ENTREPRENEURS
Pandemic pivot Shared workspace companies see positives in COVIDcaused changes BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all facets of office work — and dramatically in some respects. However, companies that offer shared workspace services have actually benefited from changes the coronavirus thrust upon office workers. The positive results might seem surprising on the surface. But when considered in detail, they actually make sense. Jon Pirtle, CEO of Nashville-based e|spaces, says business has remained very stable
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during the pandemic. And for every member lost, a new member has emerged. “Podcasters are using our spaces more,” he says, for example. “We’re set up with the technology solutions they require and have ‘Zoom Rooms’ they can rent by the hour whenever they need them, as they might keep different schedules and need the offices at off times. The [podcasters] even have a built-in audience [at e|spaces] and other members really root for them to be successful. It’s been a fun thing to observe and it’s happened very organically.” Pirtle says that since the pandemic hit, he has observed established companies utilizing e|spaces for cost savings and for landing new clients. As an example, banks are starting to question their traditional sales model, he notes. “I was speaking to a member the other day and he said, ‘Why do we make a potential mortgage client come to us? We should go where the clients are,’” he says. “They can set up a small office exactly in the middle of 50 potential clients who walk by their office every day, and they get to know a new prospect pool. They save money in the process. It’s that
‘There is no longer a playbook for teams and employees. And the more flexible options companies provide, the better.’ ERROL WILLIAMS, WEWORK
ERIC ENGLAND
