Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the German coworking industry has grown rapidly as one of the fastest-growing coworking markets globally. The pandemic, however, has brought the…
Abstract
Purpose
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the German coworking industry has grown rapidly as one of the fastest-growing coworking markets globally. The pandemic, however, has brought the industry to an abrupt halt. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to explore the impact the pandemic has had so far on German coworking spaces.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an online questionnaire, quantitative data from 38 coworking space owners, operators and employees of a total of 77 spaces in Germany has been collected regarding their situation before, during and after the peak of the first wave of the pandemic from Spring until Summer 2020. The data has been analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Findings
The reported income losses significantly outweigh a decrease in costs of the spaces. Nevertheless, the member base seems rather unaffected, and coworking spaces are exploring adaptations to their businesses with a strong shift to the digital environment. Fear of re-imposed governmental restrictions is evident, as well as justified with a looming second infection wave.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the sample size, the data may lack generalizability. Therefore, recommendations for future research are provided.
Originality/value
Data on the impact of the pandemic on coworking spaces is scarce. This paper provides a first necessary overview for the industry as well as the academic field to allow for action to be taken.
The global coworking industry is currently growing at a rapid pace. Similarly, Prague is witnessing an influx of global coworking operators who entered the market since 2018 and…
Abstract
Purpose
The global coworking industry is currently growing at a rapid pace. Similarly, Prague is witnessing an influx of global coworking operators who entered the market since 2018 and are expanding significantly. The purpose of this paper is to investigate enabling factors for this growth.
Design/methodology/approach
After a brief review of coworking and relevant typologies of its various forms, the paper conducts a narrative review of the coworking industry in Prague and its socioeconomic situation. This is subsequently linked in a discussion on growth factors that have facilitated the growth of the coworking industry of Prague.
Findings
With global coworking brands expanding in Prague's coworking industry by primarily targeting corporate teams, they benefit from favorable socioeconomic conditions in Prague as an attractive destination for businesses, which increasingly opt for coworking spaces to reap its positive benefits.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the conceptual approach and specific case of Prague, the discussions lack generalizability.
Practical implications
The paper provides valuable insight into the enabling growth factors that can serve practitioners to better predict and react to potential future developments, as well as provide an additional perspective in evaluating corporate real estate.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the still underresearched field of coworking by investigating enabling growth factors in a macroeconomic context.