Memberships at Cork shared working space Republic of Work up 300% since 2020

A push by some businesses for increased in-person collaboration has seen memberships back on the rise

Republic of Work on Cork's South Mall. Shared working space Republic of Work in Cork city has seen membership by remote and hybrid workers increase 302% in the last five years, with over 350 memberships taken up.

Shared working space Republic of Work in Cork city has seen membership by remote and hybrid workers increase 302% in the last five years, with over 350 memberships taken up.

The co-working space on South Mall in Cork city first opened in 2017. In the post-covid environment, and amid a push by some businesses for increased in-person collaboration, the company has seen memberships back on the rise. 

“We’ve seen a big increase in teams using our staff pass memberships to get people together for off-sites, workshops, and focused collaboration days," said Republic of Work chief executive Frank Brennan. "More businesses are recognising the real value of flexible, hybrid working.

"The membership gives access to high-quality workspace and community with networking built in. People are genuinely relieved to have space again - somewhere other than the kitchen table - and the energy that creates is fantastic."

Membership has now passed 350, with 70 businesses using the Republic of Work meeting rooms and event space facilities. The space also hosts 40 events per year.

According to a recent CIPD HR Practices in Ireland 2025 study, just over two-thirds of organisations (69%) included hybrid working in their strategy to attract and retain talent.