IWG, the global flexible workspace provider, has launched a new franchise scheme in Romania. The new programme allows Romanian franchise operators to enter the booming workspace industry for the first time ever, and in turn help IWG expand its global network.

Flexible workspace, sometimes known as coworking, has become a high-growth industry in recent years. The term refers to office space, meeting rooms and coworking areas that can be rented by individual workers or companies for a temporary period of time, from one hour to several years. The industry is estimated to be growing by 24% each year. By 2020, 50% of all workers will be remote most of the time. In 2022, the global mobile workforce will be 1.87 billion people. This is why global real estate giant JLL estimates that up to 30% of corporate real estate could be flexible workspace by 2030.

Arpad Szanto, Network Development Director SEE says: “Three in ten buildings on every high street around the world could offer a new franchise opportunity in the coming years. The serviced office market is one of the most exciting growth markets in the world, and the next frontier for franchise operators. We are excited to partner with new franchise operators to bring the many benefits of flexible working to more people and businesses across Romania.”

According to a recent IWG study, approximately 60% of Romanian employees work remotely at least a day a week and over 80% of companies consider that a flexible workspace would have a direct impact on business growth (91%), profit maximization and ongoing competitiveness (87%), that it would offer them the possibility to extend their business to new markets, to recruit and retain talent within the organization (84%). A number of 200 respondents from Romania participated in the study, employers and employees alike.