Curious about coworking spaces? These locations offer an intriguing alternative for remote workers who don't always feel like working from a home office. They provide an office-like environment outside the office and offer more space for interactive conversations. What a delight to work in such incredible places, isn't it?
What are coworking spaces?
Coworking spaces are those shared offices where people from various organizations and backgrounds can collaborate in an open setting. These spaces are often rented on a flexible basis, allowing people and businesses to lease space on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Amenities that are frequently included in these spaces include conference rooms, break rooms, refreshments, coffee, and high-speed internet access. They are an alternative to typical office spaces and a means for remote employees and independent contractors to have a more formal and collaborative working environment.
Who uses them?
Coworking spaces are used by a diverse group of people, including:
- Freelancers: Self-employed individuals who are looking for a professional work environment outside of their homes. Freelancers make up the largest coworking population, according to Deskmag, at roughly 41%.
- Remote workers: Employees who work for a company but are not based in the office.
- Entrepreneurs: Business owners starting a new company and looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional office space.
- Small businesses: Companies with a small number of employees who are looking for a flexible and cost-effective office solution.
- Start-ups: New companies that are looking for a place to establish their business and grow their team.
- Digital nomads: People who travel frequently and need a place to work while on the road.
- Large corporations: Many large companies also use coworking spaces as a way to provide a more flexible and collaborative work environment for their employees or to establish a presence in a specific location.
- People who are looking for a more flexible and comfortable work environment where they can also network with other professionals in their field.
How are they different from regular office space?
γ
€ | Coworking space | Regular office space |
Flexibility | Coworking spaces are often rented on a flexible basis, allowing individuals and companies to rent space on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. | Traditional office spaces typically require a long-term lease. |
Community | Coworking spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration among their members. | Traditional office spaces tend to be more isolated. |
Amenities | There are many benefits of a coworking space, such as the amenities they come with. Coworking spaces often include amenities such as conference rooms, break rooms, cafes, snacks, etc. | Traditional office spaces may not have these amenities or may charge extra for their use. |
Cost | Coworking spaces can be more cost-effective than traditional office spaces, especially for small businesses and freelancers who may not need ample office space. | Setting up a proper office space can be expensive for small businesses and start-ups. |
Networking | Coworking spaces provide an excellent opportunity for networking with other professionals in different fields and industries, which can be beneficial for entrepreneurs and freelancers looking to expand their network. | Traditional offices provide restricted networking options. |
Environment | Coworking spaces are designed to be comfortable and inspiring, with a focus on design and aesthetics. | Traditional office spaces may be more functional and sterile. |
Services | Coworking spaces often provide additional services like mail handling, receptionist services, and more, which can make it convenient for the users. | Traditional offices provide services like travel allowances. |
How to choose a coworking space
Choosing a coworking space can be a big decision, and there are various factors to consider when making your choice. Here are a few things and facts to consider when evaluating potential coworking spaces:
- Location: Consider the area of the coworking space and how it fits with your daily commute, as well as the location's proximity to public transportation, parking, and other amenities. The nearer your coworking space is, the more feasible it will be.
- Amenities: Look at what amenities the coworking space offers, such as break rooms, smoke-free rooms, cafeteria facilities, high-speed internet, and other services that you may need. The more amenities, the better it is. However, with the rise in amenities, the cost of coworking space can also rise.
- Community: Check out the coworking space community, as it can be helpful to be around other professionals in your field. Take a demo of two to three coworking spaces and try to figure out their community.
- Cost: Compare the price of the coworking space with the cost of traditional office spaces in the area to see if it is a good value. Furthermore, you can visit various coworking spaces in your area to find out which suits your budget the best.
- Flexibility: Confirm the flexibility of the coworking space and the terms of the agreement, whether it's a long-term contract or flexible. Prefer coworking spaces with long-term agreements as they are more reliable.
- Size: Make sure the coworking space has enough room for you or your team if you have one. Moreover, do check the desk space, the chair-table set-up, and the charging connectivity for your electronics.
- Services: Check if the coworking space offers additional services such as mail handling, receptionist services, order placement services, and more, which can make it convenient for you. Coworking spaces with more services are always preferable.
- Design: Look at the design and aesthetic of the coworking space and see if it is comfortable and inspiring, as the environment can affect your productivity. Choosing a coworking space with natural aesthetics can be a real boost for your productivity.
- Reviews: Check reviews of the coworking space online, and see what other people say about the space, the community, and the services provided.
It's also a great idea to visit the coworking space in person before making a decision to ensure it meets your needs and is a good fit for you and your team.
Reasons to work from a coworking space
Coworking spaces offer a more professional work environment than working from home, which can be helpful for independent contractors, remote employees, and business owners.
1. Exposure to a range of viewpoints
Coworking spaces bring people from various backgrounds, industries, and disciplines together, which can inspire new views and ideas. They help you socialize with people with different mindsets and experiences. This kind of environment fosters new ideas and creativity.
2. Access to events
A lot of coworking spaces have gatherings, workshops, and meetups where members may advance their careers, make new friends, and have funβall of which can be a fantastic source of inspiration.
3. Sense of belonging
The coworking spaces' sense of community can make you feel like you belong, which can be encouraging and motivating.
4. Collaboration
Coworking spaces encourage a sense of community and teamwork among their users, which might result in new alliances and initiatives. Being in contact with people from other professions and areas diversifies your skills. For instance, working with a 'speaker' can help you enhance your own oratory skills.
5. Professional growth
- Attending events, networking with other professionals in various sectors, learning new skills are all made possible by coworking spaces.
Benefits of coworking spaces
1. Networking
The most significant benefit of coworking and shared spaces is the possibility of meeting like-minded individuals is increased by coworking spaces, which is an attractive incentive for your growth.
You get to indulge in conversations with individuals from diverse fields and industries, which is a massive benefit of a coworking space. Interacting with great performers promotes a sense of community, increases your self-assurance, and opens avenues for improving your service.
2. Helps find your spot
A person can roam around a shared office to locate the best spots for himself. Your attitude may change throughout the day, and switching locations could increase productivity. By experimenting with various corners, you will discover the optimum positions for yourself at work. People who like to walk around while working can benefit significantly from coworking spaces.
3. Mental well-being
When we talk about the advantages of coworking space, then the most prominent one is the mental well-being that it offers.
- As discussed, coworking space benefits networking, and as a result, you can avoid feeling lonely, develop your social skills, and increase your productivity.
- Many coworking spaces also provide various programs to create your own abilities and skills.
- Meeting people who deal with the same work emotions as you can help you open up. They understand you in a way no one else can, thereby offering higher levels of mental peace.
Also read: How to stay fit while working from home
4. Access to a global community
Another benefit of a coworking space is access to the global community. Many coworking spaces are part of a worldwide network of workspaces, giving members the opportunity to access a community of professionals and resources around the world.
Coworking space benefits you by helping you interact with people from different countries. This widens your mental horizons and enables you to understand the dynamics of the world.
5. Stimulation
Coworking spaces benefit by providing a stimulating environment, with different people and businesses working on various projects, which can help to break up the monotony of working from home.
- The diversity of the people and businesses in a coworking space can also help to expose individuals to new industry trends and technologies, keeping them informed and up-to-date.
- Furthermore, coworking spaces can also provide resources and events that can be stimulating for the mind, such as workshops, training sessions, networking events, and other activities that can benefit personal and professional development.
6. Pleasant travel
A suitable coworking space could be close by or quite a distance away, depending on where you reside. You can select a place that is neither too far nor too close to your home.
Traveling to a coworking space can be a pleasant use of time and boost your productivity when it's sunny outside or when you feel like you need to leave the house for some reason. Therefore, another advantage of coworking space is that it allows you to travel but does not force you to do it. You get to travel by will and not force.
7. Adjust your schedule
Working in a coworking space benefits as it offers flexible scheduling.
- Many coworking spaces are open 24/7, allowing members to work on their own schedule, whether that means early mornings, late nights, or weekends. This can be beneficial for individuals with non-traditional work schedules or those who need to work outside of regular office hours.
- Many coworking spaces also offer flexible membership options, such as daily, weekly, or monthly plans, which can accommodate changing needs. This allows members to scale up or down their usage of the space depending on their workload and schedule.
8. Gives you a professional outlook
Coworking spaces are designed to provide a professional and productive working environment, which can help to create a sense of professionalism and increase focus and productivity. Staying at home can make you lazy; therefore, getting up and going to a nearby coworking space can energize your spirit.
9. Reduces distractions
Coworking spaces are designed to provide a professional and productive working environment, which can help to reduce distractions and increase focus.
- Separation of work and personal life: Coworking spaces provide a physical separation between work and personal life, which can help to reduce distractions and increase focus.
- Community norms: Coworking spaces often have community norms that discourage disruptive behavior and promote a focused work environment, which can help to reduce distractions.
