How would you describe a coworking space?
Tags: Coworking

Enter a coworking space and you’ll notice immediately that it’s different from the typical office. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through your air will be next to the euphoric atmosphere people who are enthusiastic and excited bring to the area. There’s a mix of people who are in complete focus at private desks, and others having lively conversations around large tables. This is the norm in coworking spaces.

Coworking spaces are in essence open workspaces. They provide affordable office space that allows users to escape the loneliness of their home workplace or coffee shop.

These workspaces are shared and provide a variety of office-style facilities like hot desks as well as private meeting rooms kitchens, coffee, and much more. They often also provide the option of a community. People who work there are typically entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups, and small groups who wish to benefit from the flexibility of space.

Alongside the cultural aspect, the cost of rent is another major attraction. One advantage of these office spaces is the option of renting only the space you require rather than a whole office space that can be expensive. With various membership-based models, the costs differ and offer flexibility. This includes the option of daily or monthly charges. Costs for membership vary according to whether you are using an office shared with others or need to have a separate desk.

If you’re interested in learning more about coworking and also be in awe The video below by the space company, NomadWorks can be helpful. It perfectly sums up the essentials of coworking spaces.

REPLICATION IN AN TRADITIONAL OFFICE

If large corporations are able to embrace an emerging fashion, the next step is to adopt the new practice. Do we expect to have Facilities managers and workers establishing co-working areas within their workplaces? The most important factor to success will be the capability to replicate the spirit in co-working environments.

What shared spaces offer the real mobility and freedom. The environment is conducive to the most organic collaboration as well as conversations that are created. This is in a way the purpose in coworking space. They foster creativity by allowing people with different talents and skills to collaborate and connect.

Another benefit is that the culture has been shaped from the idea of flexibility and freedom. The origins of the coworking space were founded on the need for freelancers and small-scale businesses to network. Design is not the only aspect, however. The thing that makes coworking spaces distinct is the culture. Certain companies may have similar office spaces but they do not possess a work culture that supports the ability to rise and move around or work with various departments.

A great way to get around this issue is to introduce the culture into your own. A Michigan company, Menlo Innovations did exactly that by adding 7700 sq. ft. of co-working space in their office. They invited start-ups and entrepreneurs to join their staff. It’s a win-win situation if the logistics are figured out. Startups can get an affordable and flexible workspace and larger companies can encourage innovation within their workplaces.