SINGAPORE - Companies and entrepreneurs without office space can now work out of pay-per-use flexible workspaces that opened in three libraries - Toa Payoh, Geylang East and Jurong.
These workspaces, dubbed Smart Work Centres, offer meeting rooms and cubicles for rent, video-conferencing, secure WiFi and photocopying services, among other things. They were set up through a collaboration between the Infocomm Development Authority and the National Library Board.
Rentals range from about $20 daily for normal desk space, to $399 per month for a private cubicle space, excluding taxes.
Such centres provide employees with "better work-life balance and... flexible work arrangements", said Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, speaking at the opening of the SWCs.
Users can also tap on services and materials available in the library, he said, adding that the move was part of the Government's push for employers to adopt "more work-life friendly practices".
Regus' country manager for Singapore Paul MacAndrew said the three SWCs are now being piloted, and response has been encouraging, with 20 bookings at the Jurong branch alone since its soft launch two weeks ago.
