The Case for Taking a Holiday Break
For coworking space operators in London, December is often a month of tough decisions.
With the festive season in full swing, many wonder: “Should we shut down and take a break or keep pushing our marketing and communications to stay visible?”
While closing and switching off for the holidays is tempting, there’s a compelling case for staying active — especially in a city where self-employed workers and freelancers rarely switch off entirely.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide what’s best for your coworking space.
The Case for Taking a Holiday Break
The holidays are, no doubt, a time to recharge.
Here is why some coworking operators decide to close:
1. Team Well-being
Your staff (and you!) deserve a break.
Operating year-round without pause can lead to burnout, and a few days off could do wonders for morale.
2. Low Activity Assumptions
Many operators assume December is quiet because they think potential members are focused on family, shopping, or vacations.
This belief makes it feel like any holiday marketing efforts might be a waste.
3. Budget Concerns
With operating costs piling up, some coworking spaces reduce hours or services in December to save money.
Taking a break is often a great act of self-care — but is it the best business strategy? Let’s explore the flip side.
Why You Should Stay Visible Over the Holidays:
December might be quieter than January, but it’s also a month when life-changing decisions are made.
In 1993, completely shutting down everything was a good idea, but this is 2024.
Here’s why it’s worth staying active:
1. January is Boom Time for Memberships
Data from sources Deskmag — The Coworking Magazine and Instant Offices consistently show that January is one of the busiest months for coworking sign-ups.
Many self-employed workers and remote professionals start the year with renewed goals, looking for spaces supporting their productivity.
2. People Don’t Fully Switch Off
Most coworking space users in London are freelancers, creators, and remote workers.
These are people who are often “always on.”
While corporate offices may shut down, self-employed workers still need professional environments to focus — and they’ll be searching for open coworking spaces near their homes or holiday stays.
3. Stand Out When Others Go Silent
The holiday season is a golden marketing opportunity.
Many assume no one’s paying attention, but this creates less noise on social media and inboxes.
Posting during the holidays can make your message stand out.
4. Holiday Stress Drives Short-Term Need
Let’s not forget the last-minute crowd: people needing a quiet place to finish end-of-year projects or tie up loose ends before the new year.
This is especially true in London, where professionals might look for spaces near their homes when offices are closed.
A Balanced Approach: How to Have It All
If the idea of staying “on” through December feels overwhelming, there’s a way to balance it:
• Join the Coworking Community Builder Cohort
By collaborating with other operators and getting rock-solid guidance, you can organise your year-end planning, save time, and even pre-schedule marketing to run while you rest.
It’s the best way to end 2024 strong and start 2025 prepared for the January rush.
➡️ Join the waitlist for the ‘Coworking Community Builder Cohort.’
• Pre-schedule Your Marketing
Use tools like CoSchedule or SocialBee to set up holiday-themed content to auto-publish.
Share festive greetings, January promotions, or short testimonials about why members love your space.
• Set Up ‘Lite’ Operations
Consider reduced hours or self-service options during the quieter days, ensuring members have access without straining your team.
• Promote Holiday Offers
A short-term membership or holiday “day pass” could attract professionals seeking a quiet workplace over the break.
Please highlight the flexibility your space offers compared to traditional offices.
Action Steps:
The decision to stay active or quiet in December doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice.
But in a city like London, where freelancers and remote workers thrive, staying visible during the holidays could set you apart from competitors.
Whether it’s a single festive campaign or simply keeping your doors open for last-minute members, small efforts now can make a big difference come January.
Want to prepare your space for a strong 2025?
Join our Coworking Community Builder Cohort waitlist today to plan smarter, save time, and get your needed support.
➡️ You can join the waitlist here: ‘Coworking Community Builder Cohort’
