Since the pandemic was declared, most companies have implemented a work-from-home arrangement as a preventive measure against the spread of Covid-19.
There are a lot of benefits for this work setup, including less exposure from the virus, less stress when commuting, and a better work-life balance, among others.
But it also has its cons.
Some of the troubles remote work bring are slow internet connection, more electricity consumption at home which translates to higher bills, and chaotic surroundings like an assortment of animals making noises.
Enter co-working spaces which have been providing remote employees a break from the typical work-from-home setup, and easing them back into office life. These spaces give employees a secure and comfortable space to work in, especially after Typhoon Odette (Rai) hit Cebu.
Not only are co-working spaces an ideal remote office location but these also encourage companionship, productivity, innovation and creativity among employees.
With that said, here are some co-working spaces in the metropolis that you should check out for your next hustle-and-grind day.
(Don’t forget to follow safety protocols, and make sure you wear your masks properly for the duration of your stay. Wash or sanitize your hands more often.)
Avant Offices
Keep the grind and the hustle going in a conducive workplace. Strategically located in 1Nito Tower on Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City—in between Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park—Avant Offices offers premium services office spaces designed to enhance everyone’s co-working experience by providing cost-efficient business solutions.
It features private offices, business lounges, free-flowing coffee, tea and water, strong internet connection with up to 100mbps, dedicated IT personnel 24/7 and workspaces that offer enough personal space to ensure that you get your job done.
Originally with 25 seats, Avant Offices expanded and offered more seats with now a total of 300 seats after the typhoon hit the metro. But as of this writing, the co-working space limits its seating capacity to 30 percent only to ensure a safe space for its staff and clients.
Nomad’s Hub
Conveniently located on the hustling and bustling street of Ramos in Cebu City, Nomad’s Hub redefined the concept of home and office by offering beds and spaces for students, working professionals, creatives, among others, whenever they need one.
This space was conceptualized by a millennial who values things like openness and collaboration, social networking, and the sharing economy.
The co-working space can accommodate up to 36 people. It also has a lazy lounge for those who prefer a more comfortable and relaxing position while having some work done, a conference room that can seat up to 10 people comfortably for those who want to host a private meeting.
Nomad’s Hub is also the first co-living space in the metro with six rooms that can cater up to 54
guests.
Workplace Cafe
A pioneer of the co-working café concept in Cebu, Workplace Café offers the ambiance of a coffee shop, with ergonomic chairs and a menu of all-day breakfast meals, pasta, pastries, coffee, reliable high-speed fiber internet, school supplies, an abundance of power outlets, book stands and ancillary services such as printing, scanning and photocopying.
Conference rooms for meetings, individual cubicles, and big tables are available, as well as a power nap station for much-needed breaks.
Workplace Café has branches in Jamestown along Mantawe Drive and on R. Duterte St. in Banawa.
From Here
Boasting of art-filled walls, sleek private offices and stylish collaborative rooms, From Here is considered as home to some of Cebu’s creatives, and start-up independent businesses.
Located in Unit KLM in Crossroads Mall, Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City, From Here provides flexible space to be productive while immersing in Cebuano culture.
Its colorful and cozy interiors give any modern-career person the inspiration they need. Plus, its fully furnished private offices and rooms feature Plug-n-Play capability, flatscreen TV for audio-visual presentations, climate control technical support, writing materials, and free printing and photocopying.
Lazy Joy Cafe
Located in Unit 3, GPH Central in Kasambagan, Mabolo, Lazy Joy Cafe is the perfect co-work spot if you’re looking for a bright environment. You can work hard, and unwind harder in either its workspace cubicles, lazy room or at its communal space.
Unlike its name Lazy Joy, you will surely be productive at this cafe as it also offers a wide range of coffee and comfort food, just exactly what you need in between working, brainstorming or studying.
Lazy Joy is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.