Choosing where to have the headquarters of a company is a tough decision. When it comes down to it, no matter how big or small the company is, the workspace can make or break it.
No one likes spending long hours in an isolated workplace. Since the pandemic threw the world into disarray and the new normal began, getting the office environment right for teams is essential.
One way to combat these hurdles is to make use of a coworking space. It allows for teams to work together without the stress of having to find the perfect place and decorate it the right way.
What does coworking mean?
There are so many different ways to look at coworking. From the traditional way where people rent desks by the month to team rooms or shared offices.
These days most coworking spaces offer something between these options. For example, they may be able to give access to their desk areas when needed. They may allow usage of any available desk area on-site if when a group of friends or colleagues are looking for a place to work together. But no matter which option is chosen, the idea behind coworking is very consistent.
Why teams work better in coworking spaces
By definition, a coworking space offers benefits that make them great for both individuals and groups who wish to collaborate while staying productive.
Here are seven reasons why teams work better when making use of coworking spaces.
1. Collaboration
Typical office set-ups that include cubicles are likely to produce inefficiencies due to the partially enclosed workspace. Coworking spaces, on the other hand, offer communal tables and plenty of open space, which encourage collaboration and teamwork among employees.
It is different from a traditional office space where space is limited and the atmosphere is suffocating. The majority of coworking spaces are designed specifically for collaboration. Since they can communicate easily and quickly with their colleagues, better collaborative workspaces motivate employees.
Aside from that, it allows for collaboration between professionals where they can share ideas and bounce off each others’ thoughts.
2. Productivity
According to a GCUC study, coworking increases colleague engagement and motivation. Working in coworking spaces has resulted in 69% of those polled acquiring new skills and 68% improving current ones.
This means that coworking allows for productivity because teams can work together easily. Remote work does not allow for face-to-face interaction with colleagues and can make some team members feel demotivated and isolated. This is combated when making use of coworking spaces as teams can easily communicate and drive up productivity.
3. Creativity boost
Coworking spaces boost creativity. This is because teams are able to learn from the experience of others and ask for the opinion of others. . Moving to a new place and working in a new atmosphere may assist in refocusing and coming up with new ideas for solving business issues.
4. Better work environment
Because coworking spaces tend to cater to smaller communities and private clients, noisy crowds and noise pollution caused by large numbers of employees can be avoided. It is also possible to control the amount of background chatter or music playing in the building. All things considered, coworking spaces allow for more privacy to do the best work.
Sharing a workspace with other people isn’t ideal for some professions. Whether in a creative profession – like designers or illustrators – or one that requires concentration – like programmers, writers, or accountants – being surrounded by loud voices and constant interruptions can cause stress and anxiety. These problems can be avoided by making use of a coworking space as the home base.
5. Increased networking opportunities
Another perk of coworking is that it gives an increase in networking opportunities compared to typical brick and mortar workplaces. It allows users to introduce themselves and receive contact details for people in the same profession. On top of that, it will not be a lonely experience as there are plenty of other professionals present.
6. Lower risk of burnout
Burnout is a serious problem for employees and freelancers right across the globe.
This risk increases when there is no choice but to face them head-on while juggling many responsibilities. Fortunately, though, coworking can help reduce the risk of burnout.
For example, entrepreneurs who choose to start their own businesses in coworking environments may experience lower rates of depression and emotional exhaustion compared to those who continue to work under traditional employment conditions. A survey done by Gallup shows that employees who experience workplace burnout are 63% more likely to go on sick leave and 13% less confident in their job performance.
7. It supports work-life balance
Employees working at coworking spaces are able to maintain a better work-life balance. For instance, if working at home, the employee is solely responsible for motivation and organising themselves.
Unless the employee is determined to complete a task, they may find themselves getting distracted or giving in to the temptation to do other things more easily. Or, in some cases, employees even tend to overwork in regular office settings. Coworking offices bring a solution to those issues.
Employees can draw inspiration and motivation from people from diverse backgrounds and remain more focused at work and strive to perform better.
Moreover, since members are charged based on the usage of space and amenities in coworking spaces, there are fewer chances of employees getting overworked. Reportedly, employees feel healthier and stress-free after working in coworking spaces.
Businesses in other sectors are catching on to this trend by choosing offices with multiple work areas that foster creativity, collaboration, and communication – dedicated meeting rooms for private calls and conference rooms.
Many coworking spaces provide all of these amenities and more, allowing employees to create zones where they enjoy spending time rather than feel forced to.
While coworking may not make sense for everyone, we recommend considering it as part of a company’s strategy moving forward. Regardless of where teams are hosted, having access to flexible workspaces will improve productivity levels amongst staff members. And with so much emphasis placed on mobility and remote collaboration these days, we expect coworking to become popular amongst small business owners.
