Coworks CEO says coworking isn't a fad, but the next commercial asset class

As commercial real estate (CRE) faces record-high vacancies and shifting tenant expectations, Coworks is sending a clear message to landlords, brokers, and developers: coworking isn't just here to stay-it's your next competitive advantage.

Flexible office space is gaining momentum as a solution for a hybrid work era. Once considered a niche for startups and freelancers, coworking is a strategic asset embraced by landlords, supported by government policy, and demanded by today's workforce.

"Coworking isn't a trend-it's a structural shift," said DeShawn Brown, CEO of Coworks, a leading space management platform for flex and coworking environments.

"Real estate professionals who recognize that shift and act on it now will lead the next chapter of commercial property success."

Coworking aligns with how people want to work

As companies rethink traditional office layouts, they're moving toward collaborative, shared environments that support hybrid work. According to a recent HR Brew article, shared workspaces are increasingly viewed as purposeful, community-driven, and cost-efficient.

"Static floorplans and long-term leases no longer reflect how work happens," said Brown. "Coworking spaces offer flexibility, connection, and scalability-all the things today's tenants actually value."

Top landlords are building for flexibility

Major players are already rebalancing their portfolios to prioritize premium, amenity-rich flex spaces. Their strategy is focused not just on surviving market shifts, but on creating demand for the kind of office space that meets modern needs.

"Leading landlords aren't waiting for tenants to ask for flexible space-they're creating it," Brown added. "They're turning uncertainty into opportunity."

Flex is no longer optional. It's required.

As international labor laws evolve, governments like Ireland's are pushing for the legal right to flexible work. This shift reflects a growing expectation: flexibility is no longer a workplace perk. It's a baseline.

"If flexibility becomes law-or even just the standard expectation-office space has to evolve too," said Brown. "That's where coworking becomes a necessity, not a nice-to-have."

Brokers and startups are already on board

According to Propmodo, brokers are actively guiding startups toward coworking spaces due to their scalability, shorter lease terms, and built-in communities. This presents a unique opportunity for landlords to partner with operators or offer branded flex space directly.

"We're seeing tenant reps align with flex because it just makes more sense," Brown noted. "Startups want optionality and energy, not red tape."

Traditional metrics are outdated

Coworking is also changing how success is measured in commercial real estate. Metrics like square footage per employee are giving way to new KPIs like utilization, experience, retention, and revenue per square foot.

"You can't measure a flex space with legacy yardsticks," Brown said. "We need smarter tools and smarter data to see the full picture."

Software is the new secret weapon

As more CRE professionals enter the coworking space, many are turning to platforms like Coworks to handle the complexity behind the scenes. From access control to billing to member management, software is essential for scalable operations.
"Our mission at Coworks is to simplify the operational side so landlords and teams can focus on what they do best-leasing space and growing revenue," said Brown. "You don't need to become a coworking operator overnight. You just need the right tools."

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Coworks is the leading space community-first management software built for coworking and flex spaces. With tools for access control, billing, member management, and more, Coworks helps operators, landlords, and developers manage modern workspaces without the headaches. Learn more at www.coworks.com

This release was published on openPR.