The era of remote working is far from over. With increasing cost pressures on businesses and workers, real estate costs could be a huge factor in how and where we work in the future.

Last month, Apollo Technical reviewed the work-from-home trend and concluded that it’s here to stay. It’s fair to say that some of the data they cited dates back to 2020 and 2021 which we have to recognise as peak work-from-home era thanks to old mate, global pandemic.

Headlines towards the end of last year captured the might of big global companies forcing workers to return to the office including Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, UPS, Boeing, Google, Meta and Zoom (yes, that video communications company, Zoom).

Look a little closer and those headlines generally referred to a two or three-day-a-week return, not a full-time return, making hybrid working (partly remote, partly on-site) increasingly common.

In NZ, Seek’s stats showed 8.9% of Kiwi job ads indicated that the role could be done from home. Pre-pandemic, very few of us worked from home. The industry breakdown of remote workers is as you’d expect - white collar desk-based workers by far leading the trend.

What is more interesting for regional towns like ours is that InternetNZ’s Internet Insights Survey at about the same time, suggested that half of Kiwis whose jobs allow work-from-home would consider moving somewhere if they could relocate their current job.

Turns out, New Zealand is the top destination for digital nomads in Australia. A digital nomad is someone who has the ability to work from anywhere. We are still the world’s best country for life-work balance according to Remote’s ranking of the world’s top 60 GDP countries. We have at least one digital nomad working from our place regularly, their employer being off-shore.

Hybrid working (being part-time office-based) may not easily work for people based in Ōamaru if the company is in Auckland but hey, if they’re in Dunedin or Timaru - at least a day a week here in town with us makes sense for both parties in terms of cost and travel time (that’s productivity, right there).

We’ve also hosted many people who are managing to move between towns and cities on at least a semi-regular basis. There’s no question that Waitaki offers a host of attractions that benefits remote workers who can be paid city-rates and enjoy the best of what our region has to offer.

Another group of our regulars live just far enough outside of town that they have to rely on expensive rural or satellite internet. That won’t last forever (the pricing will get increasingly competitive) but in the meantime, a membership at our place is a fraction of the cost, more reliable and likely, faster.

We’ve looked into it and there’s easily ten good reasons people here and everywhere choose to work out of places like ours - and that’s before you even factor in company’s ongoing operatoinal costs. Check them out.

1. Increased Productivity
   Coworking environments often lead to higher productivity levels. The presence of others working alongside you can create a motivating atmosphere and reduce distractions.

2. Enhanced Focus
   The structured environment of a coworking space helps improve concentration. With dedicated areas for focused work and professional surroundings, it becomes easier to stay on task.

3. Boosted Creativity
   Collaboration and idea-sharing in coworking spaces can spark creativity. Diverse perspectives and spontaneous brainstorming sessions often lead to innovative solutions and new ideas.

4. Networking Opportunities
   Coworking spaces provide access to a broad network of professionals. This networking can lead to valuable connections, partnerships and business opportunities.

5. Reduced Feelings of Isolation
   Working alone can be isolating. Coworking spaces offer a sense of community and interaction, helping to combat loneliness and create a supportive work environment.

6. Access to Resources and Amenities
   Coworking spaces often come with professional amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and office equipment. These resources enhance your work experience without the overhead costs.

7. Cost-Effective Solutions
   Renting space in a coworking environment is typically more affordable than maintaining a private office - even one at home. It offers flexible plans and scalability, reducing operational costs.

8. Work-Life Balance
   Coworking spaces help maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life. The professional setting aids in creating a routine and a clear separation from home responsibilities.

9. Opportunities for Learning and Development
   Many coworking spaces offer workshops, events, and networking activities that can contribute to personal and professional growth. This fosters continuous learning and skill development.

10. Increased Flexibility
    Coworking spaces often provide flexible membership plans, allowing you to choose the level of access that suits your needs. This flexibility helps accommodate various work styles and schedules.

So if any of that sounds like a little bit of what you need, check out our website and talk to us. The way we work has changed. A professional environment is a real asset - it just doesn’t have to be in the same place as the company or even in the same place all the time. Can your business afford not to be flexible?