Have you ever heard about coworking and wondered what’s all the hype? This type of workspace is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the rise in remote working. If you’re curious about coworking spaces but aren’t quite sure where to start, read on for everything you need to know!
What is coworking?
At its core, coworking spaces are shared offices where people can work alongside other freelancers, business owners, and knowledge workers. You’ll typically find and enjoy common spaces with shared resources, more flexible payment terms, furnished offices, and typical office space amenities. They can be a great way to reduce your costs, meet new people, and get more work done.
What are the benefits of using a coworking space?
There are many benefits to coworking, which is why the number of spaces continues to grow. Some people might choose a coworking space because they work remotely and want a change of scenery, while others may need a central meeting spot for a transnational team. Here are just a few others:
- reduced costs – many coworking spaces offer a variety of membership plans, and you can often save money by sharing resources with other people
- increased productivity – being around other motivated professionals can help you get more work done
- networking opportunities – meeting new people is one of the best things about coworking spaces, and you never know what kinds of connections you’ll make
- upgraded work environment – some coworking spaces have open floor plans, lots of natural light, luxury furnishings and even rooftop decks!
- flexibility – coworking spaces are great for people who often work from different locations or need to take care of last-minute tasks. No more need to get stuck in a long-term lease
How do I choose the right coworking space for me?
Not all coworking spaces are created equal – some cater to specific types of professionals or business owners, while others offer a wide variety of services and amenities. When choosing a coworking space, it’s important to consider what you need and want from your office environment.
Some things to think about include:
- the type of work you do (is there a lot of collaboration required?)
- how much privacy you need
- what kind of community you’d like to be part of
- what amenities are important to you (conference rooms, coffee shops, etc.)
- what your budget is
Can anyone benefit from coworking?
The answer is a resounding yes! While coworking spaces were traditionally popular among freelancers and entrepreneurs, they’re now being used by all sorts of people – from remote workers to students to retirees. Coworking spaces can be a great option for anyone who wants to get out of the house, meet new people, and have access to resources they wouldn’t have otherwise.
How did coworking start?
Coworking spaces have been around since the 1950s, but their popularity really took off in 2005 with the rise of tech startups and digital nomads. The first coworking space was founded in San Francisco by Brad Neuberg, a story which you can read about from the man himself. Today there are over 3 million people using coworking spaces at over 20,000 different spaces around the world – and that number is only growing!
Do I need to be part of the tech industry to use a coworking space?
Nope! While coworking spaces started in the tech industry, they’ve become popular among all sorts of professionals. In fact, coworking spaces are great for anyone who wants to be around other like-minded people and get more work done.
What are the downsides to working in a coworking space?
While there aren’t many cons to using coworking spaces, there are a few things you should think about:
- distractions – coworking spaces often have lots of other people around, and it can be tough to stay focused when working in such an open environment
- lack of privacy – if you really need to concentrate and get work done without any interruptions, then a public space might not be right for you
- lack of control – you may not have as much control over your environment as you would in a traditional office space, so it’s important to think about what’s important to you
If any of these cons stick out to you, make sure the coworking spaces you look into have private offices available. Our private offices are a great example. This mix is perfect because it gives you access to the collaboration and social atmosphere coworking is known for, but without compromising on privacy or focus.
What does the future hold for coworking?
The coworking industry has seen unparalleled growth since it took off less than a decade ago. It’s predicted to be worth more than $20 billion globally next year, which means more people will have wide access to flexible office solutions outside their homes and traditional offices. This trend isn’t going away anytime soon either – experts estimate that 70% of all employees will work somewhat remotely by 2025. With the rise in remote working comes an increased demand for coworking spaces all over the world.
Should you try coworking?
It’s never been clearer that the future of work is collaborative, flexible, and mobile. The coworking movement has taken off in recent years as more people are choosing to freelance or pursue entrepreneurship. As companies continue to grow their remote teams exponentially, it makes sense for these workers to have access to office-like amenities like conference rooms and printers without having a full-time lease on office space. If you’re interested in getting out of the house, working more collaboratively with other people, or joining a tight-knit community, coworking might be what you’ve been looking for. If not…well, there’s always Starbucks.
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