OVER THE BUSY Christmas period, more often than not, our normal schedule gets ripped up and things can become a little scattered.
Whilst “It’s Christmas!” is still one of the best excuses to make no matter what the situation, if you have to continue working remotely, the period can prove a challenge when work comes calling. However, for those looking to spend more time away from the office this Christmas but continue to flourish in their job, Connected Hubs is on hand to offer a solution.
On the go since May 2021, Connected Hubs aims to make remote working easier. It is designed to simplify and standardise the process of sourcing and booking spaces, desks, and meeting rooms in hubs for a day, a week, a month, a year or longer.
Acting as a one-stop-shop for hubs throughout Ireland, remote workers can enjoy a professional workspace that meets their needs at one of the 330 Connected Hubs across the country.
As we enter the festive season, there’s no better time to discover your local Connected Hub. You can get some space to work in peace, away from the hustle and bustle at home, whether it’s last-minute shopping frenzies, giddy children or a family member who has a Christmas music compulsion. You can check out hubs in your area with Connected Hub’s simple map tool here.
Connected Hubs can help you get home earlier and make the most of Christmas. Avoid the travel rush by returning home earlier than normal and enjoy a professional workspace that will allow you to do your job in peace. With Connected Hubs, you don’t have to take more time off from work before Christmas or worry about rushing back to the office in January.
Elma Connolly manages the popular Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, Co Cork where she collaborates with local groups, entrepreneurs, remote workers and loads more to create a perfect remote working environment.
“My role as a hub manager is all about keeping everyone connected and engaged. I make sure Ludgate’s profile on the platform stays fresh with news and events specific to our hub. Plus, I’m here to welcome and assist visitors, making sure they feel right at home,” Elma said.
The hub at Ludgate is open to all, but it boasts a special connection with the local community.
At Ludgate, it’s not just about the space; it’s about connections. We collaborate extensively with local businesses, host open-to-all events, and provide space for community groups,” Elma adds.
This integration with the community also includes supporting women returning to work, holding workshops for seniors improving smartphone skills and coding programmes for local students. Network events and programmes to support start-ups and business development are also hosted by Ludgate.
When it comes to booking a spot at any of the Connected Hubs, Elma says it couldn’t be easier.
Booking a spot is a breeze! You can navigate through the hubs using filters and a map, choosing from various options like hot desks, dedicated desks, offices, and meeting rooms. Once you’ve selected what you need, it’s a simple online booking process,” she said.
Con Connolly, who uses the Ludgate hub agrees. “Once you have an account, the process to make a booking and processing payment for a hot desk/meeting room is easy.”
Con is self-employed, providing IT/Engineering services in the pharmaceutical sector.
Connected Hubs allows me the flexibility to base myself in West Cork, where I have family, for periods of varying durations. It allows me to provide some support to an elderly relative while still being able to continue my job,” he says.
Con also takes advantages of other hubs across the country. Reduced commuting, flexibility to fit work around other commitments and variety in work environments are just some of the benefits from his perspective. Con has even used Connected Hubs to extend a weekend away by booking a hot desk for a Friday or Monday, cleverly benefitting from the hubs in different parts of the country.
Other users in Ludgate are made up of a diverse mix of innovators, remote workers and companies. Each has the space for whatever they need at Ludgate – private meeting rooms, hot desks and more.
“Depending on the nature of your business, the Connected Hubs can provide good opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and new business opportunities,” Con says.
Elma helps generate and foster a community and Christmas spirit within the Ludgate hub.
“Initiatives like the Angel Tree with Novas and our annual Deck the Desk competition truly bring everyone together, making Ludgate more than just an office space,” she said.
Connected Hubs like Ludgate are the perfect solution for remote workers this Christmas. Some Connected Hubs may be closed to ad hoc bookings during the actual week of Christmas. Make a query early to avoid disappointment.
Connected Hubs is part of Our Rural Future – the Government of Ireland’s national policy for rural Ireland, which enables access to over 300 remote working hubs across the country. Connected Hubs is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
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