The 9 to 5 grind stuck in a small compartment in an office can be extremely exhausting. For a few years now, we have been witnessing the slow shift of workplaces from isolated, single cubicles to more open and shared spaces. We are seeing the introduction of various kinds of co-working spaces into the office. So what are the benefits of co-working space?
Starting from increased creativity and motivation to lower rents/prices and furnishing perks, there are a lot of different advantages to working in a co-working space. It’s often much more convenient, especially for new startups and smaller businesses that can’t afford a full office space. Even for bigger corporations, a large office might just be a waste of space.
But how exactly does working in a co-working space affect your work experience? Should you be thinking of it as a reliable option or be worried that your office might introduce this going back to the office. How does it even work? Let’s find out.
Getting Back Into Workspaces After The Pandemic
After the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a huge shift in workplace practices. While a lot of businesses had to shut down or suffer losses, most were forced to shift their work online. With no need to go into the office and spend endless hours sitting in a cubicle, this was a welcome change for many.
They could spend more time with their families, work more comfortably and have flexible hours and maintain a better work-life balance. More and more people realized that the work they have always been doing in an office can just as easily be done at home on their laptops. Even if not all of it is possible remotely, a huge portion of work is usually on your computers.
Thus more and more employees are asking why this shouldn’t be the norm? Can’t we always work online, remotely if there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars renting out office spaces and wasting time and money on transporting to and from the office?
It seems futile now to spend so much time and money on meeting in person in an office when the same information can be portrayed through a simple email or a Zoom call? Once people have experienced the better alternative, it’s going to be hard to go back to the 9-5 grind. A lot of people are also quitting their jobs for these exact spaces.
As we start going back into offices and resuming our normal lives, more and more corporate spaces are going for a more hybrid approach. The old approach doesn’t work for everyone now that many companies have established work arounds for working remotely entirely. We’re seeing a rapid shift towards remote work and occasional in-person meetings and work hours. What better way to achieve this than the use of co-working spaces?
When there’s no need to cram a large number of people into an office space at a fixed schedule of hours, there’s no need to rent out a huge office space. As workspaces work towards restructuring the workplace, it seems more efficient to use coworking spaces for occasional meetings and work hours.
There has been an increase in the number of co-working spaces available all over the world, where different companies can schedule meetings and working hours depending on their needs, all under one roof. Members will have their own tables, a shared kitchen and Wi-Fi, and the freedom to have discussions over coffee with others, or alone work in solitude when they want to.
5 Benefits of Co-Working Spaces
If your office or workplace hasn’t already shifted to a more hybrid approach, you may expect to see some kind of change soon enough. Whether you’re growing tired of your existing inflexible work environment, or are seeking a more inspiring environment free from the clutter and unwanted noises of roommates/family members, it may be beneficial to explore the advantages of working in a coworking space. Let’s review some of them below:
1. Shared Spaces Leads To New Connections
Co-working spaces usually have different companies or organizations working together. As a result, you are presented with networking opportunities that would not have existed at home or within the confines of an office only dedicated to one company.
This is called organic networking. Often times these connections can not only help you as an individual but also the company as a whole too. These newfound connections may spark exchange of ideas facilitate new alliances. There are a whole world of opportunities that may arise.
Having a shared working space can enable more face to face interactions through regular events where members can engage in fun / productive activities with new and familiar faces.
2. Cost-efficient
These kinds of spaces are often more affordable for newer and smaller businesses and companies that cannot afford to rent out a whole office space 24/7. It’s much more cost effective to have meetings at these places when they need to do. Even for freelancers and self-employed individuals, co-working spaces are a great way to have “official” meetings while saving up.
For companies that are considering signing a conventional lease agreement, it might be better to use a coworking space after accounting for costs like amenities, furniture and food, and maintaining a stocked kitchen. A co-working space comes fully furnished, often with food and amenities covered. As long as you pay your dues, you don’t have front the bill for anything else. Coworking spaces will usually have a reception desk and their own employees as well, who can provide additional onsite support to members. It’s a very cost-effective arrangement for everyone involved.
3. Increased Productivity and Creativity
Working in open, shared spaces can often increase productivity and creativity. Especially among creatives and artists, working together in an open relaxed environment can greatly enhance the creative juices, as studies suggest.
If you can pick a well-designed, colorful, and spacious co-working space it can look and feel more like a coffee-house and a creative hub rather than a lifeless office cubicle. This can make everyone feel more relaxed and in a better mood. An improved mindset leads people to work better and allows them to enjoy their work more.
4. Flexibility in Location
Another great perk of using a co-working space instead of a traditional office is that you aren’t ever tied down to a single place. If you want, you can hold meetings or work in a different environment every day. It’s often more convenient to have a set location, but if you or your team ever feels bored with the place, you can always shift and try out different locations.
This also means you can take meetings with clients at more convenient locations. There’s no need to make a 2-hour commute to an office. You can decide on areas nearby to get your work done so that you don’t have to travel too far. This allows for the decentralization of the office as well.
5. Better For Your Mental Health
Most of us have had our fair share of isolated work arrangements after this pandemic, and we’ve realized how lonely remote work can get. Prolonged isolation can often lead to much more serious mental health issues; which is why there is a need for in-person meetings and working together. No matter how convenient it is to work completely remotely, it can become confining and lonely.
Having regular or even occasional meetings and working together in the presence of other colleagues can make you feel way better. Co-working spaces allow you to feel like you’re a part of a group and brings a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, a lot of which we’ve been lacking in the pandemic.
So while 9-5 every day can be exhausting, the other end of the spectrum isn’t all that good either. This is why co-working spaces are an excellent middle ground that mixes the perks of both. This way you can enjoy the benefits of both, and use a hybrid method to work.
Now that you’re all caught up with the benefits of co-working space, I’m pretty certain that you’re eager to try it out. If your workplace isn’t already thinking of shifting to a more non-conventional office space then you should suggest it or bring it up! It does make your work experience so much better.
