Candidates increasingly focused on access to coworking space, recruiter finds

Candidates are increasingly asking about the quality of hybrid working rather than simply whether it is offered, with recruiters reporting growing interest in employers that provide access to coworking spaces.

Recruitment firm Biscuit Recruitment said flexible working alone is no longer enough for many jobseekers, who are now placing greater emphasis on where they will work when they are in the office.

The company said coworking spaces, once primarily associated with freelancers and start-ups, are increasingly being used by larger employers to offer greater flexibility, shorter commutes and more purposeful office days.

It pointed to Currys’ expansion of its flexible workspace at WeWork’s 10 York Road site in London earlier this year as an example of the trend.

Frances Li, founder and director of Biscuit Recruitment, said: “A few years ago, post-pandemic, candidates wanted to know whether a role was hybrid or fully remote or in-office. Now, conversations are moving beyond this.

“People are focusing on where the office is, what the office space is like and whether the company uses coworking spaces. They’re thinking about personal commitments throughout the week and how to balance them with work.

“Flexibility will always be a priority for candidates in certain industries, but they also want to know that when they do travel into the office, what will the vibe be like, is it worthwhile – especially for those commuting far. They want office days to feel intentional, not a mandatory request from senior leadership.”

Li added: “Working from home has lots of advantages, but it can also be quite isolating if you’re doing it every day. Coworking spaces give people the best of both worlds. They have somewhere professional to work that’s often closer to home, while still being around other people.