Since the evolution of technology in business, remote work has become more and more popular over the past decade. From software to gadgets, there are now different tools that make work possible without having to step into an office. The workforce can also now enjoy different options for locations to do their work. They can stay at home or work in cafés and libraries. In the past years, another option has been gaining popularity – coworking spaces.
Coworking spaces are designed to provide a professional work environment without exactly mimicking an office. For professionals who like to have a fresh experience when it comes to work, changing up the location can be an option. Coworking spaces give you that option while making sure that you are equipped with the infrastructure needed to be productive.
While coworking spaces started with individuals wanting change in their work setting, different startup businesses are also starting to transition to using coworking spaces. This is also because coworking spaces are deemed to be more aligned to the values and preferences of the younger generation of the workforce.
Because of the worldwide impacts of the pandemic, more and more professionals and small companies are opting for coworking spaces as the workplace of choice. So, if you are new to the idea and are curious about what to experience in coworking spaces, this article is for you.
What should you expect in coworking spaces? Here are some to give you an idea:
Change in Environment
If you are used to the usual office environment, you have to know first that it is not necessarily the same with coworking spaces. Starting with the structure, coworking spaces are designed to be more open and interactive. This is because the space promotes collaboration and networking. While these can also happen in offices, working with others will be easier because of lesser use of walls and dividers.
The environment in coworking spaces is also more relaxed. There is no direct management structure that you need to follow, so there are also fewer workplace rules and dress codes. With this in mind, you observe that coworking spaces give more freedom and leeway for you to work on your own terms.
Type of Crowd
Organizational hierarchies and structures are always present in offices. Even if you are used to a boss who is laid back and lets you do your own thing at the office, it is still different for coworking spaces. The concept of hierarchy will not be apparent in coworking spaces, especially if you are going to be around people from different industries. In fact, you can see everyone as equals who you can learn from. This can also make your work experience meaningful at the same time.
You might be working in marketing, business, finance, programming, or creatives, but you can meet different people who can contribute to your knowledge and skills. Having the opportunity to learn about other industries outside your area will help you grow positively. With this, you will be able to explore your own skillset personally and professionally. This will help you be more adept in different fields in the future.
Workplace Culture
Culture is one of the things that are important to keep you grounded at work. In many cases, workplace culture can also shape your overall job satisfaction. Regardless of the pay, many would argue that healthy company culture should be prioritized above all. At the end of the day, your fulfillment at work is driven by your experiences. This is something that is pivotal when it comes to coworking spaces.
Coworking spaces nurture an environment that motivates you to do better at what you do. This can be by meeting new people, hearing new ideas, or finding new inspirations. These things are what will motivate you to better your craft. While you become a better professional, you will also be able to improve on yourself by learning about people’s experiences as well.
Elements of Flexibility
It is well-known that many people choose to work in a coworking space because it avails them flexibility. Flexibility can vary for people based on what their preferences are. You might want to work anytime you want, work in segmented hours, or work without direct supervision. These are the things you can enjoy in coworking spaces. Obviously, you might still end up following some of the core and basic protocols of your company, but nothing much will come from the workplace itself.
One of the things to be careful of when it transitioning to coworking spaces is setting your expectations. They seem promising most of the time but it does not mean that they are for everyone. If you prefer a more organized and structured work set-up, you might struggle to adapt to coworking spaces. So, it is best to set your expectations by evaluating your work habits as well.
Effects on Productivity
If you think that all the points mentioned above are fit for you, then you can guarantee that coworking spaces will boost your productivity exponentially. It might seem overwhelming for some, but they provide an environment that encourages you to thrive in different areas. This is something that you cannot necessarily do in your normal office setup.
By meeting individuals from different industries and different backgrounds, you will find yourself motivated to work harder and better. You can treat that as a healthy competition or a simple inspiration. Overall, productivity is key to any work. By being productive, you will feel more fulfilled at your job and have a better standing in your professional life. Consequently, this can lead to improved social skills and self-esteem.
Key Takeaway
Remote work seems to be a rising work setup today. Now that there is a global health issue that puts risks on the health of the workers, avoiding physical contact is important. This becomes more manageable because of the modern technologies that are made each day. As the tools to remote work get better, the options on where to work from are evolving as well.
Coworking spaces might be relatively new for many but it has been a reliable choice for those who tried. There will be changes in the environment and effects on productivity. Thus, it is important to be aware of the things you can expect from them. A change in workplace setup can be a major transition for you and having knowledge of what you are signing up for is a good first step.
