Exposed! The Best and the Worst of Coworking Spaces

While hotdesking was a trend that swept through businesses only to fall flat and be labelled a failure, coworking spaces has arrived to fill the gap. What this innovation in flexible work spaces recognises is that it simply won’t be ideal for everyone. However, it does offer invaluable opportunities for freelancers and startups.   The idea behind coworking spaces is that you could rent a desk and use the communal facilities rather than sourcing an entire office, desks, kitchen appliances, internet and the other basics required. By paying for a spot in an existing office with all the amenities, you are able to save the daunting overheads that a lot of new businesses face as they try to move out of their garage.   As it is with every new trend, this solution won’t be for everyone. It’s important to consider the pros and cons before diving in head first. What co-working spaces does well:

• Far cheaper than traditional alternatives. As a starting business or a one-man show, your budget is likely to be quite tight. Coworking spaces give you the opportunity to access internet, printers, meeting rooms and other perks without needing to source and set them up yourself.  
• New scenery. These stylish places are not only designed to give you a creative boost, they’re also a breath of fresh air from your garage or looking at the same beige wall in your home office. Stepping out of the house and into a work-oriented environment can help you focus rather than split your attention between chores and work tasks.  

• Professional space to host clients. These spaces help you give the right impression to clients and investors. Having a trendy place to host them shows commitment, professionalism and helps to build trust.  
• Networking opportunities. Perhaps one of the most important factors for a growing business, networking allows you to grow and develop at an even faster rate. With other startup founders and different industries all working in the same place, you have so much potential for learning and growth rolled up into one area.  

Where they fall short:

• Far more unpredictable distractions. With so many people in one space, there will be more new distractions that you wouldn’t be accustomed to. Not only are they new and unpredictable, but they’re harder to ignore or get rid of. Which leads us to the next con… 
• You aren’t the boss. You may be your own boss, but everyone in the room is likely to be as well. Instead of having an office that you set the rules in, you need to fit into the existing culture. As much as they might annoy you, there is nothing you can do about the irritating habits of the people around you.  
• Germs. So many germs. You have no idea who has touched what and where. Everyone there are in a similar boat to you, hardworking and more likely to pick up a cold. Someone could have spread a cold through the office before they’re own nose has started running. Hygiene becomes crucial in shared environments.  
• Little to no privacy. As much as an open plan, coworking space may foster collaboration, it isn’t a place for privacy. Phone calls and video conferencing are likely to be heard by everyone, even through the paper-thin meeting room walls.  

The important thing to remember when it comes to contemporary work trends is that as cool as the lifestyle may be portrayed, it won’t work for everyone. Some people respond better to working in the peace and quiet of the home office with breaks taken at the local coffee shop. Other people prefer the structure and routine of going into an office every day.