WeWork takes security, safety, and privacy very seriously—especially in Washington, D.C., where law firms, lobbyists, government contractors, and trade associations make up the majority of midsize and enterprise companies. In fact, many D.C. professional services firms have privacy and security clauses built into their client contracts.
In order to win the business of highly regulated companies or those dealing with confidential subject matter, we needed to offer modifications to our signature open-air floor plans and glass conference room designs. So we conducted research with prospective and existing WeWork clients to understand their exact needs.
We need to see the private offices and how our space could be cordoned off such that when clients come and go, we can keep an appropriate level of discretion. We can’t have the dynamic of each meeting—or even disclosure of what meetings are happening—easily visible to passersby.
Prospective law firm tenant, Berland research study, January 2019
Privacy protection
As it turns out, WeWork’s existing office solutions—move-in private offices with shared amenities, entire floors in white-labeled buildings with private amenities—can easily be configured with features for customers who need added layers of privacy. These optional add-ons include:
- Soundproofing for some or all conference rooms
- Privacy vinyls, shutters, and/or windowless conference rooms
- Dedicated workstations
- Designated areas where key cards are required for entry
- Private entry and exit doors
- Private, secure WiFi networks
- Locked, private server rooms
Alternatively, we offer fully custom build-outs in WeWork-managed buildings or renovations to customer-owned real estate.
Security measures
Every WeWork office is physically secured using a combination of technology and operational staff. Our standard security measures include:
- ID-verified digital guest check-in
- Keycard entry to building, elevators, and offices suites/private floors
- Well-lit parking lots and garages
- Locked cubbies, private lockers, and locked offices
- Secure building access after hours and on weekends
- Building security monitoring
Additionally, WeWork customers can choose added security features like:
- Staffed reception desk
- Private security guards
- Turnstile entry
- Video surveillance/CCTV
- Storage for confidential files
WeWork tenant Will Mount is a partner and attorney with del Cuadro-Zimmerman & Mount, PLLC, in D.C., and he values WeWork’s office security and privacy. “At the 777 6th Street NW location, the security level is excellent,” he says. “In order to access our office, we’re required to go through two separate secured doors as well as have locked access to our office. Our clients are welcomed by front desk staff, where they must scan their identification card or enter their information. I am very satisfied with WeWork security—in fact, I think any further security would be duplicative and unnecessary.“
“I am very satisfied with WeWork security. In fact, I think any further security would be duplicative and unnecessary.”
Will Mount, partner, del Cuadro-Zimmerman & Mount, PLLC
WeWork client Thomas Goldstein, a partner at D.C.’s Cogent Law, appreciates the emotional privacy of his firm’s space. “We have a great deal of privacy and security at WeWork, which is very important to us, as we are a law firm that deals with highly sensitive subject matter,” Goldstein explains. “In addition to our office space, the numerous conference rooms provide private, secure places to have conversations on highly confidential subjects.”
One added benefit for tenants in these highly secure WeWork spaces is that professionals from similar industries are also drawn to them. “There are multiple law firms in the space, which makes it nice to be able to work with colleagues,” Mount says. “We also find the common areas excellent for hosting receptions.”
These secure WeWork spaces in D.C. and beyond also provide all of the perks tenants love—including convenient, attractive locations. As Mount puts it: “This location is excellent in that it is closer to DC Superior Court, has parking, and the office is cleaner as well as more professional-looking than our prior office.”
Goldstein agrees. “The space is much newer and more appealing to our clients. It’s also in a much nicer building. The location is fantastic, with its proximity to multiple metro lines and central location,” he says.
WeWork absolutely conveys the right image for our business.
Thomas Goldstein, partner, Cogent Law Group
Fundamentally, WeWork’s D.C. spaces offer that “wow” design factor that appeals to tenants across the board. “WeWork absolutely conveys the right image for our business,” Goldstein says. “Many of our clients are startups involved in cutting-edge technologies. Everything about WeWork, from its staff to its space to its design, helps reinforce the image that we want to convey as a firm.”
What’s next in WeWork security and privacy services? Look for biometrics and more coming soon. Talk to us today!
