Coworking – What Does It Mean?
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 like Startuptive 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. Check out Startuptive located in Toronto, Canada if you are bored of working alone and want to reap the benefits of shared workplace facilities.