As the flexible future of work begins to take shape, a startup is giving people the option to work from different co-working spaces for one monthly fee.
Chicago-based Deskpass, which launched in the Twin Cities last week, partners with existing co-working operators to give companies and individuals access to workspaces on a pay-as-you-go basis, without long term commitments.
Deskpass currently offers access to 10 Twin Cities co-working spaces, including Expansive TriTech Center; The Reserve in Roseville, Edina and Woodbury; and Fueled Collective's locations in downtown and Northeast Minneapolis. Three more metro locations are also in the works, and the company is also exploring options in northern Minnesota.
Since it's a network, Deskpass users have access to hundreds of locations in over 20 markets, without committing to one space forever.
This model makes Deskpass fundamentally different than other co-working services, such as WeWork, said Co-founder Sam Rosen.
"A team can sign up for Deskpass for $0 tomorrow," Rosen said. "When they use it, that's when they pay."
While introducing a co-working concept during a global pandemic may seem odd, Deskpass is betting more workers will change their routines by opting to work near home instead of makeshift home offices that have become increasingly claustrophobic.
The average commute of Deskpass users is nearly 50% lower than their traditional commute, according to a study of the company's booking behavior.
Co-founder Nicole Vasquez said its network, which includes a variety of urban and suburban spaces, allows people to choose where their best work happens.
"A parent may choose to work at a workspace that's closer to their kid's school," Vasquez said. "No longer will there be a direct path between home and the office."
