Flexible Workspace Australia (FWA) launched as the first peak body for the coworking and flexible workspaces, in response to the growing demand for hybrid work environments.
FWA brings together Australia’s leading flexible workspace and coworking providers.
Goals and targets of Flexible Workspace Australia
The FWA stakeholders include Hub Australia, The Thrive Network, WeWork, Workspace 365, Eastern Innovation, WorkLife, Work Tank, The Executive Centre, IWG, Creative Cubes, The Commons, Liberty Workspaces, Your Desk, Impactiv8, The Hive and WOTSO.
Suppliers to the coworking and flexible workspace industry have also been a part of its creation. These include Bioom, Instant Offices, Rubber Desk, Work Free and Office RnD.
FWA will connect stakeholders and facilitate an advanced, collaborative network.
The peak body will represent member interests in dealings with governments and conducting research to dissect the rapidly growing sector and support policy development.
FWA is working with Victorian Government to deliver a program on suburban coworking, enabling people to work near home, keep economic activity local and reduce congestion.
It has also connected nationally with the Property Council of Australia and Council of Small Business Organisations Australia for rental relief advocacy.
The body hosted a virtual launch event with a panel hosted by co-chairs Fiona Mayor Founder of the Thrive Network and Brad Krauskopf, CEO of Hub Australia on September 9.
The State of Flex Market event will celebrate the new milestone for the industry through a panel discussion that sheds light on how the pandemic continues to grow appetite for flex space across Australia, and FWA’s mission within this everchanging environment.
Flexible Workspace Australia stakeholders’ comments
The Thrive Network Director Fiona Mayor said, “FWA ultimately strives to create a healthy eco-system and community that encourages idea and resource sharing, allows talents to develop and innovate, and fosters beneficial partnerships in the flexible workspace industry.”
“We want to raise awareness and understanding among peers, partners, end-users and the government to influence policy making in support of the flexible workspace industry.”
“Through extensive professional development events, workshops and seminars, we help our members foster closer links within the network and set them up to more growth and success.”
Hub Australia CEO and Founder Brad Krauskopf said, “This is an important and exciting step for our industry, as Australian workplaces move towards a hybrid and flexible future.”
“Its now time for us to join forces to ensure we support future of work demands effectively and represent our interests as an industry. Members, affiliates and supporters can now collaborate to create flexible workplaces for businesses of all industry backgrounds and sizes.”
“Flexible Workspace Australia as a united peak body enables the industry to better contribute towards building a diverse network of flexible workspace locations that span across Australia.”
FWA was conceived in 2020 in response to demand for flexible workspace after the pandemic.
In 2019, coworking and flexible workspaces accounted for 2.5% of all net lettable commercial office in Australia but is forecast to surge post-pandemic as companies, small and large, aim to meet the flexible demands of their team for high quality and adaptable workspace.
FWA welcomed flexible work stakeholders from all industry backgrounds to its first event. The event kicked off with a ‘State of Flex Market’ update and panel discussion.
The panel discussed new research and insight from The Instant Group on how the pandemic continues to change and grow the appetite for flex space across Australia.
