The past of coworking: A gentlemen’s club?
Ever watched the movie ‘Billionaire’s boys club?’, well then you must get a gist of what a billionaire boys club looks like. And if not, let us paint a picture for you here.The movie was inspired by a real-life Southern California social club which included a group of rich teenagers who participated in Ponzi schemes during the 1980s. Although the move itself depicts the crime, and drama that entailed in the story shortly afterwards, its essence was based on the idea of a social club, presumably a gentlemen’s club which is an idea that was created well before.
In the 18th century, gentlemen’s clubs were private social clubs established by men from Britain’s upper elite classes mostly for networking and doing business, but also relaxing and winding down.These typically entailed a socializing and game room, a bar, library, dining or living room, and other amenities. These social clubs could be associated more with sports such as tennis or golf, but also for private meetings and establishing financial ties within these upper class men. If you are imagining an older male in a suit, smoking a cigar in one hand, and holding a whisky on the rocks in the other, then you are picturing the stereotypical male who would be seen at these social clubs.
There were however, also women social clubs, although their focus was more on literary endeavors, self-improvement and creating social opportunities for white middle-class women. It was through these clubs that women could exchange ideas and realize that their thoughts matter, and that together they could make an impact. And indeed, movements such as women’s right to vote, along with scientific clubs and book clubs were formed. These clubs are an important catalyst of the social changes we see today.
So is The Bureau Business Center (The Bureau Dubai) essentially like the gentleman’s club for women? Certainly not.
The rise of coworking spaces like The Bureau Dubai, came post covid, addressing a much needed gap in the market. With countries going into complete to partial lockdowns globally, the Covid 19 pandemic forced employers, CEOs and companies to rethink their strategies of traditional work. As working from home became a more comfortable process for many, companies and startups noticed the advantages of not having their operations from a physical office, with some renting meeting rooms in coworking spaces or private offices. Other companies, especially EdTech, noticed the advantages of cost cutting with running their operations from private offices, home and workspaces. Similarly, independent freelancers, working moms, students and entrepreneurs were in need of a space outside of their homes to focus, and enhance their productivity. The combination of both created an evolution and a rise of coworking spaces where independent entrepreneurs, students, startups but also companies shifted in the way they worked. The element of a social club in these spaces however were upheld, where the focus of networking, community building and event hosting has transferred, however not in the same way as we saw in the 1980’s.
The Bureau Dubai is the first ever female-focused coworking space in Dubai, UAE and is equipped with a plethora of amenities, workspaces, a café and workout studio as well, to cater to all individuals. However, it is not a women’s only club. The Bureau welcomes everyone into its space. The founders of The Bureau, Nikita and Rhea Patel, had the idea of a coworking space during the pandemic. Working from different nooks from around their house, they thought of all the things they missed in a working environment, including socializing with others, but also having the right environment to be productive and thrive. The Bureau is aimed to bring together like-minded individuals, from a diverse range of industry and skill sets.
In The Bureau work space we provide a library area, private offices, meeting rooms, a fitness studio, dedicated desks – you name it! But these are open to all members in the space who are under a monthly or annual package. And even non-members can purchase day passes to access all amenities in the space – particularly for those who travel regularly, or already have an office job. Regardless of the membership, all are focused on creating a common ground between members, which will make it easier for them to grow their network and connect. Gentlemen’s clubs in the past were all about exclusivity, elitism, and social status; we believe in the opposite; in community building, support and inclusivity, and individual value.
As an evolving coworking space, we hold all the right elements of what is needed from the evolution of the traditional social club:
1. Community
The rise of loneliness within the past two years due to the isolation that was faced by many in the pandemic has unfortunately increased immensely, the risk of many mental health conditions like depression and anxiety have seen a rise. As we become more isolated, the need for community is needed now more than ever. The Bureau’s essence is about community building and creating connections in an ever technological world. See article here for community in our work space.
2. Support & Inclusivity
Diversity, engagement, and belonging are all important components of a positive inclusive environment. The concept of inclusion will remain ever-present in our work space. For employees to be their full authentic selves, organizations must embrace them. Furthermore, by supporting our members through encouraging their personal growth and business ideas, we want members to utilize our space as a means of achievement. We all have great ideas, but sometimes we may lack the resources, support, or even that extra push to achieve our goals. The Bureau Dubai will host many events to cater to the members’ networking needs and connect with others in the space to achieve that.
3. Individual Value
Value is what is important for an individual. The Bureau Dubai emphasizes that every member is valued, respected and supported in the space. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring the right conditions are in place for each individual to achieve their full potential by focusing on their needs. As the space progresses, monthly meetings, feedback and suggestion boxes will be held to ensure The Bureau Dubai is ever-evolving in parallel with our members.
Coworking spaces have now progressed from the gentlemen’s clubs we knew in the past, and see increasingly less of today. As the world evolves, we can take good ideas from the past, but no longer have to stick to the systemic issues that come along with it. And thank god for that.
For The Bureau membership packages please visit www.thebureaubc.com/memberships.
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