What WeWork Really Wants

Since launching in 2010, WeWork has exploded with 81 projects in nine countries, rapidly becoming more of a WeWorld. Despite its undeniable brand consistency, International Development chief Kyle Barker says the usage of the space varies widely, depending on neighborhood and location.

Kyle says a variety of spaces is paramount for attracting vibrant tenants. "The café was just for eating at one point," he told the hundreds in attendance. "Now that space is active all day." 

Yesterday, Kyle (holding the mic) spoke on the "What Tenants Want" panel at Bisnow's national office leasing, development and investment (BOLD) event along with Mashable COO Michael Kriak, Buzzfeed real estate and facilities chief Gabrielle Rubin Deveaux, Hearst real estate head Lou Nowikas and New York Fed real estate head Thomas Reilly.

The panel touched on different ways the office interior can add to the business objectives, including designing office like living rooms and creating collaborative environments.

At WeWork, tenants pay for desks—and super cool amenities like beer kegs and ping pong—allowing for more rental income per SF. Because who doesn't have a keg and a ping pong table in their living room?

Even though modern office amenities are important, the panel said it's more about building a space conducive to collaboration. WeWork puts on new member orientations with Mimosas, brings massage therapists to its office and hosts frequent events and speakers in their common spaces. "The things are less important,” Kyle says. “It’s about creating the interaction."