WeWork has unveiled “WeWork Go”, a new workspace concept designed for professionals needing privacy and focus while travelling.
In a push to extend flexible working beyond home working and coworking hubs, the pods will be set up in typically hectic public spaces, like airports and convention centres, where quiet spaces are currently few and far between.
While seasoned business travellers might be used to getting their heads down in airport lounges, WeWork Go is intended to offer a rare pocket of calm for work that requires more focus and fewer distractions.
For those willing to pay the extra for it, the pods could offer a more effective way for remote workers and digital nomads to combine work and travel.
What is WeWork Go?
WeWork Go offers bookable private office pods in busy public places. The pods are designed to provide a controlled, quiet workspace where workers can take calls, host meetings, or get stuck into focused work, away from external noise and distractions.
The product comes in three formats: a single-user pod, a small collaborative space for teams of up to four, and an accessible-friendly option. Features include soundproofing, integrated high-speed internet, ergonomic seating, and optional meeting screens.
Pods will be bookable on demand via an app or directly at the unit for added flexibility, and there’s no need to be an existing WeWork member. While it all sounds great, actual take-up will certainly depend on cost, which is currently vague. WeWork has announced that pricing will be flexible, depending on the location and the amount of time you’ll need the pod for.
Ebbie Wisecarver, Chief Design and Product Officer at WeWork, says: “Similar to how we led the evolution of the office experience, WeWork Go will redefine how work gets done in disruptive environments.
“We approached the concept with the goal of capturing the essence of a WeWork workspace in a single, sleek and premium pod.”
The latest development in remote working
The launch is the latest phase in a broader shift in how and where work happens. The widespread acceptance of hybrid and remote work has already reduced the overall demand for permanent office spaces, with many professionals preferring more flexible options. The pods are designed to meet that demand, improving the ability to engage in deep work sessions while on the go.
By targeting airports, large-scale events, and city centres, WeWork Go is effectively competing with informal workspaces such as cafes, hotel lobbies, and airport lounges, by offering a built-for-purpose alternative for those who want quieter, more private spaces for deeper work.
Will freelancers and SMEs adopt the pods?
The appeal is clear for freelancers and small businesses who might find that privacy, professionalism, and reliability in public spaces are lacking. A consultant taking a confidential client call from an airport or a founder working between meetings could really benefit from being able to do so from a more controlled setting.
However, popularity and uptake will likely depend on cost and convenience. If there’s not much difference in price or experience from a typical day pass at a coworking space, many may make do with cheaper or free options.
The availability of pods in denser locations will also be critical, as the ability to access them at a moment’s notice is a major part of the appeal.
Another consideration is that many freelancers may have already adapted to and enjoy working in more casual settings, so a somewhat of a rewind towards paid micro-workspaces must offer a clearly defined benefit to justify the cost. Some people just like – or have at least grown used to – a bit of background noise when they work in public spaces.
That said, while many hospitality businesses depend on the increased footfall of remote workers, many cafes are cracking down on workers who take up space using their premises as an office while only buying a coffee.
All this in mind, if WeWork nails the pricing and availability, the pods could offer a genuine benefit, particularly for client-facing professionals with call-heavy agendas. If not, it risks becoming an unnecessary luxury rather than a must-have.
