According to Upwork, approximately 55 million people are working as a freelancer as of 2016. Now, how about the startups, small businesses, and solo entrepreneurs, which comprise about 27 million people? With so many freelancers and entrepreneurs out there, it is not surprising that coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular right now.
Coworking spaces allow all kinds of workers and business owners to get exactly the amount of office space that they require. This is perfect for startups who have a limited budget as well as traveling workers who need a desk for a day.
The coworking environment has quickly evolved since it first started in the early 2000s. There were only about ten coworking spaces in 2005. But nowadays, coworking spaces can be found almost anywhere. Additionally, the total number of coworking spaces is expected to continue to grow. Do you know that there are more coworking spaces in the United States that in any other country in the whole world? You might even find a coworking space near your place.
Reasons Why Coworking Spaces are Becoming More Popular
Working in a shared workspace might sound strange to you if you are over forty years old. Especially since you are surrounded by a bunch of people you don’t even know. On the other hand, if you are in your mid-twenties to thirties and you are an ambitious person, working in your cubicle each day can be dreadful.
Most workers who are in coworking spaces have an average age of 34 years old. However, you might be surprised that you can find workers of all ages in coworking spaces. There are many reasons why you will love working in a coworking space.
Budget Friendly
The main reason why freelancers and small business owners choose to work in coworking spaces is that it is very affordable. For most companies, securing office space is a huge part of their overhead expenses.
In fact, a lot of businesses discover that their biggest expense is their rent. Setting up an office in a coworking space is more cost-effective than renting an office space in a traditional building. The good news is coworking space can provide you with the exact amount of office that you require.
Furthermore, with coworking spaces, the spaces and costs are very flexible. During those busy days, you can expand your team and work in a dedicated space. And during those slow months, you can change your office as needed without looking for a new office building and acquiring a new lease. Generally, when you are in a coworking space, you will not be tied up with any long-term commitments. With month-to-month plans, you have the freedom to work where and when you need to. No need to worry if you want to take a break for a month or two.
Provides You with Tools
Working in coworking spaces comes with many perks, one of which is that it provides you with the tech and tools you need to run your business. From telephone answering services and Wi-Fi to printers and projectors, your space comes with various things that you require.
And most often, these are the things that you don’t want to buy yourself. Just imagine how much you need to spend on buying furniture, screens, systems, and equipment you need to use daily. With coworking spaces, you don’t have to buy all of these things. In other words, you can get started immediately and do more with fewer expenses.
Effective Business Boosters
It is always nice to meet your associates or clients in a professional coworking environment. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups can instantly gain credibility if they set up an office in a professional coworking space.
As a startup, you can show your potential clients and investors you are serious about growth by using a coworking space as your home base. Your investors will see that you have chosen a professional environment as your company’s headquarters. This proves that you want to invest in growth, making you stand out from other entrepreneurs.
Most of all, coworking gives you the chance to work in your preferred location at an affordable price. Coworking is all about collaboration, connection, and world-class networking. Most often, tenants of coworking spaces can find partners, clients, inspiration, jobs, and mentors from their desk mates.
One of the major reasons why large companies prefer a coworking environment over traditional office space is the networking advantages. Studies have shown that tenants of a coworking space are happier, more productive, and more motivated than those working in their cubicles. Part of the coworking culture is to help others succeed.
Opposite of Corporate Politics
Most often, the traditional way of doing business is the cubicle culture. All things are strictly organized. For instance, the number of times that the employees are permitted to use the bathroom, the management hierarchy, and many more. Employees are required to complete their tasks. Additionally, talking to coworkers is considered a waste of time.
This culture is also known as corporate politics, making many people feel miserable. In modern times, people are trying to stay away from this domineering approach and transition toward more cooperative cultures. This is one of the reasons why more and more people are getting attracted to the coworking culture.
Opposite of Cubicle Culture
With a coworking environment, you can move away from the cubicle culture and freely chat with your neighbors. Whenever you require some human connection, you can always socialize. On the other hand, if you want to focus on your work, you can always choose a private office with no disruptions. Remember that coworking spaces may vary extensively, so you can likely find something that suits your interest.
Some focus on healthy living and provide you with perks such as yoga classes. You can even find some that are pet friendly. While others are more concerned about environmental sustainability. So, they encourage paperless projects, recycling, and sustainable energy sources.
Should You Work in a Coworking Space?
Most often, mid-sized and big companies with 40 to 50 employees think they are too large for coworking spaces. Or perhaps the setup is not practical for their enormous businesses. While it is a fact that some spaces cannot accommodate many employees.
However, if coworking culture is more appealing to you, then you can find a space that provides large team offices. Working in a coworking space is perfect for those who value flexibility, cost-effectiveness, creativity, collaboration, as well as networking capabilities. Keep in mind that coworking spaces are not meant for everyone.
Coworking spaces may not be the best option for people who value quietness, consistency, and order. The flexible setup of a coworking space does not fit them. You should not choose a coworking space if you love silence, structured workdays, a consistent environment, and no distractions.
You should probably not work from a coworking space if you easily get distracted or cannot work on your task without guidance. Although it is a bit more structured compared to working from home, it still has the same level of commitment and discipline.
Ultimately, the best way to know whether or not a coworking environment is perfect for you is to try it. UOffice Executive Suites offers workspaces to help you bring out the best in you and your business. For more information, call us at (832) 932-5165 or email us at info@uofficesuites.com.