FROM private offices to shared workspaces, and from daily commuters to digital nomads, the way we work is going through fundamental changes.
As the commercial environment evolves, so do our needs and expectations: IT creates opportunities, interior design adapts and work patterns change.
As a consequence of the digital revolution and prevalence of remote working, many market commentators felt that the traditional office, with a cellular and hierarchical structure tied to a rigid long-term lease, was on borrowed time.
However, as the novelty of working at home or in Starbucks has worn off, a new global trend in office space design called “co-working” has emerged.
This new model offers the same benefits of working remotely, such as lower costs and increased flexibility, but also incorporates the principles of the new “sharing” economy, which allows owners to maximise usage of under-utilised assets.
As Uber and Airbnb provide a platform for sharing cars and homes, co-working space does the same for the office, providing higher rents for the owner and saving money for the user, making it a rare “win-win” proposition for both landlords and tenants.
However, the benefits of co-working are not just about rent.
People tend to be more productive when they work together, so co-working spaces provide opportunities for individuals to collaborate and create new ideas.
Co-working also helps form a community for related businesses to flourish.
Barriers between sectors are broken down and individuals can tap into a variety of networking opportunities.
Co-working therefore couldn’t have emerged at a more appropriate time for Aberdeen.
When I worked in Hong Kong, I learnt that the Chinese word for “crisis”, is composed of two characters, one for “danger” and the other for “opportunity”.
The oil and gas sector is currently in crisis, but challenging times necessitate innovation, so the way we work can have a significant impact on the economy.
I believe the current economic situation in Aberdeen will increase the need for more user-friendly and cost-effective working environments.
At Skene Business Centres, we have therefore refurbished our offices, upgraded our IT systems and improved our facilities.
To create business opportunities for clients, we organise regular networking events, and to help companies on a budget, we offer “hot-desk” facilities, co-working space and subsidised rents for start-ups.
By offering more flexible terms and a greater variety of spaces, our business has adapted to both global trends and local economic circumstances.
Despite the downturn in oil and gas related activity in Aberdeen, we are still receiving a regular flow of requirements for serviced or virtual offices and meeting rooms.
So, although dangerous, the current crisis is creating opportunities for our business and economy.