CO-WORKING SPACES JOIN THE SPACE RACE
N ew hybrid working is making us all reconsider how we organise our nine-to-five arrangements. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we began to question the old business model of being tied to the same desk for seven hours a day, and many office workers now enjoy a more flexible approach that includes some time spent working from home. New technology – such as broadband and Microsoft Teams – has made remote working more connected than ever before, raising the question of whether wellbeing can be improved and productivity boosted by allowing employees to choose their own hours and work location. Co-working spaces first emerged in the early 2000s, with the first known dedicated co-working space opening in 2005 in San Francisco. The model grew as start-ups and freelancers sought cost- effective alternatives to traditional office leases. With the rise of remote and hybrid working during the pandemic (2020-23), many businesses downsized their offices but still needed occasional meeting spaces for client chats and team collaborations. Co-working spaces continue to be a cost- effective, flexible solution without the need for a long-term commercial lease. High-speed Wi-Fi There are lots of compelling reasons why someone might want to hire a co-working space or meeting room in Cambridge. Many individuals and freelancers, sole traders or ‘solopreneurs’, often working as part of the short-term gig economy, might be looking for a professional environment in which to work as an alternative to a distracting home environment. Being around other professionals in these spaces encourages innovation, networking and collaboration. For start-ups and other small businesses, a co-working space offers the Looking for co-working space, meeting rooms or venues to hire? Space in Cambridge is very much in demand – here’s our guide to what’s available
52 APRIL 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Powered by FlippingBook