjusted happily to the shift, others find that when they work from home, coworking space is something they truly miss. The easy camaraderie of office life, the built-in routine of the workday, and even small rituals like the coffee break are things they would like to regain. Because of this, many businesses are embracing a hybrid model, with a blend of remote and in-person work. This shift, however, has made the traditional commercial lease less convenient for some companies. Some are choosing to embrace the concept of coworking space, where they can use shared amenities and office space for the reduced staff needed in the office.

Redefining Productivity

The increase in remote work has also led to changes in how productivity is measured. The old nine to five work day has become all but obsolete, and people are not judged on whether or not they sit at their desks all day. New deliverables and key performance indicators have to be established, and teams working separately need regular check-ins. One benefit of coworking space vs working from home is that it provides some structure, as well as a place for meetings and team building. For those who work from home, coworking space allows some of the connection and work environment they lack, and for businesses, coworking spaces are a place for collaboration.

Permanent Changes in Work Culture

Post-pandemic, some things will probably never go back to the way they were. Offices are now designed to allow for physical distancing and other safety measures, and private offices are returning, replacing the open floorplans that were previously popular. People are traveling less for work, and embracing the technology that allows them to connect with colleagues and clients even when they’re not physically present. The changes we all made during the pandemic shone a light on the need for work-life balance, making people unwilling to return to the same old grind, working long hours from an office instead of living their lives. For many companies, the financial commitment of a traditional office and a long-term lease no longer makes sense, which is why coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular.

Top-Notch Coworking Space in Texas

If you are looking for commercial office space for rent, Urban Office offers modern, flexible office space in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas. Providing more than the average coworking space, we offer our members private offices and shared amenities, at top-notch addresses in prime locations. Located within walking distance to some of the city’s top restaurants, bars, and retail, our offices combine location, affordability, modern design, and convenience to create the Urban Office Lifestyle. Each of our members gets their own private office with a door, and each location has a shared waiting area for clients, in our beautiful modern offices that are protected with access-controlled security and offer 24/7 access. Convenient parking and upscale, creatively designed, smart amenities make our properties a cut above the rest. 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 Austin at 512.505.0008, and in San Antonio at 210.435.9515.