Local Singapore start-up aims to make coworking easierwith an office in your pocket solution

SINGAPORE - MediaOutReach - 20 August 2018 - Local start-up workbuddy officially launched today, along with its app -- thecountry's first ever 'office in your pocket' solution -- designed to provideaccess to co-working spaces all over Singapore.

Back in 2011when co-working spaces first made their mark on the scene, they were viewed asa novel new solution largely meant for the lean start-up. Today, co-workingspaces are clearly here to stay; with Singapore boasting more than 200 flexibleworkspace centres according to Instant Offices.No longer the domain of start-ups and freelancers alone, even establishedenterprises are looking at co-working spaces to reduce total real estatecommitments.

Companies areseeing increased competition in a digital environment that is evolving at arapid pace. Organisations are seeking means to be nimbler, ditching long-term commitments such as office leasesthat may bog down quick decision making andaffect the ability to scale upwards anddownwards as required.

Gaurav Joshi,co-founder, workbuddy said, "With therise of digital technology and the shared economy, the way people work haschanged drastically. We don't need to be in an office or at our desk to beproductive anymore. Flexible workspace centres have grown from just a handfulto over a 200 in just a few years, but the limitations are that members stillhave to commute and commit to year-long contracts."

He added, "Wewanted to provide Singapore's professionals with a new level of freedom, enablingthem to access workspaces all over the city, anytime they need to."

Going live on 20^thAugust, workbuddy provides users easyaccess to multiple co-working spaces across Singapore. As of launch, the appboasts a network of over 20 co-working spaces across Singapore and is availableon Androidand iOS. workbuddyexpects its user base to grow quickly over the next few months, with stronginterest being received ahead of launch.

Users pay asubscription fee of either $129 for a 5-day or $299 for an unlimited monthly pass. Beyond gaining access to co-workingspaces, users will also have access to diverse business networks and enlighteningevents hosted by multiple co-working space providers.

Current usersrange from freelancers to start-ups andmultinational enterprises.

Toby Rakison,Regional Director Southeast Asia at Steelcase, the global leader in officefurniture and innovative workspace solutions, said, "Wehave been at the forefront of agile and flexible workspace for some time now.Our team has recently taken up multiple subscriptions with workbuddy to allow our teams to be closer toour clients and give them the flexibility to be able to work wherever they are.The subscriptions have also provided uswith enhanced control over our physical assets and has given our teams access to more flexiblework arrangements."

The app confers several advantages thatcomplement the growing need for coworking spaces:

• On-demand booking of desk space
• A wide and varied network ofcoworking locations available on demand allowing users to work in inspiringwork environments of their choice
• Reduced real estaterequirements for firms with mobile workforces that work at multiple locationsacross the country
• Enhanced flexibility forfreelancers, start-ups and corporations alike

As of launch, workbuddy offers users a choice of over 20locations, with a further 10 locations soon to beadded. Users can book co-working spaces at locations such as:

• MOX @ Katong at Joo Chiat Road
• CoQoons at Harbourfront Place
• The Metropolis T2 at NorthBuona Vista 
• JustCo @ Marina One
• Distrii @ Republic plaza

Gaurav added, "In today's day and age, workis no longer something that we go to, but something we do. As both the sharing andgig economy catch on in Singapore, new ageworkers and firms will require enhanced flexibility to improve productivity,reduce costs and remain nimble in a fast-pacedbusiness environment. Recent studies indicate that at any time organizationsare not utilizing 25 to 30% of theiroffice space, reducing that can give companies significant cost savings."

About workbuddy

Theproliferation of coworking spaces in Singapore shows that the way we work ischanging. Workplaces are undergoing significant change, fuelled by demands forefficiency and the need to innovate quickly.

The rise ofdigital technology and the shared economy has changed the way we work forever.The demand for efficiency, agility, andinnovation is greater than it has everbeen before.

FoundersGaurav and JX watched the co-workingrevolution grow from a handful of workspaces to almost 200 over just a fewyears. However, they saw that although co-working spaces provided greaterflexibility, there were limitations, as members still had to commute and committo year-long contracts. They wanted to give Singapore professionals a new levelof freedom, where they can access workspaces all over the city, anytime theyneed to. And that's how workbuddy wasborn.