Safe Coworking

01 / 24 / 22

3 min read

Table of Contents

Coworking spaces have offered a refuge for displaced employees and freelancers alike. New variants of COVID-19 have many employers teetering between office and remote work environments. More consistently, coworking spaces have provided a way for workers to get work done in a focused environment.

As the manager of a coworking space, you’re an unsung hero! The following six steps can help you promote a secure and healthy environment for clients who need your services.

Healthy co-working spaces

1. Automate the basics Contactless technology permits simple processes and transactions with less exposure for staff and clients. Automated attendance trackers offer convenient yet controlled access to your shared workspace. Combine Kisi and KUBE door access systems to manage member and visitor logs as well as billing details.

Enable pay-as-you-go features that empower any user with a mobile device to begin working automatically. Clients favor the flexibility, and it minimizes cancellations and billing disputes.

2. Improve ventilation and filtration Healthy spaces begin with ample air flow and filtration. Joseph G. Allen, faculty advisor to the Harvard Healthier Building Materials Academy, advises building managers to bring in as much outdoor air as they can to dilute airborne viral particles.

If your site has dampers, consider opening them. Recirculated air should be filtered by a MERV13 or higher filter, which capture at least 80% of viral particles. If those standards are unattainable, Allen recommends portable air cleaners with HEPA filters, which capture 99.97% of particles.

Enhanced security for transient workspaces

3. Benefit from member education Education is key to risk mitigation. During new member registration, consider hosting an e-learning session that covers the basics of shared workspace security. A few minutes of educational training can drastically improve the security of your coworking space.

4. Offer private Wi-Fi Greater fluctuations in clients may follow office policy changes. Enhance security with these value-add features for networks.

As an alternative to shared wi-fi networks, private networks provide excellent digital security. Each user receives a unique code that doesn’t overlap with fellow users’ access.Consider linking the access code with user membership. Have that code expire with the membership or expire after a certain duration of time for guests.

If individualized wi-fi credentials for guests seems tedious, consider a simple guest wi-fi network and password. For added security, update log-ins regularly.

5. Encourage privacy with filters Not all data theft occurs in the digital realm. Wandering eyes are still a source of concern in coworking spaces. By applying privacy screen filters on your in-house computer monitors, you can promote greater privacy for clients. Also consider installing an IP filtering system that minimizes undesirable data sharing and burdensome traffic loads.

6. Put the office to sleep When the office is closed, use a management platform or conventional timer to turn off the wi-fi after-hours. This limits the amount of time malicious users have to attempt access to your network. Additionally, timers are an inexpensive way to lower energy costs.

Read how you can power your coworking space with the most comprehensive platform on the market.