7 Reasons Why You Should Consider Coworking
Just starting a new business and the thought of working from home doesn't particularly tickle your fancy? You don't see yourself putting in enough work whenever you try to work from home? You haven't made enough income to rent an office space? Then you might want to consider being in a coworking space.
Coworking spaces are becoming more popular by the day and this is rightfully so seeing as it has proven to be the perfect alternative to either having your own office space or working from home. What's more, there is a lot of flexibility involved that makes working fun.
If the traditional office setting bores you and you just recently got to know about the world of coworking spaces, then introductions are in order.
A coworking space is just as its name depicts. It’s a place you can go to on a daily basis, sit at a desk or on a sofa/table and get work done amongst other like-minded people. The atmosphere is structured and you don't have to worry about any form of office politics. You might want to think of a coworking space as one that is capable of not only motivating you to put in work but also entertaining you while at it.
Coworking comes with a whole lot of benefits and if you have been in search of a post that would convince or inspire you to look into coworking, then you are in the right place. Below are 7 reasons why you should consider a coworking space and what you stand to gain from it.
1. Networking opportunities
Working alone, within the comfort of your home places a form of barrier between you and who could potentially help your business. It could be a potential client, a mentor or a business partner. There is no better place to find so many professionals across different industries in one place than a coworking space. The networking opportunities you would be exposed to are endless. The professional you need for that upcoming project might just be sitting across the desk and in the same vein, you could be just the professional they are in search of. They would also be sure to refer you to people outside of the coworking space. A larger network, more income, marketing at no cost? What's not to love?
2. Low startup cost
With a coworking space, you don't have to worry about paying a huge sum of money to rent your own space and after renting out space, facing the burden of designing the space, purchasing furniture and more. Coworking spaces are always less pricey, fully equipped with office equipment. Space is typically rented out on a monthly basis and sometimes weekly, and even hourly these days.
You also don't have to bother about service providers or making repairs. All the services you would need are right there. From good internet connection to printers to scanners to a coffee machine and much more. If you are a new or existing entrepreneur, a freelancer looking to add a touch of workspace professionalism to your business but worried about costs and long-term commitment, then a coworking space is for you. Even if you are financially stable and not worried about costs, all the time that would go into sourcing for office equipment and furniture could be spent on building your business.
3. Lots of flexibility
Coworking spaces are always accessible round the clock in most cases. If you want to work 24/7, you are free to. You are a late riser and getting to work in the AM isn't your cup of tea? You want to work only 3 days a week and pursue other interests on other days?
Coworking spaces have got everything covered. This flexibility is not one that you might get to enjoy in a traditional office setting. In a coworking space, you get to work when and how often you want to. You could even decide to convert the typical lunch break to something more unconventional such as gym break.Speaking of flexibility, you also get to make payments on shorter and more flexible terms.
4. Increased productivity and creativity
There's no better place to increase your productivity and creativity than a space with like-minded people who are equally focused. Being around such committed people could be all the boost you need on days when staying motivated seems hard and the lack of productivity creeps in.
Also, a work environment greatly affects creativity. It's easier to get fresh creative ideas when you are in a creative workspace. The beauty and aesthetics of a coworking space could even be what would spur your own creativity on. This can also be attributed to the fact that there are fewer distractions and temptations to take you off course.
5. Opportunity to learn new things
Been interested in learning a new thing or skill but you haven't been able to make out time for it? You never can tell who would be working across the room and what skills they might possess.
You could also get to learn new business ideas as well as new ways to go about solving a business related problem. There is always so much to learn from other people, irrespective of how different the industries you work in are.
6. A sense of community
No matter how much of a homebody a person is, sometimes the last thing that is needed is a feeling of loneliness and isolation when trying to get work done. That could affect productivity to a large extent. Coworking spaces to the rescue. On the other hand, though, socializing isn't compulsory as you can also control how much interaction you have with each other.
You don't necessarily have to chat with other people before you get to feel a sense of community.Just seeing them working and getting things done is enough to take away any form of isolation and disconnection you might otherwise have felt elsewhere.
7. Promotes work-life balance
Maintaining a work-life balance is already tasking as it is. Working from home might make separating work and other aspects of life even harder. Going to a coworking space every now and then would help you keep both areas apart and focus on each at the right time.
You no longer have to go through the hassle of renting a traditional office space or keep dealing with distractions at home while working. The use of coworking spaces is on the rise because it solves these problems and more. You should join the gang too.
About the author - Helen Fry is the CEO of www.TheCloudSheffield.com coworking space in Sheffield, UK, and loves the coworking world.