Coworking spaces seem to be all the rage these days. More and more small businesses and independent freelancers are choosing to set up shop at a coworking space instead of in a traditional office. Read on to find out how coworking spaces work, what makes them special, and why they seem to be attracting so many professionals:
Cost
One of the biggest draws of coworking spaces is the cost. Leasing out an entire office can be very expensive, not to mention the cost of furnishing and equipping said office. Then there are also the monthly utility bills to worry about. With coworking spaces, you pay only for what you need. At a company like Common Desk, you can choose an office space for rent, or pay to use a shared desk or rent a conference room.
Pricing is also very flexible, ranging from day passes to monthly memberships, and hourly rates for conference room rentals. Memberships typically work across all locations for companies with multiple sites. Common Desk has an Oak Cliff virtual office, as well as locations in Deep Ellum, Fort Worth and Granite Park, and signing up for a membership will grant you access to all four locations.
Commitment
Because their payment schemes are so flexible, you won’t have to feel pressured to commit to a long-term membership at a coworking space. You can try it out for a week to see if you are comfortable and productive in a shared office environment, before committing to a monthly membership.
Amenities
Coworking spaces are usually beautifully furnished and specifically designed to create a welcoming and comfortable yet dynamic and productive working environment. They typically offer high speed internet, ergonomic chairs and tables, unlimited coffee, and access to state of the art equipment such as printers, scanners, and flat screen TVs for presentations.
Depending on where you go, you may also rent a locker for your belongings, or munch on a variety of freshly made, delicious snacks. Popular amenities at Common Desk include the treadmill desk and free parking.
Community
The communities that form inside coworking spaces are arguably the biggest things that set them apart from traditional offices. Because coworking spaces are shared, most individuals working in them at any given time aren’t from the same company, or even from the same industry or line of work. Being in a coworking space gives you the chance to interact with professionals from many different fields and businesses.
Working at a coworking space also gives you the opportunity to learn more, and to expand your horizons and boost your creativity. Because you will often have the chance to introduce yourself and describe the work you do at a coworking space, this may give you a fresh perspective about your job, and give you a deeper appreciation for your work.
People who use coworking spaces usually have a different attitude towards work versus those who work in a traditional office. They seem to draw energy from their environment, and come to work feeling more motivated, enthusiastic and inspired.
Because there is very little direct competition or internal politics in a coworking space, regulars don’t feel pressured to put on a work persona. They feel more relaxed and free to be themselves. Coworking spaces are generally stress-free environments, and this may be why so many professionals and freelancers choose to join them.