WeWork will offer a charge-by-minute service to Hong Kong, tapping into its extensive network in the city. Starting from Q3 2019, the new WeWork GO service offered by the shared workspaces company will enable users to find nearby WeWork locations and the availability of hot desks in each workspace. Users can also start using the hot desks and the community spaces by scanning a QR code upon arrival, and will then be charged by the minute. “We aim to increase our workspaces’ occupancy. The service could not succeed without plenty of space offerings in a particular city. In Hong Kong, we have eight places across different districts, and the prevalence of mobile wallets is another factor propelling us to implement this service here,” said Julian Leung, senior product manager, innovation and technology, WeWork Greater China. Other than occupancy, WeWork has also positioned the new service as a solution that reduces the barriers in acquiring workspaces, giving businesses – along with part-time and mobile workers – of all sizes from various sectors access to collaborative spaces on demand. WeWork GO is not a new product in Chinese cities. Currently, the service has attracted more than 60,000 registered users in Shanghai and is being used at all operating WeWork locations around the city. It is also piloting in Beijing and Hangzhou. “As a driver in accelerating the future of work, WeWork is redefining space for businesses of all sizes to thrive. We take pride in our design, and technology and data are the foundations that enable us to constantly enhance and evolve our spaces, so that we can always integrate the best of design, technology and hospitality in our communities that offer member experiences unlike any other,” said Luis Portas, design director, WeWork Greater China.
WeWork is rolling out WeWork Go, its charge-by-minute service, in Hong Kong in Q3. Users will be able to locate available hot desks via an app, scan a QR code upon arrival and be charged by the minute for use of the space. The service was launched on June 30 at the launch event for WeWork’s new office space in Causeway Bay, which has been dubbed “Silicon Valley” due to its proximity to several tech companies.