While WeWork Pulls Back, Other Co-Working Firms Backfill

A Regus study shows a shift in jobs and capital moving out of city centers into suburban areas (credit: Austin Distel).

DALLAS—The increasing migration of flexible office space and co-working locations to areas outside of major metropolitan cities globally is creating a flex economy that could contribute more than $127 billion to US local communities in the next decade, according to the first comprehensive socio-economic study of suburban workspaces from Regus. This global migration could contribute more than $254 billion to economies around the world during that same time period.

“This study reveals a shift in jobs and capital growth moving outside of city centers, where it has been focused for the last few decades, into suburban locations,” said Steve Lucas, report author. “This can benefit businesses and people, from improving productivity and innovation, to reducing commuting time, which leads to improved health and well-being.”