According to Statistica, the number of coworking space locations in 2020 was around 19,000. By 2024, it is expected to more than double. There’s no denial that co-working is on an upward trend, despite what happened to WeWork. So, if you are looking for a way to change up your work routine, consider working from a coworking space! It can be a great way to get out of the house and meet new people.
Cost savings
Coworking spaces can be a great way to get out of the house and get to work, with the added benefit of being around other like-minded entrepreneurs and working in a professional setting. One of the benefits is that it can be very cost effective. You can choose the plan that best fits your budget, from a shared desk or open space to a private office. You can also pay hourly or opt for a monthly plan and you won’t have to worry about the overhead of setting up a home office. Below is an example of what monthly subscriptions are for a WeWork location in Paris, as of December 2022 according to Workin.space.
Additionally, since you are sharing the space with other people, you don’t have to worry about the utilities and other expenses that come with a traditional office.
Increased flexibility
Coworking spaces offer a great deal of flexibility. You can choose the hours you want to work and the payment plans that best suit your budget. As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, most coworking spaces have monthly subscriptions that allow you to pay only for the time you use the space. This flexibility makes it easier for entrepreneurs and freelancers to work on their own schedule, which is especially important for those who need to juggle other commitments with their business. On the other hand, you may find yourself competing with other freelancers for available workspaces, so you may need to plan ahead if you need to use the space on a regular basis.
Networking opportunities
One great benefit of working from a coworking space is the networking opportunities it provides. As you’re surrounded by other professionals from various industries, you have the chance to make lots of new connections and build relationships with them. Some of them may be self-employed, while others may be working for larger companies remotely.
You can collaborate on projects, share knowledge and experiences, and learn from each other in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Besides, you can participate in the many events organized by companies and organizations in co-working spaces. Meetup app is a great way to view how active a coworking location is in organizing events.
Working from the same space also helps to foster a trusting relationship with your fellow coworkers, and you can even end up with some long-term business partners. The downside is that it may not be appropriate for those who prefer to work alone, and the cost of renting a desk at a coworking space can be considerable.
A wide range of amenities
Coworking spaces often come with a range of amenities, designed to make it easier to focus on work and collaborate with others. These can include phone booths, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, printers, and more. This can be a great benefit to those who don’t have access to these amenities in their home office. However, it can also come at a cost. Although some coworking spaces may offer these amenities at no extra cost, others may charge a fee and this can add up over time. Plus, it can be difficult to gauge if the amenities are worth the cost.
What are some drawbacks of working from a co-working space?
Working from a coworking space can be great for making new connections, getting inspired, and having access to all the amenities of a professional office. However, it can also be a bit distracting. Depending on the layout of the space, you may have coworkers talking to each other, music playing, or other activities going on. It can be difficult to focus on your work when there’s so much going on around you.
Besides, while coworking spaces are designed to provide a collaborative and communal environment for individuals and companies to work in, but they can sometimes have the opposite effect. Some people may feel isolated in a coworking space for a variety of reasons.
One reason is that the open layout of many coworking spaces can make it difficult for people to find a quiet, private space to work in. This can be especially frustrating for those who need quiet in order to concentrate or make phone calls.
Another reason is that the lack of physical boundaries between different work areas in a coworking space can make it difficult for people to feel like they have their own space. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of privacy.
Additionally, the constantly changing nature of coworking spaces can make it difficult for people to form connections and build relationships with others. This can make it hard for people to feel like they belong in the space and can lead to feelings of isolation.
How to stay productive in a co-working space?
Here are some tips for staying productive in a co-working space:
- Find a quiet and private space to work in: Many co-working spaces have a variety of different work areas, including private offices, conference rooms, and open areas. If you need quiet in order to concentrate, try to find a space that is away from the main activity of the co-working space. This is especially true if you have to participate in conference calls with your remote colleagues.
- Set boundaries for yourself: It can be easy to get distracted in a co-working space, especially if there are people working on different projects around you. To stay focused, try setting boundaries for yourself, such as only checking social media or emails at designated times.
- Take breaks: Working for long periods of time without taking a break can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Make sure to take regular breaks to stretch, grab a snack, or take a walk outside to refresh your mind.
- Plan your day: Before you start working, take a few minutes to plan out your tasks for the day. This will help you stay focused and on track.
- Communicate with others: Co-working spaces are all about collaboration, so don’t be afraid to talk to others and ask for help if you need it. This can help you stay productive and focused on your work.
