Chennai, India – In the bustling cityscape, amidst the predictable hum of conventional offices, a unique co-working space is quietly revolutionizing the concept of the modern workplace. Nestled in a serene corner of Tatabad, Sabol Co-Works, a visionary venture by mother-son duo Subashini Ramesh and Karthic Kumaran, is offering a refreshing departure from the sterile, often solitary, environment of traditional offices. Launched just over a year ago, this innovative space, designed to accommodate 54 desks, has quickly become a haven for professionals seeking not just a place to work, but an experience that transforms stressful workdays into moments of enjoyment and connection.
The Genesis of WOCABO: A Holistic Approach to Work
At the heart of Sabol Co-Works lies a distinctive philosophy encapsulated by the acronym WOCABO. This ingenious concept, as explained by Karthic Kumaran, a 26-year-old professional tennis player and the driving force behind the co-working space, stands for Work, Cafe, and Boardgames. "We’ve created a concept that we call WOCABO," states Kumaran, his eyes alight with passion. "WO stands for work, CA for cafe, and BO for boardgames. We have office spaces alongside a cafe and over 300 boardgames to choose from." This tripartite approach aims to foster a more balanced and engaging work environment, recognizing that productivity thrives not just in solitude, but also through social interaction, relaxation, and mental stimulation.
The idea, Kumaran elaborates, is to fundamentally shift the perception of working at a desk. "We want to show people that working at a desk doesn’t have to be stressful," he asserts. His father, M Ramesh, who serves as his mentor and a key figure in the establishment’s vision, further illuminates this point. "People can come in for a work meeting to our cafe and spend over an hour holding a casual meeting over a cup of coffee without the pressure of having a waiter looming over one’s shoulder," he explains. This emphasis on a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere is a deliberate strategy to alleviate the common pressures associated with traditional dining or meeting spaces, allowing for more organic and productive interactions.
Design and Ambiance: A Sanctuary for the Modern Professional
The aesthetic of Sabol Co-Works is a testament to thoughtful design, eschewing the suffocating cubicle culture for an environment that is both professional and inviting. The ground floor, for instance, boasts an array of indoor and outdoor meeting rooms bathed in abundant natural light, creating an atmosphere conducive to both focused work and collaborative brainstorming. "Corporates make use of these rooms for Zoom meetings as well as interviews," points out Karthic. These versatile spaces can be booked on an hourly basis for a nominal fee of ₹150 and are also equipped to function as professional podcast studios, catering to the evolving needs of content creators and businesses.
The co-working space itself is designed to be ergonomic and comfortable. Instead of cramped, grey partitions, the cubicles are spacious and thoughtfully arranged, allowing for personal space without fostering isolation. The natural light and strategically placed greenery contribute to a sense of calm and well-being, combating the often-draining nature of prolonged desk work. This commitment to a positive and inspiring physical environment is a cornerstone of Sabol Co-Works’ appeal.
A Diverse Clientele and Flexible Offerings
Sabol Co-Works has rapidly become a preferred hub for a diverse range of businesses, currently serving 15 MNCs, including a significant number of burgeoning startups. These companies opt for long-term contracts, recognizing the value of the flexible and amenity-rich environment. "People can choose to bring their laptops to work here for even a few hours or half-a-day," says Karthic, highlighting the adaptability of the space to individual needs. The all-inclusive package includes complimentary coffee and tea, essential office amenities like printers and air-conditioning, and high-speed internet connectivity, ensuring that members have everything they need to be productive.
The cafe, a relatively recent addition to the Sabol Co-Works ecosystem, has quickly become a focal point for informal work sessions and social gatherings. Featuring comfortable low benches and tables, it provides an ideal setting for individuals to work alongside a beverage and a light meal. Adjacent to the cafe, an inviting outdoor seating area leads to a dedicated room housing their extensive boardgame collection, offering a seamless transition from focused work to leisurely engagement.
The Boardgame Revolution: Fostering Community and Connection
The presence of over 300 boardgames is not merely a novelty; it’s a deliberate strategy to foster community, encourage social interaction, and provide a much-needed outlet for stress relief. Karthic, an avid board gamer himself, is adept at recommending games and curating experiences. "During weekends, we get plenty of serious board gamers who spend almost four hours playing as a community," he shares. The space also hosts children’s birthday parties, with Karthic meticulously selecting age-appropriate games to ensure fun and engagement for all.
The impact of these games extends beyond mere entertainment. "We have grandparents and grandchildren bonding over a boardgame; we’ve seen complete strangers turn friends over a game they just cannot stop playing," he recounts with a smile. This ability to forge connections and create shared experiences is a testament to the power of play in building community. Popular titles like Blood on the Clocktower, Catan, Root, Merchant of The Dark Road, and Brass: Birmingham are frequently played, and Sabol Co-Works has become a venue for several board gaming communities to host their tournaments. This active engagement with the board gaming scene positions Sabol Co-Works as more than just a workspace; it’s a cultural hub.
A Culinary Corner: Fueling Productivity with Delicious Bites
Complementing the work and play elements is a thoughtfully curated menu at the cafe, designed to cater to the needs of busy professionals. The offerings include a variety of buns, sandwiches, and wraps, prioritizing quick, satisfying, and flavorful options. A standout item is the "cookie milk," a nostalgic concoction developed by Subashini Ramesh. This creamy beverage, reminiscent of a 90s summer holiday staple, involves soaking cookies in milk and whipping it to a smooth, cold consistency. "This drink has become a crowd favorite," enthuses Subashini, her pride evident. The menu also features items like chocolate croissants and milkshakes, alongside healthier options such as Thai raw papaya salad, ensuring a diverse range of choices for every palate.
A Legacy of Innovation: Echoes of the Past, Vision for the Future
The story of Sabol Co-Works is deeply intertwined with a rich legacy of entrepreneurial spirit. M Ramesh, reflecting on his own past, shares a poignant anecdote. "When I was in my 20s, I started a similar space in RS Puram," he recalls. "It was called Sabol Business Centre, and several companies, such as TCS and IFB had their offices in it. This was around 1990, and telephone connections were in demand. We offered connections at the work desk, which was among our biggest draws." Though that venture eventually had to close as technological landscapes shifted with the advent of pagers and mobile phones, the core vision of providing essential infrastructure for businesses remained.
Karthic has taken this foundational vision and infused it with a contemporary understanding of work-life integration. "My son has visualized Sabol Co-Works as a place that will be in tune with the times," says Ramesh. The question that underpins their endeavor, "Why should work be confined to just one space?" encapsulates their forward-thinking approach. Sabol Co-Works is not just about providing desks and Wi-Fi; it’s about creating an ecosystem where work can be dynamic, enjoyable, and deeply integrated with personal well-being and social connection.
Supporting Data and Growth
Since its inception, Sabol Co-Works has witnessed a steady growth in its clientele, with a significant portion of its capacity consistently occupied. The demand for flexible workspace solutions, particularly those that offer more than just basic amenities, is on the rise. The success of Sabol Co-Works can be attributed to its ability to tap into this burgeoning market by offering a unique value proposition that combines productivity with leisure and community building. The fact that 15 MNCs, including startups, have chosen to make Sabol Co-Works their extended workspace underscores the viability and appeal of their model. The hourly booking option for meeting rooms also indicates a consistent revenue stream from short-term users, further diversifying their client base. The growing popularity of the cafe and the consistent engagement from board gaming communities highlight the success of the WOCABO concept in attracting and retaining diverse user groups.
Official Responses and Future Implications
The founders, Subashini Ramesh and Karthic Kumaran, have consistently expressed their commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment. Their proactive approach to understanding and catering to the needs of their clients, from providing a diverse menu to actively engaging with the board gaming community, has been instrumental in their success. The establishment of Sabol Co-Works signifies a broader trend in the evolution of work culture. As the lines between work and personal life continue to blur, spaces that offer flexibility, community, and a focus on well-being are likely to gain prominence. The WOCABO model, with its integrated approach, offers a compelling blueprint for future co-working spaces. The implications are far-reaching: businesses can potentially reduce overheads associated with traditional office spaces while simultaneously enhancing employee morale and productivity. For individuals, it offers a more adaptable and enriching work experience.
Conclusion
Sabol Co-Works is more than just a co-working space; it’s a testament to innovative thinking and a commitment to enhancing the modern work experience. By seamlessly blending productivity with opportunities for relaxation, social interaction, and fun, Karthic Kumaran and Subashini Ramesh have created a destination that truly makes working bearable, and often, incredibly enjoyable. As the professional world continues to evolve, Sabol Co-Works stands as a beacon of what the future of work could entail – a dynamic, engaging, and ultimately, more human-centric environment.
For those interested in experiencing this unique workspace, Sabol Co-Works can be found on Instagram at @wocabo_cbe, or contacted via phone at 9344520266. Their address is 65, 6th Street, Tatabad.
