Co - working giant WeWork could face challenges in the event of a downturn , according to a survey of National Real Estate Investor ( NREI ) members . The majority ( 39.4 % ) of respondents thought demand for co - working space in the US would continue to grow in the next year , but 39.6 % thought WeWork could face substantial challenges in a downturn . Respondents cited the ease of copying WeWork 's business model and the difference between its own long - term contracts with suppliers and its short - term subleases with clients among potential competitors . However , a WeWork spokesperson said they expect more businesses to turn to flexible space during a downturn .
Co-working giant WeWork could face challenges in the event of a downturn, according to a survey of National Real Estate Investor (NREI) readers. The majority (39.4%) of respondents thought demand for co-working space in the US would continue to grow in the next year, but 39.6% thought WeWork could face substantial challenges in a downturn. Respondents cited the ease of copying WeWork's business model and the difference between its own long-term leases with landlords and its short-term subleases with clients among potential risks. However, a WeWork spokesperson said they expect more businesses to turn to flexible space during a downturn.