IWG to add 1,000 locations to its network in 2022

In 2021 alone, IWG added over two million new customers to its network of flexible workspaces. During 2020 and 2021, 287 new centres were opened, delivering on the strategy of operating near-to-home centres in commuter areas along with prestige locations in metropolitan zones.
 
Research undertaken by IWG demonstrates a surge in demand for hybrid working. Almost half of office workers would quit their job if asked to return to the office five days a week, while three quarters would prefer the long-term ability to work flexibly over going back to the office five days a week with a 10% pay rise.
 
The growth of IWG’s network has been increasingly focused on suburban locations, emphasizing the demand for workspace solutions in the heart of local communities.
 
The unprecedented increase in demand for hybrid working has enabled IWG to add several brands to its portfolio, including The Wing in the US and the Italy-based Copernico, both of which have ambitious expansion plans. The Wing is a female-focused co-working business, and its acquisition provides exciting opportunity to expand its offer to women during a time of growing demand for alternative work environments.
 
IWG has also launched a new retail-based office-space concept: 'OpenDesks', with a more open plan environment.
 
Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG said: ‘2021 was a year of extraordinary transformation for IWG, for our employees, clients and for the markets we serve. Hybrid working is now an established model and businesses of all sizes are planning for a hybrid future. The shift from fixed workspace to flex is now irreversible and the business will continue to accelerate its growth adding a thousand locations in the next year alone.’
 
He added: ‘Beyond this, we are seeing the benefits of hybrid working not just for employees but also employers, who are able to save up to £8,000 per year, per employee by implementing hybrid working and while doing so, reduce their overall carbon footprint.’