Community Coworking Spaces: The Community New Learning Space in Thailand

2020

IJCTHR

Purpose The metamorphosis within the Thai segment of the hospitality industry has influenced the global outlook for hospitality services, shifting the focus from leisure to a hybrid approach of providing all-inclusive work-leisure offerings. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to outline the hybridisation of the hospitality industry in Thailand that is frequented by digital nomads, and to discuss the adaptation of local infrastructure to accommodate this trend. Design/methodology/approach Taking the form of a research note, this paper assesses the impact that digital nomads are having upon the hospitality industry in Thailand, and describes how different localities have begun to respond to the challenges and opportunities this trend presents. Additionally, the paper proposes an empirical study that would evaluate the success of various types of work–leisure hubs in adapting to the needs of digital nomads, and the alignment of their offerings with the expectations of these travellers. Findings A preliminary review of available resources reveals that there are a variety of work–leisure spaces catering to the needs of digital nomads. These spaces tend to combine lodging accommodations with a shared office environment, incorporating design elements and social activities that are likely to foster interpersonal relationships between guests. Be that as it may, the exact nature of the work–leisure space models behind these environments is unclear. Originality/value The paper envisions a study that will enhance scholarly understanding of the transformation which the Thai hospitality industry is currently undergoing in response to the influx of digital nomads. These insights will enable industry experts to assess both the feasibility and profitability of diverse work-leisure models, and assist policymakers in different jurisdictions.

Section: The Hospitality Industry and Digital Nomadicitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Life is better in flip flops. Digital nomads and their transformational travels to Thailand

2020

IJCTHR

“…From respecting gender equality (Intaratat, 2018) to supporting family life (Schuermann, 2014), the coworking spaces facilitate its users through the pitfalls of independent and flexible work. According to European Quality of Life Survey, a 38 per cent share of respondents from European Union countries reported that it had been difficult to fulfil family responsibilities due to the amount of time spent working, while 36 per cent reported that it was challenging to combine paid work with childrearing responsibilities (Eurofound, 2018).…”

Section: Coworking Spaces As the New Workplace Normmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting work–life balance with the use of coworking spaces

2019

EDI

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the topic of parents who work on a flexible basis and use coworking facilities to find a work–life balance and overcome work–family conflicts. Design/methodology/approach The author uses a qualitative approach to explore the research questions. The first part of the empirical research undertakes an ethnographical approach in carrying out the unobstructed participant observation within five European coworking spaces targeted at improving comprehension of the spaces’ mediation mechanisms and development of supportive interactions. The second part traverses into conducting unstructured interviews with parents who work on a flexible basis and use a coworking space as their daily workplace. Findings This research paper reveals that flexible workers who found themselves juggling work tasks and family obligations tend to seek better conditions that assist them in tackling conflictual situations and, in addition, enhance their social lives to create further career opportunities. Coworking spaces are thus perceived as optimal workplaces by working parents in that they can find stability and scale their social networks within. Moreover, the continually evolving user interactions resulting from effective mediation mechanisms let these individuals find emotional support, increase productivity and exchange knowledge. Originality/value While the coworking industry is rapidly evolving and the academia is keener on investigating the field, the subcategory of work–life and family care within these collaborative environments is virtually unresearched. This paper provides valuable insight into the topic and serves as a knowledge base for the future exploration of this field.

“…We need to note that coworking spaces are not necessarily positioned in larger cities and urban areas but are generally established within the locations where they are needed. Hypothetically, remote workers can perform dislocated work from wherever, even from a rural and not necessarily urbanized environment, thus providing a certain impact and contribution to the local society (Intaratat, 2018). However, given a certain organizational culture and with this established system of norms and values, these spaces can have both implicit and positive effects on the overall quality of a selected area and produce solidarity as a byproduct of professional collaboration (Bianchi et al, 2018).…”

Section: Collective Action By Community Of Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coworking as a model for conscious business

Kubátová

2019

JGR

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to cross-reference the defining perspectives of coworking as an emerging integral model of conscious business. Design/methodology/approach The methodological framework is built on transdisciplinary research of spatial scale of existence by using the qualitative approach of participant observations and interviews. Findings The empirical data suggest that independently organized and self-financed coworking spaces can be categorized as conscious businesses. Research limitations/implications Coworking spaces are evolving and hybridizing. While a conscious business model can be cross-referenced with independently run coworking spaces that target the self-employed as their user group, this is not certain for larger, franchise-based coworking centers as a larger sample would need to be researched and analyzed. Originality/value No attempts have been made previously for identifying cross-references between the concept of conscious business and the coworking model.