The intention of establishing co-working spaces for civil servants was first announced by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel in his 2021 State of the Nation speech. The first such space, located in Schieren, is now expected to open in December this year.
In the future, civil servants will thus have the opportunity of choosing their work environment with greater flexibility.
The concept has been debated for several years and will now be put to the test. In a first phase, 850 employees from the Ministry for Digitalisation and from the Ministry for the Civil Service will be able to benefit from the new co-working location.
A survey carried out at both ministries last year found that 76% of employees in management think that co-working spaces are a good alternative option. According to Minister Marc Hansen, 70% of staff indicated being interested in the option, which he therefore sees as a potential means for improving employment quality.
If successful, Schieren might also house future co-working spaces for civil servants from other ministries.
Demand for less time spent at the office has significantly increased in recent years. A pilot project to test teleworking was first launched in 2017, with close to 170 employees participating. At present, close to 17,000 civil servants benefit from this option.
In conversation with RTL, Minister Hansen acknowledged that working from home is not to everyone’s liking, but that it keeps growing in importance in today’s day and age: “Not everyone likes teleworking, a number of civil servants also don’t have the conditions at home. But we have an increasing number of people who want to work for us and who are asking for such spaces to avoid losing as much time commuting between home and work.”
He continued: “The state has to try to keep its people. Certain options have to provided so that the state can remain competitive.”
The first 170 employees eligible to work from Schieren in this starting phase on average save 30 minutes or more on commuting. The town was chosen as the new office space is only a mere 50 metres away from the local train and RGTR bus station. The N7 interchange is also nearby, as are cycling lanes.
Co-working remains optional. The space in Schieren extends over 200 square metres and can house up to 22 employees across three rooms. The local Mayor hopes that this will help bring new life to the municipality: “Having 20, 22 new people come work here everyday has a positive impact on a town like Schieren. Whether it be for restaurants, businesses, or the supermarket. It brings life and that is good for the municipality.”
Further hopes are that Schieren can help set an example for the beneficial partnership with government institutions and thereby promote the decentralisation from the capital to the rural parts of the Grand Duchy.
The co-working space in Schieren is expected to be ready in December. The first phase of the pilot project will last two years. The government will pay €12,500 per month on rent. The space is owned and managed by the municipality.
