Meet Alex Sykes from International Workplace Group

People Behind the Space: International Workplace Group

From local suburbs to major cities, International Workplace Group (IWG) is helping more people work the way they want, whether it’s a hot desk close to home or a global setup that spans borders. With brands like Regus, Spaces, and BizDojo, and HQ soon joining the mix, IWG is all about flexibility, community, and smart design.

We caught up with Alex Sykes, Country Manager for IWG New Zealand, to hear how hybrid work is evolving, what makes IWG’s spaces so popular, and why proximity and productivity now go hand in hand.

Alex Sykes, Country Manager for IWG New Zealand

Tell us a bit about your background and your role as Country Manager for International Workplace Group.

I joined IWG over a decade ago after relocating from the UK with my Kiwi wife, Sarah. I started out managing one centre and eventually took on the role of Country Manager in 2019, just before the pandemic hit. It was a challenging time, but also a turning point for how we think about work. People started questioning how and where work should happen, and hybrid working really took off.

In New Zealand, we’ve grown from 4 to 17 centres during my time, with more centres and cities on the way. On the home front, we’ve got two energetic boys who keep us on our toes - and we make the most of New Zealand’s outdoors whenever we can.

SPACES Newmarket

What excites you the most about working at International Workplace Group, and how do your workspaces stand out from other providers in the market?

It’s exciting to be part of something on a global scale. We’ve got over 5,000 locations signed globally, and we’re still growing fast. What really sets us apart is how tailored each brand is. Regus, Spaces, BizDojo, and soon HQ all offer something a little different.

One thing I love is that our spaces aren’t just in city centres. We’re opening in suburbs and smaller towns too, close to where people actually live. That’s what hybrid work is about: less time commuting, more time doing what matters.

Regus Wynyard Quarter

How would you describe the culture and community that thrives within International Workplace Group’s spaces? 

Our culture is very much shaped by our global reach, with so many different people and perspectives represented across our business. We have multinational companies as clients with teams from all over the world, and our own team is also very cosmopolitan. We’re a real global melting pot, and that’s one of our biggest strengths – we have more than 10,000 talented and passionate team members worldwide speaking a total of 50 different languages, with all the different perspectives that brings. Our spaces are all about collaboration between like-minded individuals. Co-working spaces by nature are a hotbed for innovation, and the opportunity to attend our many networking events, as well as simply work side-by-side with other innovative businesses, often sparks some of the best ideas and new ventures.

Spaces 50 Albert Street

What types of businesses or professionals do you see thriving most in IWG’s co-working environments?

It goes right across the board. We’ve got giant companies like AWS and Ericsson, and on the same floorplate there’ll be someone with a single desk who’s in the process of setting up a new company. Our multi-brand approach plays a key role here, meaning we’re uniquely geared to help businesses of any size and can offer a range of different price points and aesthetic requirements. Our clients can also scale up or down as needed. That’s something they really appreciate.

BizDojo Ponsonby

In just three words, how would you describe International Workplace Group’s spaces?

An Inspiring Community.

What's been the most rewarding challenge in managing multiple workspaces across New Zealand?

I’ve really enjoyed growing the business and meeting so many great people. It’s also been very rewarding to be at the forefront of the shift to flexible working in New Zealand and seeing the benefits it brings in terms of people’s health and happiness. As a parent of two kids, I know how important personal time is, and what a difference being able to work closer to home can make. On the days that I take both of my sons to school and pick them up, I work from my local Bizdojo, which is five minutes’ drive from our house. It saves me driving half an hour each way into the city, which makes a massive difference. 

SPACES Commercial Bay

How do you foster a sense of collaboration and community within the International Workplace Group locations?

We host everything from coffee mornings to wellness classes and networking events, so people don’t just work side-by-side, they connect. The goal is to create spaces where people can do their best work and enjoy their day too.

All our locations have a dedicated centre manager, which really helps foster a friendly, welcoming vibe. It’s the little things, like someone knowing your name, that make a difference.

Regus Hazeldean Road

Which well-known person would you like to invite to work in one of your spaces, and why?

I’m a big rugby fan, so I’d invite Jonny Wilkinson. He's quite an interesting character now, with his health and wellness products. To be honest, I’d happily invite anyone from the 2003 England team that won the Rugby World Cup, but I don't know how well that would go down with the Kiwis! Although we have two boys who were born in NZ and have both England and AB’s kit. It only gets hard when England and NZ play each other...

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that International Workplace Group has in the pipeline that you're particularly excited about? 

We're opening 125 Queen Street with Invesco. It’s a new Regus centre in Auckland CBD located in the Bank of New Zealand Building, which was originally constructed in the 1860s. We’re also opening our first Spaces in Wellington, at Custom House Quay. It’s in a beautiful old heritage building and is a lovely way to kick off our Spaces brand in the capital. And we’re opening a new Parnell location at Carlaw Park with Prime Property.

Regus Willis Street

What advice would you give to businesses looking to embrace flexible or hybrid workspaces, especially in today’s evolving work landscape?

Hybrid working comes with huge benefits - for people, businesses, and the environment. It gives teams more balance, cuts down on commutes, and brings people closer to their communities.

For businesses, it means happier teams and lower overheads. We’ve helped many companies make the switch to flexible workspaces that scale with them. If you’re thinking about it, now’s a great time to explore the options.