Photos courtesy of Daybase, Inc. and Thompson & Bender
The on-demand coworking space in Harrison offers flexibility for those who work remotely, with all the office amenities one might need.
By Sam Murphy and Christopher Urban
The global workforce has seen significant changes and shifting dynamics over the last few years. The most fluid aspect has been where people work from.
When COVID first hit, offices shuttered and many were forced to work from home. Now, as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, not all companies are rushing back to their prior setup. While working from home created new obstacles that had some people ready to return the office, with an ever-present virus, many choosing to move throughout the pandemic, and an increasingly online working environment, filling up company office buildings doesn’t always make much sense. Enter Daybase.
Daybase combines the best aspects of working from home and the office by creating a fully stocked, on-demand workspace. All the standard office amenities one could ask for are available at this coworking concept, with office supplies, “enterprise-grade” WiFi, coffee and tea, various types of workspaces, and an on-site concierge included at each location.
After a successful first venture in Hoboken, New Jersey, Daybase has launched its next hub in Harrison. Located at 326 Halstead Avenue, Daybase Westchester lives in the new AvalonBay multi-family development, right across from the Harrison Metro-North station and no more than a five-minute drive from I-95.
Related: 2 New Coworking Spaces Are Coming to Westchester
Daybase Westchester held its grand opening on Monday, July 25, 2022. It brings a smooth solution to a turbulent problem that has left many unsettled and unsure for the last two years while offering a look at the future of the workforce.
“Hybrid work is here to stay with [many] employers indicating a hybrid office model will be their predominant post-pandemic policy. We knew we wanted to be in Westchester to serve so many of the workers who want the flexibility to work close to home at least part of the week, but don’t want to be stuck at home all of the time,” notes Daybase Co-Founder and CEO Joel Steinhaus, when asked why Daybase chose Westchester as its next location.
“To have Daybase, a hybrid working facility, available in Harrison will be a great opportunity for our residents and those who work remotely to connect and network with their neighbors, colleagues, local businesspeople, and entrepreneurs. We are thrilled to have a designated co-working space in town, and this will be a great addition to downtown Harrison and local businesses alike,” says Harrison Supervisor/Mayor Richard Dionisio. He was joined by Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Daybase officials at the opening ceremony, which included a ribbon cutting and tour of the new facility.
In order to use the space, patrons purchase a monthly subscription, earning them access to any of Daybase’s locations. After that, they can use the space as frequently or infrequently as needed, whether that’s every day, once a week, or sporadically throughout the month. First-time users can start with a complimentary Daypass; after that, one-day passes go for $18.
“We created Daybase for the times when your office is too far, but home is too close,” notes Steinhaus. “Not only does Westchester County have a vibrant economy in its own right; it is also home to thousands of Manhattan office workers who used to commute into New York City five days a week.”
Because of the on-demand nature of the Daybase, it can serve fluctuating numbers of people throughout the day and serve different work-style needs all at once because of its various spaces, which range from workstations to meeting rooms. The 5,000-square-foot retail space has availability on-demand and with bookable spaces through the Daybase mobile app. Daybase also provides Daylounge as part of its Harrison footprint, which includes unassigned desks for short projects or casual meetups.
The remote-work company also seems to have found a willing partner in Avalon Bay. “Daybase’s model of creating a localized option of high-quality, professional-grade co-working space aligns with our vision of providing an amenity-rich environment for our residents to work, live, and experience,” notes Jeff Topchik, vice president of retail for AvalonBay Communities. “Daybase is a fantastic addition to our community.”
Daybase fights the isolation created by the pandemic and working from home, allowing a unique opportunity for people in different fields and companies to work alongside one another.
“Now, less than 10 percent of Manhattan office workers are commuting all five days of the workweek, but that group needs a more conveniently located, professional-grade place to get work done,” Steinhaus adds.
After successful ventures in the Northeast, Daybase plans to expand across the country. “We’re bringing Daybase to neighborhoods in places like Arizona, Colorado, and Florida to meet this growing demand,” Steinhaus adds. “We’re also planning to open more locations in the Tri-State area soon.”
