By late 2022 and 2023, 87 million people will work as a freelancer. More people are becoming their own boss, ditching the 9 to 5 lifestyle, and working beyond traditional office spaces.
As the way we work continues to change, where we work is changing, too.
Grab your laptop, kick your heels up, and relax in your new workspace. With these 10 benefits of using a shared coworking space, more people are choosing communal. Keep reading to learn why coworking works wonders!
1. Startup Success
As a brand new company, you're probably trying to cut expenses. It's far more effective to spend money on advertising (which can bring in new sales leads) than a long-term lease.
You would need to spend money on a deposit, too. What a waste.
Most leases require a two to 10-year commitment. If your company grows, you're going to need more space. Trying to break out of that lease later on can become a hassle no one wants to deal with.
A coworking space, on the other hand, takes the high upfront costs out of the equation.
Instead, you can pay based on a monthly, weekly, or hourly schedule. Basically, you're paying for when you need the space.
If you're a startup, you don't have to worry about making a commitment. Instead, you have access to a professional workspace that fits your budget.
2. All-Inclusive Ease
Once you have a workspace, furnishing it becomes expensive. You also need to consider utilities, internet, appliances, and other charges. Again, this can lead to wasting money when you could save instead.
Coworking spaces are all-inclusive. That means you have access to all of the add-ons you need to succeed, including:
- High-speed internet
- A desk, chair, and sometimes additional furnishings
- Access to a conference room (though you'll need to reserve it)
- Access to a shared copier/scanner/printer
- Kitchen facilities with a fridge, microwave, and free coffee/tea
Think about it: someone else is taking out the trash and cleaning up the kitchen. You're expected to respect the shared space, of course, but this still takes one more worry off your plate.
3. Sweet Synergy
Working from home usually means life is full of distractions (especially if you have kids). However, working alone all day, every day can cause creativity flow to stall.
Working in a space with like-minded, driven people just like you can keep you inspired.
Their passion can fuel you while encouraging your productivity.
As an added bonus, you're experiencing that work-life balance people dream of, too!
4. More Control
Many coworking spaces are accessible 24/7. If you have a short deadline and need to work through the night, you can. If you want to take a break in the middle of the day, head out!
Either way, you'll have a quiet environment where you can focus and work without distraction.
Working from a communal space means you decide when you head to the office and how long you stay.
5. Community-Feel
Some workspace managers go above and beyond to make the entire coworking space to feel like a community.
Instead of working from home, alone, you have access to a group of people who know who you are and what you do. That community feel can help keep you motivated. A community can also support you when you're struggling or need someone to talk to.
6. Break Out
Using a coworking space provides the chance for you to break out of your comfort zone. A limited perspective can limit your creativity as well, leaving you stalled for ideas.
Working near someone we don't know, who has fresh perspectives and different experiences, can benefit our perspective, too.
When you break out of your comfort zone, you'll start to see the world in new ways. That can help you devise new ideas and discover more efficient ways of working.
This coworking directory can get you started with a new workspace today.
7. Networking
Working from a communal space can help you discover other entrepreneurs in your area. Who knows, the expert you need (whether it's a marketing guru or bookkeeping expert) could be working just a few chairs away!
This is an opportunity to let people know about your services, too. Have your business cards at the ready. Working from a communal space can help you use word of mouth (which is free!) to build your business.
8. Pace Yourself
There are distractions everywhere we turn. Even clients can interrupt your workflow and hinder your productivity.
Coworking spaces, on the other hand, allows you to work at your own pace.
If you're using a coworking space as a secondary office location, it's the chance for an escape. Instead of worrying about deadlines and clients, you can focus on your work without distraction.
9. No Longer Lonely
Social interaction can also benefit your mental and physical health. To work your best, you need to live your best life. Without social contact, you could experience:
- Elevated levels of stress
- Inflammation (leading to arthritis, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes)
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
Instead, working from a communal workspace can keep you surrounded by energetic, inspired minds. Your work community can keep you from feeling lonely or from isolating yourself.
10. Accountability
Sometimes, working on your own can make it difficult to remain focused. You have to hold yourself accountable for how long you're working and how much money you're spending.
If you're paying for a coworking space membership, you'll want to pay for your money's worth. That means focusing on your work while you're there.
Your coworking office membership will also remind you why you're paying for space in the first place. If you're aiming to grow, working from a shared workspace at first can motivate you to achieve your goals!
Co-working Works: 10 Benefits of Using a Coworking Space
Share the space! Take advantage of these 10 benefits of using a coworking space today.
Head over to the Startups section of the blog for more bootstrap business ideas for workplaces and work spaces of all types. Read it from your coworking space to learn and earn!
