Why Many Thrive in Co-Working Spaces
While homeworking became the norm during pandemic lockdowns, many people found that, although they liked the convenience of working from home, they often felt isolated. Enter the co-working space and this feeling of isolation disappears. While this is not a new invention – freelancers and entrepreneurs have been using them for years – an increasing number of people are looking at them as a viable alternative to working from home. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why people thrive in co-working spaces.
No Two Spaces are the Same
Before we look at why people thrive in a co-working space, let’s just say that all spaces are different. Some are run by large franchises, some are community-led spaces and others are set up by groups of entrepreneurs. Some offer a simple hot desk set-up, while others have dedicated workspaces and facilities such as meeting rooms, social areas, and even leisure facilities. Some facilities may allow you to pay as you go to use their services while others may require a monthly fee. Many entrepreneurs working from these spaces have taken out low-interest personal loans to keep them ticking over financially while also enjoying the savings made on rent and rates. Going down this road will enable you to pay for your space upfront for an extended period of time, leaving you feeling less stressed and more focused.
Flexible Conditions
One of the things Gen-Z wants in a coworking space is flexibility. Many spaces are open outside of normal office hours. So, if you prefer to get an early start to your workday or you are one of those people who love to work through the evening, you can find a spot to settle down in. In a coworking space, you’re not bound by traditional working hours and can come and go as you please. This gives you the opportunity to schedule your working hours around your personal needs and create a better work/life balance.
Adaptable and Varied Spaces
Co-working spaces are set up with the needs of the users in mind. They have ergonomic workstations and seating, office equipment, comfortable furnishings, and a pleasant environment that’s conducive to work. Working in such an environment improves productivity and happiness and reduces stress. Plus, you don’t have to invest in the furniture and equipment yourself so you’re making more savings. You’ll often find a variety of different types of spaces, desks or booths for deskbound work, quiet spaces for meetings, and areas where you can work alongside others. This ability to move around depending on your working needs is one of the reasons people thrive within a coworking space.
Options to Network and Learn More About Other Businesses
Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces attract people working on all kinds of projects and businesses. This means there are no internal politics and very little direct competition. Working among people doing different kinds of work can lead to opportunities to learn more about other businesses, help each other out, collaborate on projects, and set up networks of fellow creatives.
Interaction and Structure
Working from home as a freelancer can be isolating. Working in a coworking space gives you a chance to interact with others, even if it is just over a coffee. You’ll feel part of a community of like-minded motivated people, which will increase your motivation too. Plus, going out of the house to work can add more structure to your day – if this is what you prefer. When working from home, the lines between work life and home life can often become blurred.
