Courtesy WorkSmart
By Jennifer Farnsworth
The business of providing professionals with a functioning workspace outside of their home or office is a gowing one.
In Glens Falls, the work away from home and office workspace has found its way into a business owned by Christy Alexander.
Alexander is the owner of WorkSmart, now located inside the former First National Bank in downtown Glens Falls. Alexander was also an entrepreneur ahead of the game, opening her business in 2018. She describes it as a co-working and meeting space designed to provide small businesses and remote workers with a sense of community.
“People need to be around other people, to feel connected, especially when they share common goals,” said Alexander.
While it may be something more and more people are seeking in the wake of COVID-19 and the unanticipated work from the home era, places like Saratoga CoWorks have actually been around for years.
Co-owner Dorothy Rogers-Bullis said her business first began in 2014, and has been thriving ever since.
“We have always been busy. The pandemic didn’t really seem to change that, however we do know that people don’t generally like to work from home. In business, it’s always better to be around others, other professionals, and that is what our business is known for, a place for professionals,” said Rogers-Bullis.
Saratoga CoWorks is a collaborative coworking space for entrepreneurs, professionals, freelancers and startups. They have two locations in Saratoga, with a third in the works. She said the business is not a coffee and hang out space, but instead it is a place known for an atmosphere tailored for those who are looking to get to work in a productive, supportive environment.
“Our goal is to meet the needs of those looking for a place to hold an important meeting, connect with another professional or even just to come in and work on an important deadline,” she said.
WorkSmart is a member-driven organization that offers a variety of services from conference room rentals to meeting the day-to-day office needs of working professionals, something Alexander said she saw a greater need for during the pandemic.
“People who were trying to have important calls and meetings while balancing the distractions of being at home needed a space to work from, a place with a productive environment,” she said.
Alexander said moving into the old bank building this fall allowed them to better service their clientele. She said the building is equipped now with a downloadable app that lets people have 24 hour access, choose membership options and more.
The building has been somewhat restored with its natural beauty, complete with partial brick walls and natural light coming through the ceiling. A conference room complete with a fireplace and a view of Glen Street is also a highlight of the new space.
“We want people to enjoy coming here and getting work done. Whether it is a regular client or someone visiting the area, whatever their need is, we will meet it. We are really passionate about taking care of people, that is my focus, providing everything that members need,” said Alexander.
Rogers-Bullis said technology and access are things they know are on top of the list for those seeking out her company. Saratoga CoWorks is complete with state-of-the-art technology including enterprise-class Wi-Fi, rooms equipped with projectors and Apple TVs. They also have whiteboard walls, a kitchenette personal storage space, and free on-street parking.
The WorkSmart website is worksmartgf.com. The are located at 237 Glen St., Glens Falls,and can be reached att 518-480-7849.
SaratogaCoWork’s website is saratogacoworks.com/ or on Facebook @Saratogacoworks. The are located at 426 Broadway and 153 Regent St. in Saratoga Springs.