Resilience in Uncertainty: How Smartworks Weathered the Second Wave of the Pandemic

Resilience in Uncertainty: How Smartworks Weathered the Second Wave of the Pandemic\

In April 2021, the world is dealing with the uncertainty created by the second wave of the epidemic. Smartworks co-founder Neetish Sarda found himself in a difficult environment. Sarda co-founded Smartworks, a co-working space that started in Delhi-NCR in 2016 and has seen steady growth throughout its journey. But things changed dramatically when the COVID-19 pandemic spread, turning the concept of an office into an unrealistic concept and forcing businesses to rethink their ideas.

As builders look at a meager revenue of Rs 279.6 billion for FY21, the key question that arises is: "Will the office survive?" This uncertainty worries not only Smartworks, but the entire industry. Sarda, which received US$25 million in Series A funding from Singapore's Keppel Land Ltd in 2019, now faces the challenge of exploring uncharted territory.

Smartworks' journey through the second wave of the global pandemic is a testament to resilience, adaptability and vision. The story unfolds as the company transforms from a co-working space into a giant office space.

The Origins of Smartworks: Establishing a Shared Office
Smartworks began its journey as an operating company in 2016. - Startups are committed to providing strong and collaborative workplaces. In the first year, the company experienced steady growth and managed to capture a significant market share in the National Capital Region of Delhi. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 created unprecedented challenges and caused Smartworks to re-evaluate its business model.

Choosing Hosted Office Space
In 2019, Smartworks recognized the needs of the business and transitioned from shared office space to office space. This change allows the company to offer office solutions that meet the changing needs of the business world. Little did they know that this feedback would play a key role in their ability to recover during a pandemic.

Riding the storm: Smartworks' resilient response
During the pandemic, working from home has become the norm and the concept of a physical office is being questioned. Smartworks is rising to the challenge of navigating the uncertainty caused by quarantine and travel restrictions. The ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and the willingness to move to an office environment will be critical to Smartworks' survival.

Financial Challenges and Financial Services
With revenue of Rs 279.6 billion in FY21, the financial impact of the pandemic is inevitable. However, Smartworks managed to secure funding from Keppel Land as a major player in the 2019 Series A round. The $25 million capital injection provides continuity and flexibility by providing the financial know-how needed to weather the storm.

Innovation in Crisis: Transformation During Lockdown
As the lockdown continues, Smartworks embraces innovation to stay afloat. The company is exploring digital solutions to improve customers' remote operations. Virtual collaboration tools, advanced connectivity and flexible workflow solutions have become the foundation of Smartworks' strategy to meet changing business needs during the global crisis.

Human Life: Managing Stress
The epidemic caused mental health problems as well as financial problems. Neetish Sarda, like many other entrepreneurs, finds himself fighting evil spirits. The importance of employee health has become a priority for Smartworks. We have implemented many measures to improve the health of our employees and recognize the importance of re-employment for both the organization and the individual.

Preview: The Future of Smartworks
As the storm begins to calm, Smartworks finds itself strengthened. “Will the office survive?” turned to thinking about the future of the workplace. The office management model was born out of necessity and has now become a testament to flexibility and insight. Smartworks is poised to play a key role in improving operations post-pandemic.

Finally: The Journey to Prevention
Smartworks' journey into the second wave of the epidemic exemplifies how to rework on the wrong side. From the initial difficulties of signing up to its successful competition for office space, the company has demonstrated the ability to not only survive but thrive when there is a crisis. As businesses around the world re-evaluate their workplace needs, Smartworks serves as a beacon of change, proving that poor work doesn't mean stormy weather, but instead also means getting out.