If you run a small company, any table at a local coffee shop or your dining room table could serve as your workstation. Unfortunately, that is not a practical solution in the long run. Sooner or later, you will need to invest in a dedicated office area. That is where shared office spaces can win the day for you.
The core idea behind setting up coworking spaces was to provide freelance workers a place to call an office. However, over time, this concept has penetrated the business world. Not sure how renting a coworking could positively influence your business? Read on:
- Networking opportunities
Every successful company relies heavily on its network. For one thing, it helps you identify the best practices and industry benchmarks for achieving your objectives. If you run a digital marketing agency, for instance, meeting with other company heads could be beneficial in terms of learning about new technologies and out-of-the-box customer acquisition strategies. A shared office space brings a slew of networking opportunities to your disposal.
Sometimes, the mere proximity to other successful businesses is all that is needed for a new startup to take off. By establishing relationships with others in coworking spaces, you may discover unique ways your products or services can help alleviate a pain point in their business. That way, you may mark an uptick in your client base.
- Professional environment
Work meetings come up with a greater challenge because of the absolute necessity of projecting an image of being a responsible, professional, and devoted team. Meetings, especially with clients, are best conducted in dedicated conference rooms rather than cafes.
If you hold the meeting in a coworking space, you do not need to worry about alienating clients who could be put off by your informal demeanor. At a coworking facility, you can meet with clients face to face in a professional setting, which is a win-win and can help your business expand big time.
- Extensive talent pool
Most startups and SMBs rely on freelancers. They contract out tasks like writing engaging online copy, producing eye-catching logos, filing tax returns, etc. But it is not always easy to come across reliable professionals. You must invest substantial time, money, and effort to hire freelancers. Guess what? Coworking spaces can cut the chase for you. They simplify the process of finding and recruiting new team members. So much so that the ideal candidate might be sitting right next to you.
- Maintaining discipline
While working from home is becoming increasingly common, it makes maintaining discipline somewhat challenging. Again, coworking spaces could be a lifesaver. It is because they force your team members to report physically for duty. Unlike in a traditional setting, the employees do not waste the day in a dreary office cubicle.
Coming to a coworking space means employees have access to a well-lit, cozy place with a library and a human library (you can chat with other people directly) to find all the answers to their problems. Besides, you are also unlikely to keep up with annoying internet issues. Be it a pressing deadline or an angry client, working together in a dynamic coworking space helps address business problems because everyone is disciplined and on the same page. According to well-documented research, people are more likely to think of novel solutions to problems when they are part of a team.
- Affordability
When starting a business from scratch, a lack of funding is one of the largest obstacles you will face. You cannot afford to lease a sizable office building since the rent would consume too much of your monthly budget. Fortunately, coworking spaces are very budget-friendly. Due to their flexible nature, many coworking spaces allow you to pay hourly or daily. You may also qualify for membership, depending on your financial situation. It is recommended to look for discounts as many of them cater to new businesses by providing low rates for startups.
- Work-life-balance
Entrepreneurship and the startup culture celebrate working 18–20 hours per day. However, this brings a lot of mental and physical unsustainability in the long run. It is far more challenging to establish limits and create time for mental health when you work from home.
On the contrary, daily, weekly, and monthly activities are commonplace in many shared office spaces. They encourage members to take a break from their screens. These gatherings might be anything from informal coffee breaks to formal networking meetings. These days, it is not even uncommon for shared office spaces to throw corporate holiday parties, sports tournaments, and seasonal celebrations. The best part is you are not obliged to show up at all costs, which is a stark contrast to conventional office settings.
- Saving time
As a business owner, your business’s daily operations require managing clients and workers. Since you will have a lot on your plate, saving as much time as possible is essential. When you have so many things to do, it might be hard to consider future planning. Coworking spaces can be extremely useful in this regard. All-inclusive services at coworking spaces mean you will not have to worry about minor tasks. For example, to better represent your business to existing and potential clients, some coworking spaces offer live call answering that may even be tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
Coworking is more than just a fad. It is a groundbreaking idea that completely revamps the workplace to meet the needs of modern organizations and their employees. Coworking, as a concept, is predicted to grow in popularity. Considering the advantages mentioned above, it is clear why coworking spaces are poised for rapid growth in the near future.
