One workplace trend that has emerged just a few years ago but seems to be here to stay is flexible coworking spaces. Coworking environments are becoming more and more popular every day. It is undeniable that the pandemic has irreversibly changed the way that companies and employees think about workspaces. With millions of people forced to work from home, the traditional working place or office has evolved, to say the least.
Workers have come to appreciate working remotely, and the results of a recent survey support this statement. FlexJobs surveyed more than 4,000 people about their job-seeking plans and what they want most from their job. Nearly 60 percent said they would like to work remotely, and 39 percent claimed that they would prefer a hybrid arrangement. Meanwhile, only 3 percent preferred to work in person. So, in a way, it is clear that remote work matters to most people.
Statistics show that more than 4.7 million people work remotely at least half the time in the United States. Further recent research reveals that the number of coworking spaces worldwide is expected to grow drastically. And according to the Statista Research Department, there will be almost 42.000 coworking spaces around the world by the end of 2024.
So, taking into account all these facts, it is only natural that the question ‘Are coworking spaces becoming the new normal?’ arises.
What Does a Typical Coworking Space Look Like?
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to what a coworking place is. They’re designed to function as an office, but most of them look quite different from the conventional office setup. While there may be offices that look similar, coworking spaces often differ from one another. But they typically have a big open area where people come together to work as a team or as individuals. Some coworking spaces may have a few or many shared desks; others may have private or multi-desk offices, and so on. These coworking offices are specifically designed to make people want to work there, in a place where they are surrounded by other professionals, rather than working alone in their homes.
Coworking spaces are also known for their unique interior design. They usually feature large rooms with sitting or standing desks, comfortable chairs, couches, sofas, and sometimes even a fun little corner where you can relax, grab a cup of coffee, or even play some games.
Benefits of Working in a Coworking Space
For the individual freelancer or remote worker, coworking spaces can be beneficial in so many ways; they are affordable, flexible, efficient, and less lonely than working from home in isolation. Let’s talk about the benefits of working in a coworking space in more detail below.
People are brought together
The opportunities to connect with new people on a pleasant and relaxed basis are abundant in coworking places. They allow people to interact with a wide circle of like-minded individuals and work alongside other freelancers or remote workers.
Many coworking spaces organize parties, events, workshops, and other fun activities that help bring coworkers together, thus facilitating their professional connections. The old saying ‘it’s who you know, not what you know’ rings true after all.
Productivity levels are increased
Let’s be honest, how productive can you be when you are lying on your bed (probably in your pajamas), with your TV and phone nearby to distract you every five minutes, and don’t even get us started on the countless interruptions and distractions you will have if you live with other people. Probably not as productive as you would be in an environment where you would have a desk and chair instead of a bed and where you would be surrounded by other remote workers who are there for the same purpose as you—to get work done.
Creativity levels boost
Creativity in the workplace is vital for problem-solving and bringing something new to the table. Coworking spaces are specifically designed to get your creative juices flowing, and they usually provide a stimulating environment through their designs, colors, and light. You can also boost your creativity by sharing ideas and knowledge with other workers there.
Increased flexibility
According to recent research, flexibility regarding the place of work and time plays a crucial role in a worker’s well-being. If you are a remote worker or a freelancer, you don’t have a fixed working schedule or working place, which means you have the opportunity to work wherever you are and whenever you can. Even the design of the working environment is flexible; you can work in a private space where you won’t have any distractions, or you can work in open offices around other people. When you are tired or hungry, you can take a break, grab a bite, and relax at the bar.
Loneliness becomes a forgotten feeling
Luckily, a coworking space is not like a traditional office where workers interact only with colleagues within their industry and departments; in a coworking place, people have the opportunity to meet and communicate with motivated professionals from different backgrounds and industries.
Coworking spaces often have bars, restaurants and organize different events where you can talk to new people and make friends.
No distractions to avoid
Working from home can be pretty distracting and, as a result, less productive. But a coworking place gives you the opportunity to avoid distractions such as your smartphone, family members, pets, Netflix, and innumerable other distractions while working.
Coworking spaces are mostly quiet so that you can focus on your work without getting interrupted or distracted, which increases your productivity and efficiency. Everyone needs at least some distraction-free time to get creative and productive. So, pick a quiet workspace where you can work without any challenges.
Costs are affordable
Renting office spaces can be pretty expensive, and that is why many individuals and companies are turning to coworking spaces. They help you save on utility bills, internet bills, office supplies, beverages, and so on, especially if you work at irregular intervals. So, you can cut down on payment through a coworking space monthly membership.
Modern working life is changing, and it’s changing fast. And as a result, office spaces are also evolving. More and more remote workers and freelancers are turning to coworking spaces. These spaces offer individuals and companies quiet areas where they can be creative and productive and work without any distractions or interruptions.
Many people nowadays want to work remotely because they prefer the flexibility in time schedule and workplace that comes with not working in a traditional office. That is why coworking spaces are considered the future of work and are gradually becoming the new normal for many workers.
