9 Benefits of Coworking Spaces as Your First Office
Coworking spaces began as a freelancers’ movement but have gained rapid popularity in the last few years. As per a report by real estate consultancy firm CBRE, coworking spaces constitute 10% of office spaces in India, and the number is expected to rise to approximately 25% in the next few years.
This disruption of coworking spaces the world over is both fuelled by and helps drive changes in work culture. As technology advances and the corporate world modernizes, remote work and flexible working are becoming commonplace – and coworking spaces create the perfect ecosystem. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of coworking spaces as your first office.
Networking and Increased Connectivity
Often touted as the biggest benefit of coworking spaces, is the ability to network with people you wouldn’t meet at a traditional office space. You get to meet and interact with people from different companies and industries that help foster your own business development.
New Business Opportunities
Not only do coworking spaces stimulate a sense of community, but they also help bolster business opportunities. With increased networking and collaboration, not only are you inspired by new ideas, but the chances of meeting new clients or potential employers and/or employees from among the people you work with are very high.
Greater Flexibility
Whether you’re a new business, startup, or freelancer, you might not be financially capable of committing to long-term leases and hefty deposits. However, the fee structure at coworking spaces is based on membership plans – each with its own benefits. Choose a plan that you pay for monthly, on a day-to-day basis, or even just for a few hours! Members at coworking places also have the flexibility to choose their own working hours and schedule. Read more about life in a coworking space here.
Reduced Business Costs
Renting or leasing a traditional office space comes with a lot of overhead costs, such as security, office supplies, parking, maintenance and so on. Coworking spaces, however, eliminate sundry expenses for you and your business as utilities are built-in as part of the membership fee.
Learning New Skills
Constantly upgrading your skills and acquiring new ones is the principle behind sustained success in today’s world. And coworking spaces provide an easy platform to do so. Many coworking spaces hold events and interactive workshops that not only help you learn new skills and techniques but also open up networking channels and the opportunity to find new ideas and clients.
Diversity
Unlike traditional office spaces, coworking spaces house members from different companies and different walks of life. They provide a unique environment where you can meet like-minded professionals, but also those with different ideas, perspectives and work ethics. Collaboration and not competition, therefore, is another benefit of coworking spaces.
Remote Access
Coworking spaces are now cropping up in several cities around the world, giving travelling professionals the ability to plug in at any time, from any location. Working while travelling is instantly achievable thanks to coworking spaces that offer business WiFi solutions, office utilities, a quiet and comfortable place to work and even food. Furthermore, employers can hire the best talent without fear of relocation costs or remote employees feeling disconnected from the rest of the team.
Enhanced Productivity
A typical or “traditional” office space is set up with desks, cubicles and cabins; it aims to seat as many people as possible in a given floor space. While it is orderly and efficient, traditional office spaces cannot compare to the ambience of a coworking space. Coworking spaces intentionally blend multiple work environments to cater to various working styles, thus boosting productivity.
