Why Coworking Works: PART II – Advantages of Coworking: Why People Thrive in a Coworking Setup

Not so long ago, small businesses, consultants, freelancers, and work-at-home professionals were confined to their home offices or at some point, fought for space at nearby coffee shops. Thankfully, we are given the option to break the monotony and escape from the isolation often felt when staying at home for days on end. You can now mingle with other people who, like you, also have work to do and thus, understand and respect your need for company, but without meddling with your affairs. This option is known as coworking, and in this post, we take a look at its advantages.

Coworking for Individuals

Different people have different working styles. Some are more productive when left alone while others work better when there are other individuals around — and most appreciate the balance of both. For those who choose to cowork, here are some of the known benefits.

• It can increase self-confidence. Because of the flexibility that coworking spaces provide, the majority of coworkers report an increase in self-confidence. This may also be attributed to the fact that they are surrounded by a supportive and encouraging community, with whom they share professional relationships and even friendships with.
• It can help enhance one’s productivity and eventually, income. The daily commute and drive that an office worker experience can greatly affect their productivity — add to that office politics and peer pressure. Those who work at home also enjoy ridding themselves of these challenges; however, they may also face a number of distractions that may hinder productivity. With the option of coworking, they can benefit from the occasional change of surroundings. The flexibility can help them become more productive, finish more tasks, and gain more income.
• It can enhance once’s sense of belongingness. Coworking allows you to work by yourself, not alone. In a coworking space, you can perform your tasks while enjoying the company of a community that will respect your space and time, but is also there when you might need help.

Coworking for Businesses

Business owners can also find coworking advantageous, whether you let your employees telecommute and cowork, or you also adopt the practice yourself. Here are some of the benefits:

• It can help you find the right people. Looking for a designer? Or maybe an accountant? You may find these professionals and consultants in a coworking space without having to call for interviews. By spending time with them, you can already get an idea of how they work and see their skills and expertise.
• It can save you (a lot of) time. As an entrepreneur, your time is precious and thus, it must be organized and used as wisely as possible. In a coworking community, you can find the people and resources you need — in an instant! You can also learn about new practices, programs, applications, and trends without having to take separate courses.
• It allows you to help build a community that can also impact the local economy. By patronizing coworking, you help strengthen a community which, in time, will also create an economy that can impact the local scene.

You might already want to consider coworking at this point, but wait until we get to the last part of this series. We will discuss why coworking is said to be here to stay and give you some tips on how you can get started.

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.

tags: 3-part Blog