Saying that coworking spaces have increased in number will be the understatement of the year. A recent study by Gensler Research Institute shows that one in seven people are currently using coworking spaces.

But who are these people? Who uses coworking spaces and why? Are these really as trending?

To answer the first question – who? Well, everyone, every professional from every industry, irrespective of the type and size, are reaping the benefits of a coworking space. Specifically, here’s a list of the most common professionals who tend to rent out coworking spaces:-

• Creative People

Also known as “creative cities”, the very concept of coworking spaces was designed to host entrepreneurs and creative-minded people striving to break down the barrier of isolation and get out of work from home models. Simply put, coworking spaces are the perfect replacement for a conventional workplace. The only differences are that you get a lot of amenities, an inspirational work environment, and flexible terms & conditions.

According to the study of Bruno Moriset, a professor at the University of Lyon, coworking spaces are ideal for people with creative and digital jobs. He also mentioned that creativity must be organically developed through the complex relationship between working and socializing.

• “Lone Eagles” or Freelancers

Ranging from architecture, journalism, design, music/video production to legal, accountancy, and software engineering, freelancers can work for any company and from any part of the world. However, they all suffer from a lack of structure. Coworking spaces are the answer to this problem.

By helping them provide access to meeting rooms, technology, and social environment, coworking spaces not only offer them an opportunity to make themselves legit with a professional address but also mitigate the lack of stability while giving them the same level of freedom they are accustomed to.

• Entrepreneurs and Fast-Growing Businesses

Incubators, business centers, telecenters, and working “third places” are some of the most common adjectives used to define a coworking space. This hybridization of workplaces is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs and fast-growing businesses. Here’s why…

When you are just starting out, connections are your golden tickets. The more you network, the more your business will grow. That’s the law of business. Coworking spaces offer entrepreneurs and scaling companies the perfect opportunity to build invaluable connections that can help you gain a competitive edge. Beyond connections, coworking spaces also offer flexible working models wherein business owners can grow or reduce the number of desks as per their business needs.

The List Doesn’t End Here…

The word limit may be over for this blog, but the list of people who can use and reap the benefits of coworking spaces is definitely not. Ranging from architects, doctors, lawyers, consultants, HR to media, and virtually anyone who is a carrier of projects and ideas, wishes to share them with others and favors collaboration can leverage the power of coworking spaces.

Do you fall under any of these aforementioned categories? If so, what are you waiting for? Scout the internet for coworking spaces near your area and rent one out NOW!

Coworking is a concept introduced in the year 2005. Since then, it has become a global phenomenon and keeps on evolving according to the changes in people’s working styles. Coworking is when people from various career paths use common spaces to work on different projects individually or as a group. However, it is not just about sharing the infrastructure but also belonging to a community.

According to Google, coworking is “the use of an office or other working environment by people who are self-employed or working for different employers, typically to share equipment, ideas, and knowledge.”

Coworking spaces provide a collaborative and encouraging environment to the individuals. The best part? It offers numerous benefits and facilities like WiFi, phone booths, printing services, gym on-premises, event & lounge spaces, gaming areas, and more. These benefits are offered to keep you motivated and increase your productivity, ultimately resulting in the growth of your business.

Did you know, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger developed the Instagram app in a coworking space in just eight weeks? Maybe you can give wings to your ideas just like these two business tycoons, what say? Coworking is starting to sound like a good idea, right? Well, read on to find out how it’s better than a traditional office.

Traditional Offices vs. Coworking Spaces

Both traditional offices and coworking spaces have their own pros and cons. However, there are considerable differences between these working spaces, some of which include:-

• The Expense Varies Greatly

In traditional offices, it costs you more both financially and in effort. Ranging from security and maintenance, stationery and cafe to parking and lease, it is your responsibility to allot resources for fulfilling and managing these functionalities.

However, the coworking spaces for rent are much more affordable in both cost and effort. All you have to look out for is the total cost of a private office or a dedicated desk, the other built-in facilities will follow. From a stocked coffee pot to getting packages delivered straight to your desk, you get everything you want.

• The Creative Thought Behind Designs

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you think about a traditional office setup? Probably poor-lit spaces and stubby cubicles. These monotonous layouts are designed to accommodate as many employees as possible. Although this may not be true for all offices, these are the emblem of conventional office spaces.

On the other hand, coworking offices are built to enhance creativity and productivity. How? By providing you with a creative and purpose-driven environment. From vibrant designs and colour splashes to comfortable furniture and bay windows, everything in a shared space is fashioned to promote energy, productivity, and creativity.

• The Difference in Community and Environment

Traditional workplaces create barriers to networking opportunities. Fixed cubicles discourage communication flow within the company. Even if you network with other employees, it is limited mainly to the same office or the same industry.

As opposed to this, coworking offices outshine traditional offices in terms of networking and community. The shared areas provide an opportunity to meet people with various backgrounds. Ranging from a lawyer and architect to a doctor and artist, you can build a community of like-minded people.

The Future of Coworking

The coworking market is expected to have a yearly growth rate of 21.3% from 2021 onwards until 2024.

Source: https://www.jobadvisor.link/2020/07/number-of-coworking-spaces-worldwide-to.html

With several people shifting from the traditional career paths, there will be a leap in the number of entrepreneurs and freelancers requiring coworking spaces for rent. If you are bored of working alone and want to reap the benefits of shared workplace facilities, coworking can be your best bet.

Break down the walls for a breakthrough in your business.

Today, coworking spaces play a massive role in making businesses more collaborative, positive, and holistic. They help in building workplace relationships by interacting with like-minded individuals. Irrespective of your career option or industry, socializing with coworkers is a vital aspect of success.

How?

Having good relationships with coworkers becomes crucial to make your work environment comfortable and enjoyable. Positive coworker relationships help you gain confidence for raising opinions and boost your communication skills. Moreover, it can also increase productivity by letting you focus on positive opportunities rather than negative relationships.

But the question that might be running in your head is – How to build effective relationships with coworkers? There are some effective tips to help you tackle this problem. Let’s dive in!

• Break the Ice With an Informal Conversation

As independent workers, you may have many exciting things in common to collaborate and network on. This can be an excellent opportunity to build coworker relationships and spark innovative ideas for your business.

Here’s what you can do:

• Start with a conversation that isn’t business-related.
• Focus on building a first impression, preferably a good one.
• Put in your opinions when asked for suggestions.
• Participate in social events with your coworkers.

• Have Lunch Together

Starting with something as small as going on lunch breaks together can make your coworkers feel comfortable around you. A quick chat across the table or perhaps a cup of joe in the cafeteria can help build long-lasting relationships with your coworkers. The best part? It can even result in some business ideas or a fruitful partnership.

Apart from lunch, you can also socialize in the gaming area or the gym at your coworking spaces. It can help you relax and take a break from brainstorming sessions. Simply put, such activities can allow you to understand your coworkers better and form a friendly relationship with them.

• Acknowledge the Differences in Culture

Every coworking space is established with a different culture. Some areas are exclusively for women, some for entrepreneurs, some for freelancers, and so on. However, there are some spaces that are common for all.

This is where it becomes critical to understand and adapt to the culture. Each colleague can have a different set of values and working styles. For effectively building workplace relationships, you need to be open, adaptable, and respectable to different working styles and cultures in your working environment.

• Be Keen on Helping Your Coworkers

Helping people out is one of the most successful ways to build better coworker relationships. If you find a coworker struggling with a particular task, help them out by providing some advice. If you see someone lifting a heavy box, give them a hand.

Helping people can make them trust and like you. Moreover, it will also ensure that they help you out when you are in need. However, do not go overboard. Some people do not like too much interference in their work. Make sure that your help is acknowledged and appreciated before offering one.

The Way Ahead

Networking, socializing, and maintaining positive coworker relationships are essential aspects of a work environment. Strong and meaningful relationships with your coworkers can make you feel constantly supported and enable you to have an enjoyable time at work. With the increasing benefits of effective workplace relationships, ensure working in suitable coworking spaces to put your best foot forward.

In 2019, there were more than 3 million coworkers globally. Out of which, the IT industry held the most significant percentage, followed by PR, marketing, and sales. And this number is expected to grow 2X by 2022.

These increasing numbers are a result of three primary factors – practical, financial, and cultural. But what are coworking spaces? Are these really as beneficial as these statistics suggest? Let’s find out!

What Are Coworking Spaces?

The name is pretty self-explanatory. Simply put, coworking spaces are a service that simplifies the transaction of assessing and occupying a workspace wherein you work alongside like-minded people from the corporate environment.

Why Use Coworking Spaces for Rent?

Apart from the significant cost-reducer, coworking spaces also provide benefits such as:-

• Good Old “New” Fashioned Flexibility

Most coworking spaces don’t have a lot of strict rules, whether it is in terms of contractual terms and conditions or workspace policies. However, some may be newly enforced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, like social distancing and proper sanitization. So you can easily book a private desk, a lounge seat, and even an entire floor based on your business requirements without being accountable to anyone.

Moreover, it’s easy to scale your operations as coworking spaces for rent offer hassle-free plan switching. So one month you can remove a private desk and add a virtual seat, while the next, you can add 2 or 3 lounge seats as required.

• Excellent Networking Opportunities All Around

“Your network is your net worth.” – Peter Gale.

Networking is not just about collecting contacts; it’s about planting relations. And coworking spaces are an excellent place to do that. Whether you are an architect, a marketer, a lawyer, or a doctor, being around like-minded people can actually help your business grow with networking. After all, it is an unwritten rule of success in the business world.

Moreover, who knows, you may even find potential clients or partners who may be able to help you with your projects.

• Coworking Spaces are a Productivity Booster

The latest survey found that 84% of coworkers are more motivated while operating out of a coworking hub.

Coworking spaces are high-energy places where people work with a lot of creativity, productive energy, and enthusiasm. So by immersing yourself with purpose-driven talent from almost every industry, you can stay motivated and more inclined to work, ultimately increasing productivity.

• Amenities On The Go

Let’s paint a couple of pictures:-

• Let’s say you have rented out a space in a corporate building. You’ll have to set up the furniture, take care of the electric bill, pitch in for pricy wifi plans, and of course, go out to grab a snack or a quick cup of joe.
• Let’s say you have opted for coworking spaces. You’ll have a snack bar inside the premises, so no need to go out. You’ll even get a gym, parking at reasonable costs, hi-tech conference rooms, and most of all a high-speed internet connection, which, as you know, is a necessity to work in today’s digitally-powered world.

Still Think Coworking is Not a Great Idea?

Well, think again. Do you really want to give up on saving approximately 30% on operational costs? Do you seriously want to pass up the opportunity of expanding your professional network and as a result, your business?

If you want to reap all these above-mentioned benefits and more, start scouting Google, the almighty for coworking spaces to rent, and find one that fulfils all your business requirements.