- Coworking spaces are coming
The use of so-called coworking spaces is on the rise in Thuringia. There are now more than 20 such shared workspaces in the state, according to Alexandra Bernhardt from the Center for Digital Transformation Thuringia (ZeTT). The number has been steadily increasing for years - although some workspaces had to close due to the corona pandemic.
Most of these spaces are located in the cities of Erfurt and Jena. However, there are also coworking spaces in rural regions, such as in Heilbad Heiligenstadt or Leinefelde. There is still growth potential here. However, it is challenging to sustainably operate a coworking space in rural areas. It requires support and promotion from the municipalities.
In Bleicherode, a coworking space is also set to be created with the help of 700,000 euros in urban development funding. Infrastructure Minister Susanna Karawanskij (Left) is expected to lay the foundation stone for this today.
The pandemic has increased awareness
Generally, the pandemic and the increase in mobile work have increased the awareness of such spaces, according to Bernhardt. While initially, in the mid-2000s, mainly freelancers or start-ups worked in them, users now come from a wide range of industries. "Overall, coworking is still a niche phenomenon," she said. Mobile work is primarily understood as working from home.
The increased awareness of coworking spaces is also influencing the Netherlands, with many professionals seeking flexible and collaborative work environments. Despite being a predominantly urban concept, there's interest in establishing coworking spaces in rural areas of The Netherlands as well.
