How coworking succeeds in the countryside
What are the success factors of coworking spaces outside of big cities? What characterizes a successful coworking space? Christian Amstad investigated these research questions for VillageOffice. At the last Brownbag in Effinger, he presented the results of his master's thesis - and explained what coworking has to do with couchsurfing.
A coworking space is a place where work is done. That is, where the work infrastructure is available. But a coworking space is also a place where social interaction takes place and a creative breeding ground emerges. A colorful mix of listening, telling, exchanging, enriching. Similar to Couchsurfing, says Christian Amstad. There are different concepts and goals for coworking spaces. But successful coworking spaces all have one common denominator: utilization. The better a coworking space is utilized, the more successful it is.
Successful coworking spaces can be recognized by their use
It's 12:00. On the second floor of the Effinger Coworking Spaces no chair is free anymore. Shy crackling of sandwich papers, quiet fork-flipping in take-away containers. Excitement and anticipation build. "Success factors of coworking spaces in rural and urban communities outside major centers. This is the title of my master's thesis." Christian Amstad begins his brownbag. During the next hour, he enlightens the interested lunch eaters about what he has been using for the last eight months on behalf of VillageOffice for his master's thesis at the HSLU Economics has been busy. We were there. An insight.
These seven factors help to achieve success
In his master's thesis, Christian Amstad names seven success factors for coworking spaces in rural areas. The first five factors can be influenced. There is hardly any room for maneuver with regard to factors 6 and 7.
1 - Jump start:
Municipalities, property owners, sponsors and coworking operators can help to reduce operating costs in the start-up phase. For example: reduced rental prices, financial or material support, unpaid work.
2 - Personal networking:
Network size influences the potential of utilization and lays the foundation for an active community. Personal networking plays a crucial role in rural communities - especially with neighbors.
3 - Community:
A coworking community with shared values ensures minimal utilization of the space. The more rural and smaller a coworking space, the fewer people are needed for a functioning founder group.
4 - Motivated people & organizational form:
Coworking operators stand up for their region and are intrinsically motivated. They choose a form of organization that allows for the adaptation of framework conditions and the participation of the community.
5 - Attractive offer:
No coworking space survives without a good offer. This includes: Atmosphere, location, access, price-performance, infrastructure.
6 - Liberal environment:
The greater the basic liberal attitude of a population, the more likely it is to be open to new things and interested in new forms of work.
7 - Promote framework conditions:
The continued existence and further growth of the coworking industry requires support from politics (promotion of decentralized working) and business (employee branding of companies).
Video: Presentation master thesis with Christian Amstad at the Brownbag in the Effinger Coworking Space
We take away the key takeaways from his master's thesis and look forward to sharing the VillageOffice Vision further - together with the Communities, Real estate owners, Company and Coworkers.
