Coworking spaces offer plenty of benefits for freelancers and there is compelling evidence to show that small companies can thrive in such environments. Even the corporate sector has taken note. But open collaborative-workplaces don’t suit everybody.
A dynamic environment
For any digital entrepreneur or freelancer working remotely, the instant appeal of a coworking space is gaining a sense of camaraderie. If you are working at home, you might feel lonely or just uninspired. Or you might be all too familiar with the demon procrastination. By comparison a coworking space can feel dynamic as people feed off each other’s energy. For small startups, on a practical level, coworking spaces are cost-effective. You avoid forking out on a long-term office lease but still have all the essential office tools: photocopiers, scanners, faxes, WiFi and – most importantly – free flowing coffee!
Finding work meaningful
In many cases, small companies have been found to thrive in coworking spaces. Why is that? According to research by the Harvard Business Review, people who use coworking spaces see their work as meaningful. They don’t feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in. The coworking ‘movement’ also has clear, meaningful values that people respond positively to: community, collaboration, learning, and sustainability. Nobody’s trudging off to work, they’re excited as they feel like they’re part of a social movement. The diverse spread of skillsets found across a coworking space can often be very beneficial to other community members.
Effective networking
For freelancers and startups alike, coworking spaces can be very helpful for networking. Need a lawyer, an accountant, a web developer, a tax expert? Someone knows someone. You might even source potential partners, clients or contractors through your peers. On the flip side, you could also meet a competitor. In that scenario you must decide, instinctively, how many of your cards can be revealed. Meeting like-minded peers can be beneficial, even inspirational – just don’t forget to structure your day and get into an established routine.
Corporate endorsement
In the US, the corporate sector has clearly taken note of coworking spaces’ effectiveness. Enterprises are applying a ‘coworking vibe’ to their office layout/culture. Some even send teams to a coworking space to spark new ideas. But the coworking environment doesn’t suit everyone. Some personalities will only find more distractions – or irritations. Small companies may also be better suited to a traditional office where they can create their own culture (even easygoing coworking spaces have guidelines that may feel restrictive). Perhaps you, or your company, would rather march to the beat of your own drum.
Photo: Manuel Schmalstieg – Flickr
