Amid all the negative press, WeWork is still a great place to rent an office
Contrary to recent headlines, there are many benefits of renting an office space at WeWork.
Search “WeWork” in Google after ex-CEO Adam Neumann stepped down on September 24, 2019 and you’ll quickly drown in headlines of doom, gloom and financial catastrophe for the co-working real estate behemoth.
WeWork’s future seems pretty bleak. According to Bloomberg, the company struggled from a sobering IPO calamity. Market Insider reported WeWork would run out of money by mid-2020, New York Magazine said the company should never have been a unicorn, and The Sydney Morning Herald thinks WeWork’s implosion is a sobering lesson for all of Silicon Valley.
Did ex-CEO Adam Neumann get greedy? Yes. Did the company expand too fast and have trouble keeping up? Probably. Should they have focused on an IPO? That depends on whether you were an early investor in the company.
I’m not saying WeWork doesn’t have its fair share of issues to figure out. That’s undeniable. But I come from a different point of view. I have found tremendous value in being a WeWork member.
What are the benefits of renting an office at WeWork?
WeWork is more than just a company that rents office space. It is a community of entrepreneurs, small businesses, startups, founders, consultants and freelancers who network, connect and inspire each other every day.
Basically, it’s a vibe.
Office space in more than 100 cities
As of October 2019, WeWork has offices in 100 cities — only 45 of which are in the United States. As a member, I can reserve a hot desk at any of these locations around the world. Last month, I had an office waiting for me in New York City. When I visit family in Raleigh, NC, I have an office there too. I’ll even have an office with free tea, coffee, WiFi and phone rooms when I travel to Medellin, Colombia for New Year’s.
The benefit of knowing you can work in a productive office environment while traveling is invaluable. That is one of my favorite reasons for being a WeWork member.
Networking
At my WeWork office in Dallas, there are companies ranging from 1–2 employees to 10, or even 30. From startups to large corporations and family-owned enterprises, there’s pretty much every size company at any given WeWork location. That presents an incredible networking opportunity.
Plus, WeWork community managers are always willing to connect you with members in other offices. On the WeWork member board, you can post a job listing or ask for referrals from the global community. This is how I found my startup attorney, as well as an app developer.
A productive environment with beautiful design
WeWork isn’t just in the business of renting office space, it’s also in the business of designing them, too. It’s no wonder health insurance startup Oscar recently commissioned WeWork to work “purely as a design firm.”
From artwork, to lighting, couches and comfortable conference rooms, WeWork leads the game in office feng shui. There’s even a Pinterest board dedicated to the best WeWork interior designs.
Events
If you’re a fan of happy hours, free lunches, breakfasts and other events, then WeWork is a great place to rent an office. I’ve worked in corporate settings before, and I’ve never seen this level of events on a weekly basis.
Speaking of events, check out this video from the opening party at WeWork Victory Park in Dallas — created by non other than one of our members, The Uptown Agency:
Community
Above all else, WeWork is a community where you and your business can thrive. There’s usually someone in the office until midnight, and just as often someone in the office before dawn. I’ve made friends with CEOs, designers, financial advisors, investors, personal assistants, WeWork employees, and many of their pets as well. This community inspires me and pushes me to do my best work, and it’s hard to put a price tag on that.
What does the future of WeWork look like?
After Adam Neumann’s departure, WeWork is doing its best to remind members that we are the most important part of the company and that they are committed to making sure we have an enjoyable experience as a WeWork member.
Just take a look at this email we received from the new co-CEOs, Artie Minson and Sebastian Gunningham.
An update from WeWork’s Co-CEOs:
Over the past weeks, you may have heard news culminating in recent leadership changes here at WeWork. We write today to reassure you that we’re as committed as ever to you and to delivering a great experience every day.
Since the beginning, WeWork has been focused on giving our members around the world a creative and energizing environment that inspires you to do your life’s work. And while our leadership may have changed, that priority remains exactly the same: Our members will always be the center of who we are and what we do.
You, your innovative businesses, ideas, and inventive products all make this global community an incredible force we’re proud to be a part of, and one we’re proud to lead.
Over the weeks ahead, we’ll share as much information as we can about our plans to continue growing together. But today, we just want to say thank you. We couldn’t have gotten this far without you, and we’re excited for this next chapter together.
Many companies suffer when one person at the top makes greedy decisions that plague the entire organization for years to come. Do I think Adam Neumann was an incredible leader? Not really. Do I think WeWork has incredible employees who work hard every day to build a better community for their members? Absolutely.
WeWork raised billions of dollars to get to this point. If, as Simon Sinek insists, the company focuses on its WHY and continues to provide incredible value for its members, WeWork will have a prosperous future as the groundbreaking collaborative workspace company it set out to be.
