Evaluating Coworking Spaces: Is Working in Shared Environments a Good Idea?

Evaluating Coworking Spaces: Is Working in Shared Environments a Good Idea?

In recent years, working in coworking spaces has risen in popularity as an alternative for entrepreneurs, startup owners, freelancers, and remote workers seeking flexibility outside the traditional office environment. Offering everything from shared desks and private offices to networking events and community amenities, coworking spaces are designed to serve as a creative hub for professionals.

As the gig economy grows and remote work becomes commonplace, more and more professionals are trading in their home offices or coffee shop tables for these shared, collaborative work settings. But is coworking right for you and your needs?

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of working in coworking spaces to help you determine whether this style of work environment can enhance your productivity, creativity, and professional growth.

Understanding Coworking Spaces

Before you can decide if a coworking space meets your needs, you first need to understand what coworking spaces entail and what you can expect from this type of work environment.

Defining Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are shared office environments where individuals from various companies work independently but in a communal setting alongside other professionals. Designed as a flexible alternative to traditional office environments, these spaces are known to enhance collaboration, productivity, and creativity. 

For freelancers, remote workers, and small business owners, coworking spaces offer a professional setting without the long-term commitment of renting a dedicated office. With various membership tiers, it’s easy to adjust your plan to suit your needs — whether you use the space several times a week or you only need a day pass several times a quarter.

Key Features of Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are equipped to support a work environment that is both efficient and comfortable, so they often include a number of amenities for members to enjoy. Common features include high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, communal lounges, complimentary refreshments, and printer stations. Many coworking spaces also have private offices and conference rooms available to rent for meetings or small events. 

Other benefits of coworking spaces may include social gatherings, networking events, and educational workshops hosted by the rental provider.

To inspire creativity and collaboration, coworking spaces are typically designed with open floor plans, modern decor, and plenty of natural light. In addition to shared workstations, some spaces also offer huddle rooms and other quiet corners to take phone calls, brainstorm ideas, or sit down with team members.

Advantages of Working in Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces have surged in popularity with good reason — many coworking space advantages go beyond what traditional office setups can offer. For remote workers and entrepreneurs, coworking spaces allow for increased productivity and connection. Let’s dive into some of the key benefits of coworking spaces.

Networking Opportunities

One of the most significant benefits of coworking spaces is the built-in networking potential. For those accustomed to working from home, it can be difficult to connect with fellow WFHers and feel like you’re part of a greater community. However, sharing a workspace with professionals from different industries provides regular opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and knowledge sharing.

Many coworking spaces actively foster community by hosting networking events, happy hours, and workshops for members to learn and connect with one another. Whether you’re seeking potential clients or simply looking for camaraderie, this environment is highly valuable for anyone looking to broaden their network and develop meaningful professional relationships.

Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness

In the coworking vs traditional office debate, coworking spaces always come out on top when it comes to flexibility. Instead of signing a 12-month lease, you can find a variety of membership plans available for a coworking space, including daily passes and monthly subscriptions. Thus, it’s easy to tailor your agreement to your preferences. 

This means you pay only for what you need, making it a cost-effective option for startups, freelancers, and solopreneurs aiming to keep costs low. Plus, you don’t need to worry about other expenses commonly associated with private office leases—like utilities, furnishings, and office supplies—which can add up to significant savings.

Creativity and Collaboration Enhancement

Coworking spaces are meant for collaboration! The open-concept, dynamic environment fosters creativity and community, allowing like-minded people to support one another. Being surrounded by professionals from diverse industries can spark new ideas and solutions, allowing you to approach projects with a fresh perspective. 

For instance, if you’re stuck on a business concept, you can ask around for feedback and input from people who see things differently. The communal atmosphere of a coworking space encourages free-flowing ideas and spontaneous brainstorming, which is hard to achieve when you’re alone in your home office or tucked away in your go-to coffee shop!

Considering the Drawbacks of Coworking Spaces

While there are numerous coworking space advantages, they aren’t without challenges. Some professionals may find that communal settings impact their productivity or comfort. Here are two common concerns to consider before committing to a coworking space.

Privacy Concerns

If you host a lot of meetings or need silence during the workday, coworking may not suit your needs. With open floor plans and shared areas, it can be difficult to hold sensitive conversations, make frequent phone calls, or work on proprietary matters with maximum privacy. While some coworking spaces offer solutions like phone booths or designated quiet areas, they may not fully address the need for personal space. Instead, you may consider renting a private office space or conference room for such purposes.

Potential for Distractions

With people buzzing in and out throughout the day, some professionals find it challenging to stay focused on tasks amidst background noise and socializing. Although many people thrive in energetic environments, others may struggle to maintain concentration in a coworking space. Some spaces provide quiet zones as an alternative, but it’s up to you to determine how well you can handle a shared work environment.

Before signing up for a coworking space, it’s essential to know what to expect from a shared workspace and determine whether such an atmosphere aligns with your preferred work style. If you’re uncertain, reach out to inquire about a trial membership to see how you enjoy the collaborative, open nature of a coworking space.

Is Coworking Right for You?

Coworking spaces offer a dynamic and flexible work environment, but they aren’t the right fit for everyone. Whether coworking is the ideal setup for you depends on your work style, business needs, and professional goals. 

Are you looking to break free from your home office with limited overhead? Sounds like a fit! Do you need a quiet, distraction-free setting to maintain focus throughout the day? You should probably consider other options. Fortunately, there’s a solution for everyone — so get clear on your preferences before signing up for any type of workspace.

Ideal Candidates for Coworking

Freelancers, startups, small business owners, and remote teams are often the best candidates for coworking spaces. Freelancers and solopreneurs can benefit from the structure and community of a collaborative workspace, helping them escape the isolation of working from home. And since coworking spaces are flexible, they don’t have to fully give up their home office — they can curate a schedule that perfectly suits their needs.

Startups, small businesses, and remote teams can also thrive in a coworking space, as it provides plenty of room to collaborate while keeping expenses low. If you enjoy networking and work best in an energetic environment, you’ll enjoy working in a coworking space (and you may even find that you’re more productive as a result!).

Situations Where Traditional Offices Might Be Better

For companies that require privacy for confidential meetings and sensitive client discussions, the openness of a coworking space can present challenges. A private office is a better option, as it provides privacy for conducting business without other people mingling around and socializing.

Likewise, businesses that require custom office setups or spaces to accommodate large teams should consider the stability of a private office. With a private office, business owners can design a space that aligns with their branding and suits their needs by customizing their furnishings, office colors, and functional features (like locked file cabinets, lounge spaces, and creative workstations).

Making the Decision: Coworking Spaces vs. Traditional Offices

Choosing between coworking vs traditional offices involves weighing several pros and cons, but ultimately boils down to your work style. Working in coworking spaces offers valuable networking opportunities, flexibility, cost savings, and a collaborative environment that can inspire creativity and productivity. However, potential distractions and a lack of privacy can make it a difficult environment for some people to concentrate.

Traditional offices provide a dedicated space with more control over surroundings, but they come with a higher price tag and long-term commitments.

Only you know which option better suits your specific needs and professional goals — a bustling, lively community or a quiet, dedicated private office? If you want to learn more about the benefits of coworking spaces and private offices, get in touch with our team!

Kathlene Buchanan

As the founder of Metro Offices, she has championed workspace innovation since 1989, inspired by the creativity and drive of their 30,000+ clients. Woman-owned and locally focused, the company tailors its spaces to meet the unique needs of every business.