The Secret to Happy Members and Seamless Workspace Management in 2025

We might be (slightly) biased, but the recent fall edition of our FlexWorld Series 2024 conference was full of killer insights.

The coworking landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, driven by the demand for flexibility and a growing emphasis on community. We sat down with industry leaders from around the globe to discuss all things technology and community in coworking.

One of our standout sessions, “Keep Members Happy, Automate the Rest,” brought a compelling vision for the future of workspace management to light.

This session emphasized the impact automation has on flexible workspaces. Automation fosters stronger member relationships and makes operations seamless and efficient, of course, through technology and coworking management software.

OfficeRnD’s CEO and Co-founder, Miro Miroslavov, shared first-hand insights from his decade-long journey in coworking software, along with a glimpse into the future of the industry. Here’s a breakdown of key takeaways from the session and some of the emerging trends set to redefine coworking.

The Evolution of Technology in Coworking

Miro painted a vivid picture of how far the coworking industry has come. In 2014, coworking spaces were scarce, and technology was nascent.  iPhone 6, anyone?

Software was installed on-premises, the cloud was still new, and coworking operators relied on piecemeal solutions to manage their spaces.

Fast forward to the present, coworking has grown into a global movement with thousands of spaces leveraging integrated management platforms to streamline operations, enhance member experiences, and scale efficiently.

This growth is attributed to technological advancements that made coworking more accessible and manageable.

Automation: The Game-Changer for Coworking Spaces

Automation was a focal point of the discussion, highlighting its transformative power in coworking. By automating routine tasks like invoicing, visitor management, and access control, coworking spaces can free up valuable time to focus on what matters most: building member relationships.

Key automation-driven improvements include:

• Effortless Visitor Management: Tools like the OfficeRnD Visitor Hub streamline check-ins, send SMS notifications, and even integrate with CRM systems for lead generation.
• Operational Excellence: Automated workflows ensure spaces run smoothly, reducing human error and administrative overhead.
• Dynamic Pricing and Revenue Management: AI-enabled pricing adjusts rates based on demand, maximizing both revenue and space utilization.

Member Happiness: The North Star

The session underscored that while automation is crucial, member satisfaction remains the cornerstone of coworking success. Miro highlighted that the ultimate goal of technology is to enhance—not replace—human interaction. To this end, coworking spaces must prioritize:

• Empowering Members with Self-Service Options: Seamless tools for booking rooms, purchasing day passes, or managing memberships provide autonomy and satisfaction.
• Data-Driven Personalization: Using analytics to anticipate member needs and tailor services for optimal experiences.
• Real-Time Feedback: Solutions like Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys help gauge satisfaction and address issues promptly.

The Future of Coworking Software: OfficeRnD’s Roadmap

Miro shared exciting developments in OfficeRnD’s platform, structured into six key hubs, each tailored to address specific operational challenges:

1. Operations Hub: Streamlining day-to-day management with enhanced reliability and performance.
2. Experience Hub: Elevating member interfaces with improved mobile apps and NPS feedback integration.
3. Growth Hub: Enabling spaces to sell more with e-commerce capabilities, dynamic pricing, and channel management. This one’s going to be BIG!
4. Visitor Hub: Transforming visitor experiences with self-check-ins, event flows, and lead generation. Learn more about it here.
5. Integrations Hub: Offering deep integrations with best-of-breed tools to extend functionality.
6. Data Hub: Providing advanced analytics, benchmarking, and AI-driven insights to optimize decision-making. Check out the Data Hub.

Spotlight: 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces

Pierre Goris, Co-founder of Florida-based coworking brand 4 & Co., shared his real-world experience with automation.

Known for their innovative approach, 4 & Co. built the first coworking space in the U.S. from the ground up, blending traditional business members with unique service providers like hairstylists and massage therapists.

The OfficeRnD Visitor Hub was a game-changer for 4 & Co., automating what was once a manual, time-consuming process of managing visitors and clients. The result? Improved member satisfaction, operational efficiency, and opportunities for lead generation.

Trends Shaping the Future of Coworking

Miro pulled the magic ball and highlighted several trends that will shape the flex space industry in the years ahead:

• Hyper-Flexible Memberships: Catering to the growing demand for “work-as-needed” options, such as booking specific days or hours.
• AI and Predictive Analytics: Leveraging data to forecast demand, personalize experiences, and optimize space usage.
• Integration Ecosystems: Building interconnected solutions to provide holistic operational and experiential capabilities.

Session 2 was all about emerging trends in coworking technology. Check out its recap here.

Final Thoughts

The FlexWorld 2024 session “Keep Members Happy, Automate the Rest” delivered a clear message:

Coworking operators must embrace technology and innovation to stay competitive. Automation is the backbone of efficient operations, while a member-centric approach ensures lasting loyalty and satisfaction.

As the coworking industry faces continued evolution, the balance between technology and human connection will remain critical. Operators who prioritize both will thrive in this dynamic, ever-changing landscape.

We invite you to check out the next two sessions of FlexWorld Series 2024: Fall Edition:

1. Future-Proofing Your Coworking Space: Emerging Trends in Coworking Technology
2. The Community in Coworking: Fresh Ideas and New Perspectives