A coworking space is typically an arrangement of various companies sharing office space and a common infrastructure.
Shared working spaces have become increasingly popular over the past ten years for many reasons. For example, there are a growing number of remote employees, freelancers, and digital nomads who use these spaces. They can also help businesses that want to reduce overhead costs associated with traditional office spaces.
Below, we explore the specific benefits of a coworking space and what to know.
1. Networking
For anyone who goes to a coworking space, whether you’re a freelancer or you work for a company, you can have opportunities to network. A lot of people who go to coworking spaces will tell you this is the number one reason for them.
You can connect with other people, whereas if you work in your home office all the time, you’re never going to be able to create those connections that can improve your success.
If you’re running a small business, having proximity to other business owners can help you grow.
Many of these spaces will also include events that formalize networking opportunities even more. For example, there might be catered lunches, fitness classes, or educational workshops on-site, and these are opportunities to build relationships.
2. Increase Your Sense of Connection
There has consistently been a push on the part of employees to have more opportunities for flexible and remote work. The pandemic opened up the possibility for a lot more people, but in the process, remote workers have found that there’s a sense of loneliness and isolation that can occur.
Rather than working alone in your home office all day, you can feel more connected socially if you go to a coworking space.
Even small, casual interactions can help boost your mood and outlook. You may find a lot more inspired when you’re socializing a bit, rather than staring at the walls of your house or apartment day in and day out.
3. Remote Access
Coworking spaces are popping up all over the world. You can then plug in and get remote access to your work resources, even if you’re traveling somewhere that you otherwise wouldn’t have a reliable internet connection.
Along with the accessible wi-fi, you have instant access to things like coffee and printing.
4. Work-Life Balance
Along with the potential for isolation to occur when working remotely and from home, a lot of people also find that balance becomes challenging. You may, on the one hand, find it hard to work when you’re in your home. On the other hand, maybe when there’s no separation from your home and job life, you tend to push yourself harder, and you aren’t able to “turn off” at the end of the workday.
If you’re feeling like this, spending some time in a coworking space can help you set new boundaries.
You can also create a sense of structure for your day, which, when you’re working from home, can feel like a blur. You can create separate work and home life, even without an actual office to go to.
You may find that you benefit from having a place where you can arrive in the morning and leave when you’re done working.
5. Better Productivity
Our focus and energy levels are always going to fluctuate throughout the workday, but when you’re in a coworking space, you might be better equipped to deal with these fluctuations. Instead of thinking that your bed looks inviting for a nap when you feel your energy waning, you might find that being around other people and seeing them be productive and creative helps give you an energy boost.
These spaces are also designed to promote productivity in general. For example, the spaces are designed intentionally and include things like natural light and air temperatures that help you stay energized.
6. Flexibility
If you’re a freelancer and you want a space where you can drop in, or you have an established team and you need a dedicated space, there’s inherent flexibility that comes with coworking spaces.
There are no rigid demands of a long-term lease. You can grow as you need to without paying more than you should for a space that you don’t yet need.
There are also amenities that come with these spaces, like front-desk staff, internet connectivity, and kitchen amenities, which all help eliminate overhead costs that would come from having your own office space.
7. Get Inspired
When you’re around other people and out of your comfort zone, you’re more likely to be innovative and creative in your thinking. If you’re stuck in a work rut, maybe you explore coworking spaces that are close by.
