The International Workplace Group (IWG), a leading global provider of hybrid work solutions, owner of the brands Spaces, Regus, and HQ, opened a new Regus location in Porto Alegre (RS). Faced with the intense migration to more flexible work arrangements and in the wake of the recovery of the Rio Grande do Sul economy, especially in the real estate market, after the flooding period that impacted the state of Rio Grande do Sul, IWG is expanding its network to meet the growing demand for flexible workspaces in Brazil.
The opening of the latest International Workplace Group center occurs after the company recorded in 2024 the highest annual growth in revenue, cash flow, and profits in its history, as well as achieving rapid growth of its global network of workspaces. Last year, the group signed 899 new centers and opened 624 new units.
Located on Carlos Gomes Avenue, in the Três Figueiras neighborhood, in the eastern zone of the Gaucho capital, the new center is also part of a local initiative by the International Workplace Group to meet the growing demand for high-end flexible workspaces in the southern region of Brazil. The opening also reflects the reconstruction period of Rio Grande do Sul, not only in the real estate sector – which has seen a gradual increase in transaction volume after the floods that affected the state in 2024 – but also with initiatives to stimulate commerce, industry, and tourism. An example is the organization of large-scale events like South Summit 2025, which featured the participation of the International Workplace Group in a panel on the growth of digital nomads.
High demand for flexibility in work
Already open to the public, the new unit has two floors and offers spaces for established companies and startups from various traditional sectors in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area, including technology, innovation, automotive, metallurgical, footwear, chemical, and petrochemical industries, as well as the food, paper and pulp, and textile industries. At the same time, through the International Workplace Group's Design Your Own Office service, companies can customize their workspace according to their needs. The new Regus flag location features complete facilities, including private offices, meeting rooms, and shared and creative workspaces.
The building owners invested in the IWG platform to maximize the return on the venture, capitalizing on the rapidly expanding demand for hybrid work.
Recent research has shown that flexibility in work locations and routines offers a range of benefits for employees, including greater work-life balance, financial savings, and health benefits. Employers also reap the benefits of the hybrid model with increased company productivity and cost savings, as well as a more efficient and engaged workforce.
With the explosive growth of the coworking market, as companies of all sizes adopt hybrid work for the long term, it is projected that 30% of all commercial properties will become flexible workspaces by 2030. With the support of the International Workplace Group, partners can capitalize on this rapidly growing sector while benefiting from the group's unparalleled expertise. Hybrid work offers companies a significantly lower cost base, with an average savings of $11,000 per employee.
"The inauguration of the Regus Três Figueiras unit is an important milestone for our expansion in the country, especially in the South, where the market has shown a growing demand for flexible work solutions. Porto Alegre, with its economic dynamism and strong business sector, represents an excellent opportunity to offer innovative workspaces that serve both established companies and startups," saysTiago Alves, CEO of Brazil at International Workplace GroupWith this new unit, we strengthen our commitment to sustainable growth and adaptation to the new market needs, providing our clients with the flexibility and infrastructure necessary to thrive in a hybrid work environment, he adds.
The International Workplace Group is a global leader in hybrid work, with thousands of locations spread across more than 120 countries. Companies that are part of the group's client portfolio can access all locations and commercial services through the IWG app.
As the ongoing shift towards hybrid work accelerates, the growth potential of the coworking sector is exponential, with an estimated 1.2 billion office workers worldwide and a total addressable market of over $2 trillion. Already considering the 899 new partners added in 2024, the International Workplace Group now has 83% of Fortune 500 companies in its client base.
"We are establishing a stronger and much-needed presence in the southern region of Brazil with this latest opening. As an important business hub, Porto Alegre is a fantastic place to drive our expansion plans. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the Eólis Building to develop the Regus brand under a management contract that will add a state-of-the-art workspace to your building," he commented.Mark Dixon, CEO and founder of International Workplace Group PLC.
Our inauguration in another important Brazilian capital takes place at a time when more and more companies are discovering that flexible work is incredibly popular among employees, improving satisfaction and work-life balance, as well as providing numerous benefits to companies. Our proven workplace model increases productivity and allows a company to significantly increase or decrease its costs, in addition to providing access to thousands of workspaces, the executive added.
