For many workers, the days of the 9 to 5 office job are over, thanks to the rise of the freelance industry.
Particularly in the creative fields B次元官网网址� content, marketing, and design B次元官网网址� there is a growing need for collaborative environments that accommodate long hours (and big ideas).
Local entrepreneur Tessa McLoughlin has developed a solution: Club Kwench, a wellness-focused creative co-working space.
B次元官网网址淚n 2013, I started developing the co-working concept,B次元官网网址� said McLoughlin from Kwench headquarters on Fort Street. B次元官网网址淚 thought, man, I wish there was a space I could work, learn, hold meetings and feel like I belonged to something bigger than just myself. A space that would remove the busyness and facilitate a balanced life.B次元官网网址�
For $200 a month, B次元官网网址渟ocial membersB次元官网网址� gain access to desk space, meeting rooms, phone booths, the kitchen and more from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
For $400 a month, members can reserve a desk and gain 24-hour access to the facility. There are also flexible entry passes and office rental options available.
Secondary to working, club members are encouraged to use the space to connect; every week Kwench hosts Taco Tuesday, and twice per week, yoga classes are available.
B次元官网网址淚 believe social interaction stimulates productivity,B次元官网网址� said McLoughlin, who noted that freelancing can be an isolating and lonely experience. B次元官网网址淐onnection is the most important thing to maintain a happy life.B次元官网网址�
From a business perspective, a co-working environment makes sense too, she added. B次元官网网址淔ive-year leases are going to be a thing of the past B次元官网网址� why commit to all of that overhead while youB次元官网网址檙e trying to grow your business?B次元官网网址�
One member rented a single desk for himself and as his business grew, he purchased a membership for each new employee. He now rents an office for five at Kwench.
ThereB次元官网网址檚 also the housing factor.
B次元官网网址淗omes are becoming smaller and rent is higher. I notice members say theyB次元官网网址檙e short of space at home and their partners want them out,B次元官网网址� McLoughlin said.
With the increasingly narrow B.C. housing market, home office spaces are a luxury that few can afford.
Within six months of its launch, the space is almost at capacity. A limited amount of social memberships and flex-entry are still available.
McLoughlin continues to improve her space through observing the needs of her clientele. Club KwenchB次元官网网址檚 next Victoria location is slated to be five times bigger than the flagship hub. The new location is planned to boast more fitness facilities, workshops and classes, a library and sleeping pods.
Co-working space is not a new concept, but still in its infancy.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 part of the sharing economy,B次元官网网址� McLoughlin noted, B次元官网网址淲e are slowly learning that weB次元官网网址檙e better working together than alone.B次元官网网址�
