Coworking and the Global Economy: Survival mode

With stocks dropping and layoffs announced left and right not to mention the last year of foreclosures in the housing market, more than a small amount of panic exists and the question has been raised regarding coworking's ability to survive in this global economic crisis.  A recent survey by YouronRamp.com found that those who were writing their own career path are changing plans and jumping back on the career track.  Offrampers are onramping.  Part time workers are looking to become full time employees and freelancers and entrepreneurs are seeking the security of the traditional workforce.  The logical question is how this will effective the growing coworking market that is sweeping the globe.

An article on Small Business Labs believes the recession will actually be a good thing for the coworking world.  I like to think that they are correct because yes, there will be less traditional jobs available.  And yes, history demonstrates that the number of small businesses increase in tough economic times.  And the smart businesses who can survive in the tough times will explode in the good times.  It's an amazing opportunity for innovation and positioning for when the market turns around for the well placed contractor or entrepreneur.

But also, I have been talking to several corporations who are looking to make the lifestyle of their employees better.  Corporations may not have to now, but many still do offer flexible work options that allow their employees the opportunity to use co-working spaces.  Employees can easily argue that coworking near home a couple of days a week saves them money on transportation costs and allows corporations to give intangible benefits when they are struggling to give monetary benefits. 

It's a win-win for all.  Still at Cubes&Crayons we have seen some of our contract workers not have contracts renewed and thus stopped using us or reduce their usage as they look for a new source of income.  The coworking community is a strong and growing one and I suspect it will survive and only soar when the economy begins a slow recovery.  It certainly will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. 

Comments

[Steve]

Interesting point about corporations using coworking as an employee perk. Are you seeing this often??