As the real estate landscape evolves, landlords and property developers seek novel ways to enhance building value and maximize return on investment (ROI). WORQ, a leading coworking and flexible workspace provider, has emerged as a trusted partner for transforming conventional spaces into thriving, high-performing assets. The recent collaboration with UOA Group at Menara UOA Bangsar, a prominent building in Kuala Lumpur, exemplifies WORQ’s ability to deliver value while aligning with ESG principles.

A Partnership with WORQ and UOA

Menara UOA Bangsar, home to WORQ Bangsar, a thriving coworking and community hub.

WORQ partnered with UOA to introduce a coworking space at Menara UOA Bangsar, complementing the building’s Asset Enhancement Initiatives (AEI), including its LEED Gold Certification and Malaysia Digital status. WORQ Bangsar was 70% occupied before launch, and has since expanded twice, with plans for a third expansion next year, already supported by early client commitments. This partnership highlights how coworking solutions can meet strong market demand while enhancing sustainability.

WORQ Bangsar at Menara UOA: Modern workspaces with upgraded facilities, sustainability initiatives, and seamless LRT access.

ESG-Focused Partnerships

Collaborations like those with Sunway Malls demonstrate WORQ’s commitment to ESG values. By prioritizing upcycled materials and minimizing construction waste, WORQ reduces environmental impact while revitalizing untapped spaces. Similar initiatives with Glo Damansara Mall and PHB at Menara 1 Sentrum achieved 100% occupancy and improved transit connectivity, showcasing WORQ’s ability to create dynamic hubs and diversify tenant bases.

Aligning ESG with Coworking

According to JLL, office fit-outs contribute significantly to carbon emissions, accounting for about one-third of a building’s environmental impact, especially as the average office undergoes interior changes at least 20 times during its lifecycle. WORQ tackles this challenge by extending the lifespan of office fit-outs, reducing waste, and conserving resources. By optimizing shared spaces, WORQ also helps businesses minimize their physical footprints, further cutting emissions.

In addition, a study conducted by IWG reveals that a hybrid work model can significantly reduce up to 70% of carbon emissions by decreasing daily commuting. This aligns with WORQ’s goal to promote public transportation when commuting to work. All of WORQ’s outlets are located along train lines, creating a network of cloud offices across Klang Valley. This enables employees to travel to work or host meetings at any of WORQ’s outlets.

This approach is further exemplified in WORQ’s collaboration with Sunway Property Management at Sunway Putra Mall with over 80% of fittings upcycled from a previous retail space and only 20% new renovations. Materials were sourced from overstock supplies, minimizing waste, as highlighted by The Edge.

WORQ Sunway Putra with 80% upcycled fittings, redefining sustainable refurbishment.

“Sunway Malls is committed to leading with sustainability and we are delighted with this strategic partnership with WORQ. Through our collaborative efforts at Sunway Putra Mall, WORQ has skillfully demonstrated that thoughtful refurbishment can both preserve the environment and drive profitability. This initiative, apart from value-adding through the introduction of new forms of use-case formats for malls, also sets a new standard for the longevity of office spaces by reusing and repurposing existing fit-out. This partnership is a testament to our shared belief that environmental stewardship and business success are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, complementary.” shared HC Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Malls & Theme Parks.

From Spaces to Ecosystems

WORQ’s model focuses on transforming untapped spaces into vibrant hubs for business owners. By collaborating with a coworking space operator, landlords can cater to small-sized companies, such as a team of 4, 8, or 10 people thus expanding their tenant market and preventing potential vacancies. This approach maximises building occupancy and ensures healthy returns on their space. Moreover, these operators offer quality amenities such as flexible office setups, meeting rooms, and hosting events which can enhance the appeal of the building and increase tenant retention.

A flexible private office at WORQ, designed for effortless scaling up or down to meet business needs.

For property developers, WORQ’s expertise in tenant diversification reduces reliance on single large tenants, mitigates risks, and ensures steady cash flow. Investing in cloud office infrastructure attracts foreign investments and fosters seamless work environments. WORQ also helps landlords establish collaborative ecosystems that drive higher rental yields and tenant loyalty.

Integrating coworking spaces offers landlords strategic advantages, including higher property value, market appeal, and stable, recurring income. These spaces attract diverse tenants, reduce vacancies, and enhance competitiveness, transforming properties into dynamic hubs. By outsourcing coworking operations, landlords can focus on core activities while minimizing complexities, ensuring functionality, innovation, and long-term value.

The value of WORQ’s spaces goes beyond square footage, fostering business growth, community engagement, and economic development. Partnering with WORQ helps landlords future-proof assets, boost ROI, and stay competitive. With a proven track record and commitment to ESG, WORQ unlocks hidden potential, ensuring long-term relevance in an evolving real estate market.

 

Ida

Ida

Assistant Marketing Manager, PR & Events at WORQ