Department, a new managed workspace concept, has launched a pop-up workplace at XYZ Social in Spinningfields, with flexible workspace available free-of-charge, during its first week, in exchange for a simple token gesture.
As city centre workers look to return to their offices and leave their makeshift home workspaces, lounges and dinner tables, Department is offering workers an opportunity to return for free, by simply sharing their experience via a social media post.
The ‘pay as you post’ Department pop-up scheme will allow those that want an alternative workplace setting to use the working and meeting facilities, in the heart of the city. Users will simply have to share a picture or social media post on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram of them using the space, tagging @DepartmentUK_ and using the hashtag #DoWorkBeSocial.
XYZ Social has been set up with all required safety and distancing measures following the pandemic, and offers a central location for meetings or quiet working space. It also offers unlimited barista coffee & tea, WiFi, plug sockets, bike storage, showers and hospitality from XYZ Social, and an on-site community manager. There is also a menu available for brunch and lunch purchases.
Anthony Powell, managing director at Department, said: “Department’s workspaces are founded on the principles of work, wellness and social, to enable a better work-life balance. The Department pop-up at XYZ Social is intended to support freelancers, small business owners and employees who may be struggling with the isolation of working from home. It also allows those that cannot currently work from the office, and don’t have the necessary set-up at home, to deliver their best work.
“This space will allow people to work and interact, and get their favourite cup of coffee and a bite to eat, in a different setting. We want to enable small businesses to reconnect with their clients and host crucial in-person meetings. This space will help drive productivity and produce better ideas in a safe, suitable and professional environment. Our aim is to give businesses everything they need in order to work, scale and grow, in one place.”
The Department pop-up at XYZ Social will open from 08:00am – 16:30pm, Monday to Friday, with the ‘pay as you post’ campaign live from Monday 19 October. A day pass for the Department pop-up is £10 if users do not wish to partake in the social scheme, and after the promotion, with no membership required.
Michael Ingall, founder of Department, said: “Department offers businesses large and small a mechanism to support their employee’s wellbeing by beating the sense of solitude many have after working from home for an extended period of time. It’s a sustainable gateway for businesses to keep employees engaged and productive whilst transitioning to a hybrid workspace model and the future of work.
“Offering those that want to return a safe place to do so will also provide a halo effect of support to the surrounding Spinningfields, St Johns and city centre, as footfall increases. Those visiting are likely to use the services of other businesses while commuting in to work, supporting the Greater Manchester economy. We’re looking forward to welcoming workers back in to the city, and can’t wait for our great city to be buzzing again.”
