WeWork tenants have criticised the flexible office group’s guidance on returning to its buildings, claiming the company should take more responsibility for changing how its offices function following the coronavirus pandemic.
In e-mails seen by EG, WeWork has told tenants that they are responsible for implementing social distancing measures and post-lockdown protocols in their private office spaces.
WeWork revealed its back to work plans last month, which outlined what measures it will put in place so that its members can return to their offices. It will modify shared spaces with staggered seating and buffer zones, and common areas will be disinfected more frequently.
But some members are disappointed that WeWork has not taken similar responsibility for the private office spaces in its buildings.
Daisy Whitehouse, managing director of PR agency Down At The Social and a member at WeWork’s No 1 Spinningfields office, was told by WeWork that in her business’s private office space, “the implementation of any measures can only be done by you as an employer”.
WeWork added in its e-mail to her: “We encourage each of our members to devise an operational action plan that is suitable to ensure the protection for their employees and the efficient use of your workspace.”
Whitehouse described WeWork’s messaging as “irresponsible and completely dismissive of them”.
Another WeWork member based at an office in London said: “WeWork should be taking responsibility for the communal areas and private offices as well. That’s really unreasonable.”
The member said they are concerned about whether social distancing procedures could be practiced, adding that the only way they could use their private office space is if just one or two people worked there at any time. The remaining staff would have to work in the communal areas.
A spokesperson for WeWork said: “We are sorry to hear the members you referenced are not being offered the support we are able to provide, in terms of adapting their private office spaces. We are committed to supporting our members as they navigate the latest government safety guidance for their employees.
“For members’ spaces, we can work with each member on how they choose to utilise their space, and can discuss best practices on implementing the latest government requirements, as they apply to their employees. As the employer, each member is responsible for how they implement these measures.”
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