Perhaps you have heard of coworking spaces before. Maybe you have passed one in your neighborhood. Or you have friends that are working there. But what does a coworking space actually mean? Coworking spaces started when freelancers joined together to create their own space so they could work side by side.
They wanted to get rid of the social practice of working alone by introducing a community feel. Nowadays, coworking spaces offer a wide range of private and open workspaces for individuals and companies. Additionally, coworking spaces also held social activities and events to build and keep the relationship between these professionals stronger.
What Does a Coworking Space Consist Of?
So, what can you see inside a coworking space? First, you will be welcomed by the community manager. Afterward, you can see a variety of different zones. Most often, you can see conference rooms, open seating areas, private offices, and phone booths.
However, every coworking office space is unique and has its own style. For instance, the workspace could be divided into four sections which include the Commons, Café, Study, and Switchboard. These are designed in such a way that they can inspire productivity.
Silence is relevant in the Study so people can concentrate on their work. Although in the Commons, it is expected that there is light conversation to encourage teamwork and creativity. The Switchboard section includes visual dividers and phone calls can be made. And lastly, the Café has small tables where people can gather together along with soft music. Events can also be held here.
Private offices are also offered in coworking spaces. This is a great opportunity for companies who want to have their own spaces on flexible terms. There are different sizes that are available. These private offices can accommodate between two to 40 people. And even if you are in a private office, you and your staff can still attend social activities and events. Sounds nice? If so, then you should consider joining a coworking space.
Are Large Companies Moving to Coworking Spaces?
Prior to the pandemic, there were already indications that large corporations were transferring their employees into coworking spaces. For instance, 30% of Microsoft’s workers who are from New York were given access to a nearby coworking space.
Furthermore, they even have their own version of coworking space known as Microsoft Reactors. Here, startups and developers could work on their stuff and network. However, it seems that Microsoft is not the only one thinking about this. There are also other companies that are considering investing in their own coworking spaces.
Ever since safety protocols are at ease, most companies are slowly returning to their offices. Consequently, these large companies and even startups also realized that using coworking spaces allows them to save more money, encourage connections as well as join booming entrepreneurial communities.
In 2017, Verizon decided to transform an old data center located in Washington D.C. into an attractive coworking space. According to Verizon’s senior vice president, John Vazquez, the most valuable thing about this is gathering entrepreneurs together and allowing them to meet their staff.
The reason why large corporations such as IBM, Bank of America, and Verizon opt for coworking spaces is because of its culture and cost. Coworking spaces offer a more affordable option for large offices that are not often used. It allows them to have flexible payment plans. But aside from this, coworking spaces also provide a startup culture that most organizations are seeking out.
What are the Advantages of Coworking Office Spaces?
There is workspace flexibility since you are given the chance to choose whether you want to work in an open office room, in a phone booth, at your own desk, or in an entirely different coworking location. In other words, coworking means that you are giving your employees a chance to choose their own workspace.
Coworking spaces come in a variety of cost-effective plans. The cost of the space will be divided among its members, as a result, you can gain a highly competitive rate. Coworking spaces are considered as a community that includes startups, organizations, building staff, and other tenants. With coworking spaces, you can gain work-life balance.
Most often, they are located in major cities that are close to financial and commercial districts as well as transportation. This culture promotes rest and relaxation besides hard work. In coworking spaces, you can invite a potential client for a meeting or work with a remote team. This is the place where you will meet up, collaborate, or simply have a chat.
How Do Coworking Spaces Affect Office Culture?
Throughout the years, coworking spaces have greatly changed society’s perspective of work culture. Most probably, in the coming years, companies will move from formal settings to more open spaces. One of the greatest changes would be adapting the flat management structure. Rather than having a lot of managers and employees under them, startups have started to practice a leaderless organization. As a result, this can inspire a sense of feeling valued.
Open spaces have also caused great changes to talent management. Organizations were able to access the best talent including interns, employees, vendors, and clients. For most people, collaboration is a great opportunity for them to obtain fruitful relationships. Furthermore, in-person collaboration and networking are more beneficial than a fully remote setup.
Coworking Office Spaces Offers Flexible Rent
One of the things that are common among multinational corporations and startups is their goal of saving money and allocating it to more relevant items. With coworking spaces, organizations can use the common space for their collaboration while having the flexibility to choose to remove or add office spaces when necessary.
This is essential for startups, especially if they are still in the planning stages. On the other hand, for corporations, this gives them the opportunity to expand their location and market.
Coworking provides scalability for startups who want to plant their roots or for corporations who want to extend their geographical footprint. Coworking spaces can also be used as a meeting place for distributed workers all over the country or the world. If two different teams are located in the United States, then they can choose a coworking space that is convenient for them to meet up occasionally for meetings.
Whether you are in charge of the development of a new venture, you are part of a major brand that is well-known all over the world, or perhaps you are somewhere in between, a coworking space can provide you with the resources that are needed for your business to grow and thrive.
UOffice Executive Suites offers memberships that can provide you with more flexibility. Aside from open workspaces, we also offer private offices. For more details, you may call us at (832) 932-5165 or send us an email at info@uofficesuites.com.