The number of seats at co-working spaces in Chennai has been increasing every month, reflecting the growing trend of companies, businesses, and individuals preferring a flexible workplace environment. Smaller towns in Tamil Nadu are also becoming attractive locations for co-working spaces. The demand for flexible office solutions is increasing in cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchi, and Salem, too, thanks to the growing entrepreneurial ecosystems and significant investment.
The companies in this space are investing in these cities now. Start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises, information technology and manufacturing companies, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), traditional industries, and even students are choosing co-working spaces. The trend that peaked during COVID-19 thrives even after the pandemic subsided.
The reason is that the entry-level cost is minimal for co-working spaces, requiring no substantial deposits. These workspaces can be picked up for a day or a week. For a day, the charge varies from ₹500 to ₹1,200, depending on the space, location, and the required infrastructure like conference rooms and projectors.
The monthly charges work out to ₹6,500-₹15,000 for a seat in a furnished centre with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and light refreshments. “The co-working space model allows businesses to adjust their space requirement easily, saving on capital expenses. It facilitates operation across multiple locations rather than at one place,” says Sa.