Professional Workspaces Useful to Businesses
Remote working has a whole range of benefits. Post-pandemic numbers of people ‘working from home’ are still multiple times higher than pre-pandemic. But working from home has its down-sides. Coworking may be the real hybrid solution you’re after.
The era of remote working is far from over. With increasing cost pressures on businesses and workers, real estate costs could be a huge factor in how and where we work in the future.
Last month, Apollo Technical reviewed the work-from-home trend and concluded that it’s here to stay. It’s fair to say that some of the data they cited dates back to 2020 and 2021 which we have to recognise as peak work-from-home era thanks to old mate, global pandemic.
Headlines towards the end of last year captured the might of big global companies forcing workers to return to the office including Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, UPS, Boeing, Google, Meta and Zoom (yes, that video communications company, Zoom).
Look a little closer and those headlines generally referred to a two or three-day-a-week return, not a full-time return, making hybrid working (partly remote, partly on-site) increasingly common.
In NZ, Seek’s stats showed 8.9% of Kiwi job ads indicated that the role could be done from home. Pre-pandemic, very few of us worked from home. The industry breakdown of remote workers is as you’d expect - white collar desk-based workers by far leading the trend.
What is more interesting for regional towns like ours is that InternetNZ’s Internet Insights Survey at about the same time, suggested that half of Kiwis whose jobs allow work-from-home would consider moving somewhere if they could relocate their current job.
Turns out, New Zealand is the top destination for digital nomads in Australia. A digital nomad is someone who has the ability to work from anywhere. We are still the world’s best country for life-work balance according to Remote’s ranking of the world’s top 60 GDP countries. We have at least one digital nomad working from our place regularly, their employer being off-shore.
Hybrid working (being part-time office-based) may not easily work for people based in Ōamaru if the company is in Auckland but hey, if they’re in Dunedin or Timaru - at least a day a week here in town with us makes sense for both parties in terms of cost and travel time (that’s productivity, right there).
We’ve also hosted many people who are managing to move between towns and cities on at least a semi-regular basis. There’s no question that Waitaki offers a host of attractions that benefits remote workers who can be paid city-rates and enjoy the best of what our region has to offer.
Another group of our regulars live just far enough outside of town that they have to rely on expensive rural or satellite internet. That won’t last forever (the pricing will get increasingly competitive) but in the meantime, a membership at our place is a fraction of the cost, more reliable and likely, faster.
We’ve looked into it and there’s easily ten good reasons people here and everywhere choose to work out of places like ours - and that’s before you even factor in company’s ongoing operatoinal costs. Check them out.
Increased Productivity
Coworking environments often lead to higher productivity levels. The presence of others working alongside you can create a motivating atmosphere and reduce distractions.Enhanced Focus
The structured environment of a coworking space helps improve concentration. With dedicated areas for focused work and professional surroundings, it becomes easier to stay on task.Boosted Creativity
Collaboration and idea-sharing in coworking spaces can spark creativity. Diverse perspectives and spontaneous brainstorming sessions often lead to innovative solutions and new ideas.Networking Opportunities
Coworking spaces provide access to a broad network of professionals. This networking can lead to valuable connections, partnerships and business opportunities.Reduced Feelings of Isolation
Working alone can be isolating. Coworking spaces offer a sense of community and interaction, helping to combat loneliness and create a supportive work environment.Access to Resources and Amenities
Coworking spaces often come with professional amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and office equipment. These resources enhance your work experience without the overhead costs.Cost-Effective Solutions
Renting space in a coworking environment is typically more affordable than maintaining a private office - even one at home. It offers flexible plans and scalability, reducing operational costs.Work-Life Balance
Coworking spaces help maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life. The professional setting aids in creating a routine and a clear separation from home responsibilities.Opportunities for Learning and Development
Many coworking spaces offer workshops, events, and networking activities that can contribute to personal and professional growth. This fosters continuous learning and skill development.Increased Flexibility
Coworking spaces often provide flexible membership plans, allowing you to choose the level of access that suits your needs. This flexibility helps accommodate various work styles and schedules.
So if any of that sounds like a little bit of what you need, check out our website and talk to us. The way we work has changed. A professional environment is a real asset - it just doesn’t have to be in the same place as the company or even in the same place all the time. Can your business afford not to be flexible?
Industry Co-Labs
The Business Hive is launching a series of Industry Co-Labs to give local and independent businesses the opportunity to network with allied professionals in your industry.
Let us know what industry you’re interested in connecting with, and we’ll get you connected.
The Business Hive is launching a series of Industry Co-Labs to give local and independent businesses the opportunity to network with allied professionals in your industry. Knowing who does (and doesn't) do what is a huge asset when you're looking for a partner in a project, or a (sub)contractor with a specific skill set.
So, let us know what industry you’re in and interested in connecting with, and we’ll keep you in the loop!
Young Enterprise Scheme
We’re inviting community to help support our young people who undertake the Young Enterprise Scheme programme which gives them a chance to start and run a business during the school year.
Learn about the programme and how you could get involved here.
On Thursday 26th October we hosted a community discussion around the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) - a programme that’s been running for 40 years, usually via New Zealand high schools.
It’s a programme that our local schools have found difficult to reliably deliver in Waitaki. We get it, regional schools have to ‘cut their cloth’ with their resources which affects the programmes they can provide. And, let’s face it - if business isn’t your passion, it’s always going to be harder to inspire young people to push through the hard bits that we all experience.
YES is not an academic exercise (although it can give academic credits). It's a real-world business opportunity and we can help our youth succeed with wrap around support - that means you!
Which is why we hosted that community discussion - to see if our community has an appetite for supporting the YES programme more directly.
Gratifyingly, everyone in the room was willing to get involved and support YES in our schools. BUT, it has to be said, there were no young people in attendance.
As a community, I have no doubt that we can help drive an enterprising spirit in our young people; already lots of good ideas were mentioned. The question has to be how important is it to us, to do this?
YES provides our young people with an opportunity to learn about business and gain a bunch of essential skills along the way. They won’t all succeed. Some of them will drop out. Every one of them will learn something about the world and themselves. Some might be exceptional.
So without pressure, we’re asking you to tell us what you are happy to do, to help develop young entrepreneurs locally - all the while knowing it’s all (ultimately) in their hands to try and / or succeed.
Download a summation of our discussion here. Tell us if and how you want to be involved by taking our survey here.
Every generation has the same complaints about the newest one… plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose!
Career Catalyst - Igniting Career Potential
Struggling to find suitably skilled people? So are many. We know they’re out there but it is time to look harder at what people can offer. Join us for this expert presentation on how to find the hidden talent in your job applicants as well as your existing team.
Let’s talk about talent, the very real competition for it in Waitaki at the moment and how we can more effectively unlock the potential in our existing community.
Three things happened in close succession in August.
Business South’s Waitaki Pathways Leadership Breakfast had schools, businesses and agencies gather to discuss ways to attract talent to a hugely diverse range of sectors, now and in the near future.
Waitaki App’s survey of 42 job listings on Waitaki App indicated that just three vacancies had found their perfect matches.
Infometrics released the June 2023 quarter employment data for Waitaki.
Bottom line, recruitment relief is nowhere in sight - check out the data below.
We all know that doing the same thing and expecting a different result doesn’t work. We’ve got to look harder for the hidden gold in the people we have!
That’s why we’ve asked Jenny Bean, Ōamaru’s only professional Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ) member, to lend us her expertise and help us understand how to uncover hidden capability in candidates’ as well as existing employees’ CVs.
This will be a fast-paced presentation followed by an informal Q&A. We’re so pleased Jenny’s agreed to do this for us - don’t miss this opportunity.
Introducing…
Career Catalyst: Igniting Career Potential
This is a one-hour expert presentation designed to empower local businesses and local people to unlock their own and others’ hidden potential.
What You'll Gain:
Learn how to identify the career potential in yourself, your existing team and job applicants.
Discover the strategies to better recognise as well as present indicators of hidden potential.
Understand how to harness principles of career development to elevate your own, your team member’s or your loved ones’ pitch for that new role or promotion.
Who Should Attend:
This presentation is a must for employers, employees, parents and young people alike. Whether you're seeking to support your team’s growth, advance your career or more effectively guide your child's career journey, this session is for you.
Join Us for the Presentation:
DATE: Tuesday 5th September
TIME: 5.15pm
VENUE: The Business Hive, 120 Thames St, Ōamaru
Don't miss this opportunity to ignite the career potential in the people you have and more effectively source the people you need!
Jenny Bean
MIntSec (Distinction), BA, Dip, MBTI Practitioner, Hogan’s Interpreter, CDANZ Professional
Jenny’s trade and passion is developing people – changing the way people think, how they behave and the results they get in their lives.
Her expertise lies in talent management and talent development, with over 20 years’ experience in career coaching, career assessment and group facilitation work. She is excited by developing strong and thriving organisational and team cultures, working with organisations in change and helping people in transition.
Her credentials include a Master's degree in international security (with Distinction), a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Sociology), a Diploma in Career Guidance at Level 6 and a National Certificate in First Line Management at Level 4 and a whole bunch of other really cool stuff.
Jenny is additionally a certified MBTI® Practitioner, a qualified Hogan's Interpreter and a professional member of the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ).
She loves being back in Oamaru with her family and of being of service to the community.
Infometrics’ key employment indicators.
In Waitaki, employment growth surged by 3.1% year on year, outpacing the national trend (2.6%). Our unemployment rate of just 2.4% is at a near 10-year low, well below the national average (3.4%), while jobseeker support recipients have dropped 12% in Waitaki, reflecting a national trend but at almost double the pace (6.6% reduction nationally). Prefer images? See the data below.
For the full story, click here.
Employment growth outpaces the national average.
Unemployment sits well below the national average.
Jobseeker support recipients reduced by almost double the national average.
Looking for a job or know someone who is?
Do you require help creating a CV? Do you need advice on cover letters or interviews? Do you lack confidence approaching employers?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, then Dawn and Sandra from Workbridge would love to hear from you 😊
Could you use a hand in creating a CV? Do you need advice on cover letters or interviews? Do you lack confidence approaching employers?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, then Dawn and Sandra from Workbridge would love to hear from you 😊
And the GREAT news is that they are at The Business Hive every Monday from 11am to 12pm!
What does Workbridge do? They link the right people to the right jobs, matching abilities with employment. They do this at no cost for jobseekers or employers and also provide up to 24 months of support to find and remain in work.
Workbridge specialises in working with people with health, learning or disability related problems.
Come over and have a chat with Dawn or Sandra! Simply flick them a text or give them a ring to let them know you’re coming and pop in on Monday between 11am and 12pm at The Business Hive.
Phone: Sandra 021 190 2418 or Dawn 021 442 725
Email: sandraf@workbridge.co.nz or dawne@workbridge.co.nz
The Business Hive - 120 Thames Street, Oamaru (next to Countdown)
3 Steps for Life
3 Steps for Life is designed to give all of use the confidence and awareness to take action when somebody suffers a cardiac arrest. Did you know community help can double survival? Read on because classes are free…
Take 3 Steps for Life… and Save One!
3 Steps for Life is designed to give all of use the confidence and awareness to take action when somebody suffers a cardiac arrest.
Did you know community help can double survival?
Read on. We have a defibrillator at The Business Hive and we think we should know how to use it. So we’re donating our venue for the cause and arranging a 3 Steps for Life Awareness Session and you’re invited. We don’t have a time or date yet… but sign up to this list and we’ll let you know when we hear back. If there’s enough of you - we might run a couple.
Details below.
Cara & Alex
