Loosecubes and the On-Demand, Go-Anywhere Office
Loosecubes is a network made up of companies and individuals that swap and use desk space. We’d call it the Airbnb of offices, but we’re getting a little tired of comparing things to Airbnb.
You join the network either as a host or individual. Hosts are typically organizations that provide desk space; members of that organization can access desk space of the other network members–in other words, the whole company can tap into the network. Individuals can access the network and book desk space whenever they want. According to their site, Loosecubes got some solid funding and consequently, joining the network is totally free.
All members are required to connect their Loosecube profiles with their Facebook and LinkedIn accounts to avoid unseemly characters. There is a $50K protection policy for hosts against theft, and hosts can decide the level of guest access to their office. Hosts can impose a maximum number of days a guest can work at the space to avoid office squatters.
Wifi and a comfortable place to sit are what’s provided, which for many of today’s professionals is all you need. If you need a printer or conference room, you have to work that out with the host.
The network is huge with locations in most every major, and many not-so-major, cities in the world. If you’re on the road, all you need to do is book a desk in the city you’re visiting, meet with the host and start working.
Beyond the practical aspect of having a free, temporary office in most any city in the world, Loosecubes has the potential to transform offices from static, closed spaces into coworking spaces, filled with a stream of new faces and ideas. Likewise, it promotes getting maximum use of existing resources; office spaces that would otherwise be vacant are filled by people who need a place to work. This might be bad news for many coffee-shops, but it’s good news for today’s light-traveling professional.
Have you used Loosecubes? What was your experience? Let us know.