While companies were forced to adopt remote work early on during the pandemic, employers are now realizing there are pitfalls to having a fragmented workforce.
Lagging Zoom calls, spotty internet and a lack of in-house technology have all become synonymous with hybrid work – leaving many employers scrambling to find the right workplace solution.
For those looking to commit to hybrid work, moving into a coworking or flexible workspace can provide the best of both worlds.
With modern technology, innovative layouts and high-end amenities, coworking spaces can help bridge the gap between remote workers and those who prefer to be in the office, says Sean Cochrane, president of flexible workspace provider TCC Canada.
“A lot of companies right now are stuck with old office space that no one wants to go to, and employees who are sick of working at home,” he says. “Since our inception, we’ve been helping businesses solve this problem, so our team is well-suited to help companies navigate this time of transition.”
Integrating technology
Over the last year, Cochrane and his team have focused on integrating top-quality technology into each of TCC’s six Ottawa locations to allow companies to better collaborate with remote employees.
Tenants have access to gigabit-dedicated fibre optic internet, and all boardrooms are outfitted with HD smart boards and TV displays to ensure a quality experience.
The boardrooms are also equipped to connect to any meeting platform – allowing businesses the flexibility to operate on whichever video-conferencing software they need.
To top that off, the entire infrastructure is supported by state-of-the-art Cisco security appliances that allow a segregated, secure experience for each client to ensure everyone’s data remains secure.
“It’s not surprising that a lot of employers weren’t equipped with all of this technology pre-pandemic, because they probably didn’t think they would need it,” says Cochrane. “And now, it would cost so much to install, they just feel stuck.”
Flexible workspaces also strike a nice balance between private workstations and shared spaces, making it easier for employees to transition back to the office.
With unique collaboration rooms, comfy furniture and increased cleaning protocols, coworking spaces can also help re-energize a team and get the creativity flowing.
Keeping company culture
As companies begin to plan for the future, this is also a great opportunity to think about company culture and how it ties into a hybrid workforce, adds Cochrane.
“A common misconception about coworking-style spaces is that you will lose your company identity by not owning that space, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” he says.
Tenants working in private offices have the opportunity to make that space their own – incorporating company colours, logos and whatever elements they need to feel at home.
At TCC’s newest location – the former Shopify headquarters at 150 Elgin St. – incoming clients are connected with Linebox Studios in order to design their new office space.
Discover your new office
“Culture is in your community, your workforce and the way you do things, and that should be reflected in the space you work in,” says Andrew Reeves, owner of Linebox Studios, the architecture firm that originally designed the Shopify space. “There’s so much good in that building and we’re excited to be a part of its next chapter.”
And with such a variety of companies working in one space, coworking also brings an electric energy to the building that will help foster creative thinking and collaboration for the companies that call the space home, adds Reeves.
“You get a pulse of what’s cool and what’s new in the community … it’s like the heartbeat of the city,” he says. “That can have a huge impact on your own business and can introduce you to a host of like-minded individuals, which you wouldn’t necessarily get in a traditional office.”
