Coworking Spaces in Germany during the Covid-19 Crisis Utilized for Homeoffice and Homeschooling

Abstract

Aims: To capture the perception of coworking space (CWS) users during the covid-19 crisis for homeoffice and homeschooling purposes in terms of process, physical evidence and people components of the service marketing mix. Study Design:  This is a grounded theory study in nature which explores the users’ perceptions of coworking spaces. Place and Duration of Study: Coworking spaces in Germany during the covid-19 crisis between March 2020 and August 2020. Methodology: We included 200 respondents (88 male and 112 female; age range 18-88  years) who used the different services of various types of coworking spaces for  entertainment, business and or education purposes as employees, entrepreneurs, retirees or students. Results: Very important for the process are comfort and atmosphere together with cleanliness and safety (Mean 3.48, SD 1.31, r = 0.529). The physical evidence mentioned location in terms of access and the facility itself (Mean 3.54, SD 1.11, r = 0.650). People (Mean 3.31, SD 1.27, r = 0.619) make the CWS function with management, staff and customer mix. Conclusion: Coworking spaces received a big boost during the covid-19 crisis after initial lockdown and will continue to grow in the New Normal with homeoffice and on-line learning becoming the norm while CWS focus on process, physical evidence and people components of their marketing mix.