Keeping up the good Workspace

Kate Frazerhurst (left) with Allan Bennett and Zoe Mohi at Workspace in Whangarei. Photo / John Stone

The concept of a shared work space office in Whangarei is catching on fast with plans brewing for a second site in Northland.

Workspace Whangarei director Lisa Halverson said interest has been growing since the Finlayson St venue opened in April.

"We have created an environment that people comment on and feel when they walk into Workspace.

Lisa Halverson

"Word of mouth and the support of local papers and Facebook have meant we can keep the profile at the top of people's minds when they are looking for a workspace or a meeting room to use," Ms Halverson said.

Workspace looks like any other workplace. There are desks, meeting rooms, printers, scanners, internet access and coffee. But the point of difference is the office space is for business people and entrepreneurs wanting short-term hire.

"A lot of people are working out of their cars or cafes or from home and this gives them an affordable option."

Ms Halverson said desks can be hired permanently, or on a "flexi-desk" basis or casual half and full-day periods. A meeting room is also available by the hour.

"We have a few permanent co-workers in Workspace and this has enabled those businesses to save on overheads or if they have been self-employed they are enjoying mixing with other people and have also commented on how much more productive they are coming into Workspace.

"There is good interest in the use of the meeting rooms that we can provide catering in or if they just want a quiet place to meet we have the meeting rooms for them," she said.

"There are still spaces for a couple of permanent co-workers then the rest are for casual co-workers to use.

Ms Halverson said feedback has been very positive.

"We have had a few co-workers call in to have a look around and then ended up staying for the day. Comments are it is just too good to leave."

She says several co-workers commented on how much business they have gained since using the facilities. People can rub shoulders with like-minded, busy people and the conversation just goes from there.

"One of our regular flexi desk users said to me the other day the school holidays were hard. When I asked if the kids had been sick or did she have a bad couple of weeks her response was 'no I missed Workspace. I could not wait to get back here today'.

"We have had several people who work remotely from home or study that are now coming in once or twice a week.

"Workspace is about making life easy and after a quick induction co-workers can come and go as they please, allowing for flexibility and business meetings to happen," Ms Halverson said.

For now she says the plan is to grow the use of the meeting rooms locally in Whangarei. In the long-term she would like to create another Workspace for use in the mid-North.

"I travel weekly and I know of other services that do the same. Other than a cafe there are limited places or offices to use for meeting clients."