We spoke with Livija Martinović, manager of the bee@work Business Center in Zagreb, which is known for its fully equipped offices and meeting rooms, as well as additional benefits that make everyday work easier, about how coworking spaces work and who they are intended for.

Who is the coworking office intended for?

Coworking offices are primarily intended for entrepreneurs, small companies, freelancers and employees who work remotely, but also for anyone looking for a flexible workspace. Also, coworking spaces are popular among start-ups and people working on short-term projects. The main goal of the coworking space is to offer a professional environment with infrastructure and community that encourages productivity and collaboration.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from a coworking office. Coworking office VS. work from home?

Working from a coworking office offers numerous advantages. First, a professional environment can significantly increase productivity. Flexibility is also key, as coworking spaces offer a variety of rental options tailored to the needs of users. Networking with professionals from different industries opens up new business opportunities, while available infrastructure, such as high-speed Internet and office equipment, facilitates daily work. In addition, many coworking spaces provide education and workshops, which further contributes to the development of the community. Finally, working in this environment can improve focus due to fewer distractions than at home.

However, there are also some drawbacks. The costs of working from a coworking office are usually higher than those of working from home. In addition, less privacy and possible noise can present challenges, and additional travel costs can also affect the overall cost.

In conclusion, we can say that coworking provides a more professional environment and networking, while working from home offers convenience and lower costs, but can cause isolation and reduced productivity.

How would you rate the development of the coworking community in Zagreb, what are the new trends?

The development of the coworking community in Zagreb has shown significant growth in recent years, driven by the growing number of freelancers, entrepreneurs and digital nomads. The popularity of coworking spaces has increased with the development of start-up culture, remote work and the growing demand for a flexible work environment. New trends include specialized spaces for certain industries, hybrid work models and an emphasis on networking through education and events. Zagreb is becoming more and more attractive for digital nomads, which further encourages the development of coworking spaces.

One of the advantages of the coworking model is the flexibility of using meeting rooms, which allows entrepreneurs to pay only when they use the space, instead of continuous rent. This flexibility is especially useful for important events and meetings, providing convenience without long-term commitments and additional costs.

For example, the bee@work Business Center has threemeeting rooms that can be adapted to different types of events and are available both to users of the centre and to external clients. The Vukovar Hall has a capacity of up to 40 people and is equipped with a projector and public address system, which ensures all the technical conditions necessary for the smooth running of events such as seminars, presentations and workshops. For smaller meetings, the Dubrovnik hall offers a capacity of 12 people and comes with a projector and a school board, providing an excellent environment for team workshops or training. An even more intimate space for private business meetings is offered by the Trogir meeting room with a capacity of up to 6 people, which contains an LCD screen and a flipchart, making it ideal for brainstorming and strategic discussions. You can see more at: https://www.bee-at-work.hr/dvorane-za-sastanke/

What makes bee@work Busienss Center attractive for users? What benefits can your users enjoy?

One of the key advantages of this centre is its excellent location, which allows quick and easy access. Free parking in the underground garage is available to visitors, which makes it even easier to get there and reduces stress due to city crowds. The direct entrance from the garage makes arrival simple and practical.

In addition to many offices for 2, 3 or 4 people and meeting rooms, bee@work Business Center also offers spaces for relaxation in its Relax Zone. Here, event participants can enjoy refreshments or organized catering, which additionally contributes to a pleasant experience. Whether it's a coffee break or a full lunch, the bee@work team ensures top-notch service tailored to the client's needs. A good and stimulating atmosphere is the key ingredient of every good story, so the employees of bee@work strive to create a space in which everyone is happy to return with their positive spirit and care for each client.

What are your plans for the further development and improvement of your coworking space? Who are your current users and what is your occupancy rate?

bee@work celebrated 8 years of business this year and expanded its capacities three times during that period. So today there are 34 offices for lease, 3 meeting rooms and a large coworking space for work and relaxation. The current office occupancy rate is 100%! We are extremely happy that more and more entrepreneurs have recognized bee@work as a reliable partner and feel comfortable with us. Many of them were with us for the first time as guests in the meeting room, and they liked it so much that they later rented an office. Various companies have found their office in bee@work, from IT experts, trade and finance specialists and various foreign representative offices, but it should be emphasized that the construction sector is currently the most represented. In order to further improve the coworking space, we are currently focused on enriching the content in the space and organizing various events and education to make the atmosphere in the centre pleasant and stimulating and to encourage mutual cooperation and socializing between companies.

How do you see the future of the coworking industry?

The future of the coworking industry looks promising, driven by several key trends. Hybrid work is becoming the standard, so coworking spaces offer flexibility to those who don't want classic office contracts. The decentralization of jobs leads to the expansion of space outside the city centre, while companies increasingly appreciate the flexibility of renting without long-term commitments. Specialized spaces adapted to certain industries are growing, and sustainability is becoming an important factor, with an emphasis on ecological practices. Advanced technology further improves user experience and space management. All these changes ensure the growth and adaptability of the coworking industry.