Modern working life is evolving – fast.
Whether you’re an employee or an employer it’s hard to ignore this fact, though plenty of companies do seem to be burying their heads in the sand about this fact. While the 21st century is providing everyone with more opportunities and innovative ideas, office spaces are evolving with the trend. With a reasonably priced DC office space, you can set-up an office that can have the coworking team spirit that many companies are now trying to add into their workflows, while also having a cozy space to be productive in. Every city has its share of workspaces for immediate rent, both furnished and unfurnished so that you can design the interior on your own or move into an already set-up space where your employees can start working right away.
For that reason, it’s important to consider the factors which will soon be affecting the workplace. And one interesting topic of conversation is the recent rapid growth of coworking spaces. A passing fad or the future of work; the evidence seems to suggest the latter, as the workers of 2019 hurtle towards the dawn of a whole new work ethos. With that in mind here is a – by no means exhaustive -list of factors which are affecting the growth of coworking in 2019.
Employee Behaviour is Changing
Let’s face it, we don’t want to be chained to our desks from 9 to 5 every day. Flexitime, remote work and gig work are only a handful of ways that the working environment is evolving to match this change.
The growing attitude seems to be that work shouldn’t overtake your personal life. And the flexibility of the coworking space for both businesses and employers seems to be the answer. Affording the ability to work in a comfortable environment, in central locations (without the large price tag) and forego some of the restraints of traditional work life.
According to The Drum, there’s a ‘workplace revolution’ taking place. And while coworking may be only a small rebellion in the midst of all that, it certainly seems to be an important one.
The Rise of Remote
Remote working is far and above the preferred method of working. No matter the industry, being able to cut the commute out of your daily routine is something which many professionals strive for. The rise of side hustles is a testament to this fact.
So, with so many people actively seeking to work outside of the office norm, it’s no wonder coworking spaces have grown more popular. For the individual remote worker coworking is affordable, flexible and easily dropped if necessary – as well as possibly helping to overcome remote loneliness. It can offer a reprieve from the monotony of working from a home office in some cases.
And let’s be honest, even a business – not just an individual worker – can find value in coworking spaces. In some far-flung future, the office may exist in cyberspace alone. But, at the moment businesses are still keen to have a physical space for a whole host of reasons. Some of which includes the fact that it gives the company a physical face – somewhere to host clients when necessary – while also allowing employees to come work together, if desired.
Convenience
The average coworking space is one that is adapted for the most modern concept of all: convenience. There are bean bag chairs, work pods, games rooms, canteens, snack machines and so much more depending on the space. And, of course, the standard desk and chairs for traditionalists.
But, the fact is that if your business needs it then you’ll likely find it in a coworking space. For that reason, it’s no wonder modern businesses are looking to escape the financial and furnishing burdens of renting or even buying their own space.
Gig Workers Paradise
The ‘gig economy’ is a term which is being adopted in the modern workplace vernacular more and more. This is a whole gaggle of workers who don’t hold a traditional 9 to 5 position, rather they work across a number of smaller gigs.
The nature of this work can vary wildly. From delivering food across a city on bikes to consulting for businesses in terms of marketing or development; gigs are what the workforce makes of them.
In light of this, the freelance/gig workplace needs to grow to match this gig economy. If you hire a number of freelancers to do project work one week but they’re gone the next, having the office space to accommodate that can be a monetary strain. Coworking, on the other hand, gives you the flexible and relatively cheap option of just expanding your space on an ad hoc space for the time you need those workers. Simple and convenient, for both those hiring and those completing the gig.
Overall, the gig economy certainly doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Which makes the growing adoption of coworking spaces, for a constantly changing workforce depending on needs, isn’t all that surprising.
The Opportunity to Network
Networking is a necessary evil in your working life. After all, the famous saying ‘it’s who you know, not what you know’ rings true no matter what industry you find yourself in. The coworking space offers a unique environment to conduct this networking, often on a much more pleasant and relaxed basis.
And the fact is that coworking spaces aren’t restricted to fads or ‘nonsense’ businesses. You can find yourself situated next door to a commercial litigation solicitor or even sharing a communal meeting room with a children events company who regularly come to work dressed as pirates. The fact is, you never know!
A lot of coworking spaces also run monthly events to encourage networking. So, whether you’re looking for new partnerships or clients the opportunities are abundant in a coworking space.
And the fact is that coworking spaces are popping up more and more across major cities. So, networking opportunities will only grow stronger!
Final Thoughts
It certainly seems that the future of coworking is well and truly cemented into the modern workforce. And, if it continues this way, soon it will develop and expand to quickly become the predominant mode of work for the future. Which means that whether you’re a freelancer or a business, considering the move to a coworking space should start now.
