Co-working spaces in Bangkok are causing a stir as this type of office space adapts.
There is no denying that the office set-up is changing. The welcoming of co-working spaces to Bangkok is in the news on a monthly basis as this phenomenon is now becoming part of the mainstream. Office space landlords are having to adapt in order to meet with the increasing numbers looking for this type of environment to work in.
Real estate firm JLL have been looking into the way that co-working spaces are playing out and have discovered that this form of office setup is being considered by landlords as part of their larger strategy. As millennials habits are changing both at home and at work, it is imperative that landlords take heed of this to be a success in this shifting market.
New co-working spaces are emerging and are set to open in the newly refurbished shopping centre of Siam Discovery and also Habito. A collaboration with Siam Piwat and Sansiri these new spaces are intended to fill a gap in the market. However JLL have noted that despite this growing trend there are still obstacles to overcome.
Head of research and consulting at JLL, Andrew Gulbrandson, commented, “A major common barrier that co-working providers face in seeking partnerships with large commercial real estate players is a fundamental lack of understanding the core values and ethos of the co-working providers, which often centre around creating a sense of community for users — with the community becoming the main point of attraction rather than the space itself”.
Interestingly co-working spaces were initially built to cater for freelancers and those who are setting out on the entrepreneurial road. But recently co-working spaces have been attracting companies that are looking for office space that fit the bill that they provide. Start-ups aren’t the only ones using this sort of space and Gulbrandson emphasises the need for landlords who are intending to take this route to be remain flexible in their approach to succeed.
