More Cities Adopt Coworking Model Due to Cost, Convenience and Efficiency

Advancements in mobile technology and modern personal devices have changed the way people work. Working remotely has become more viable and has enabled both employees and employers to work outside the confines of a traditional office space without compromising work product. This has been a major factor in the development of business models and work set-ups designed to bring out the best in the workforce. In the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, coworking is becoming more and more popular.

Coworking in the Philippines is a trend popularized by the tech savvy millennial generation, who comprise the bulk of the metropolitan sector. Coworking provides an alternative work environment that is conducive for work- without the rigidity of a traditional office.

The demand for coworking spaces in Metro Manila is increasing from freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, small corporations, IT firms, BPOs, and even multinational corporations.

The benefits of cost, increased productivity and convenience are some of the main reasons why coworking has become a viable option for businesses.

Cost is one of the premier reasons why coworking has become popular. Firms looking for office space but need to conserve money, are becoming more and more aware that coworking spaces do not require long term lease contracts; come equipped with fundamental amenities, furniture and equipment of modern offices; and, are more cost effective than traditional office spaces.

Another major factor for the growing demand in coworking spaces is that it increases productivity. Coworking spaces are designed to foster collaboration, cooperation, innovation, creativity and a spirit of community by exposing people to new business concepts and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

Convenience is also a significant consideration why coworking spaces in the country are in high demand. MNCs that mostly use office spaces as temporary or swing spaces are recognizing that coworking spaces are convenient and provide them with the ability to move in and out of an office space at short notice and avoid complicated contract negotiations, fit out work, and dealings with brokers, landlords, and property managers.

The real estate industry in the Philippines is growing rapidly and coworking spaces have become a significant driver of property demand. In fact, both foreign and local flexible space operators as well as real estate developers have recognized this opportunity and are developing all types of coworking spaces around Metro Manila.

Lobien Realty Group (LRG) says Makati and BGC are currently the preferred locations for establishing coworking sites and have the largest number of coworking spaces because of the heavy concentration of businesses in these areas. Currently, the five companies handling the biggest chunk of the country’s coworking spaces have, more or less, 33 thousand seats on the market. LRG, for one, is currently handling Work Studios located at the Infinity Tower in BGC. With a total of 172 seats, it also boasts of 122 private studios, 3 meeting rooms, 31 dedicated desks, 19 hot desks, 18 breakout areas, and 27 lounges.

And as the trend of coworking gets more and more popular, LRG predicts that the property markets in Quezon City, Ortigas and Alabang will benefit next.

Sheila Lobien Honored as Super Achiever at the 7th World Women Leadership Congress

Sheila Lobien, founder and CEO of Lobien Realty Group (LRG), was presented with the Woman Super Achiever award by the World Women Leadership Congress (WWLC) during the 7th WWLC awards held at Taj Lands End Band Stand, Bandra (West), Mumbai, India last February 17, 2020.

The WWLC is a worldwide organization that seeks to promote and encourage the empowerment of women. The WWLC honors the strategic and influential role of various women leaders in the development of the modern economy, technology, and administrative methodologies that promotes the advancement of government and business organizations to global competitiveness standards. The WWLC hosts its annual Women Leadership Awards to identify and celebrate the outstanding body of work and achievements of women leaders that are reflected by the distinct innovations and initiatives they bring to the public and private sectors. By highlighting the triumphs and successes of these women, the WWLC hopes to inspire, encourage, and urge young women to aspire for and, eventually, assume leadership positions in society.

The Women Leadership Award recognizes and appreciates the profound role played by women as leaders, executioners, and decision makers, in shaping the future of regions and nations, and who embody the qualities of leadership in displaying active, creative, and integrative efforts in getting the best possible results towards achieving national and regional development.

Sheila Lobien is tremendously honored to have won The WWLC Woman Super Achiever Award and is extremely proud to receive an award that has been won by great Filipina women business leaders including Florencia Tarriela, Chairperson, PNB, Chaye Cabal-Revilla, PLDT SVP & Group Controller, Smart Chief Financial Officer, Rayla Melchor Santos, CEO, Pro-active Resources Inc., Co-Founder, I AM S.A.M. Foundation, and Educator Environmentalist, Bing Sibal-Limjoco, President, PCCI, and Sherill Quintana, President Director, Philippine Franchise Association, President, Oryspa.

Women’s empowerment in the Philippines has long been an advocacy of Sheila Lobien. She is currently the chairperson of the Women in Business Committee of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP). Having received a prestigious WWLC Woman Super Achiever Award in recognition of her accomplishments has definitely encouraged Lobien to work harder in advancing the status of women and developing them to become remarkable leaders.