A coworking space is typically a shared workplace where people from different professions come together. It is particularly attractive for freelancers and remote workers, as it means you have a place you can go to for work rather than working from home. It is worth looking at the social aspects of coworking spaces so that you can decide whether this option is right for your business.

Personal Growth

One of the biggest benefits of being in a coworking space is you have more social interaction. While a lot of people enjoy the flexibility and freedom of working from home, there is the danger of becoming isolated. Typically, the cliché is of people who procrastinate or get distracted, not getting work done in the process.

In reality, the opposite is usually true- someone who works from home will often find themselves working a lot more and a lot longer, as there is no clocking off time. This can make a social life a lot harder, as it can be difficult to switch off and relax without a structured work day.

This is where a co-working space can be massively beneficial- you can give yourself a clear routine where you have to go to work, get ready and go to a specific office as opposed to trying to establish this for yourself.

There is also the advantage of being around other business people. When you work in an office, you tend to work with the same types of people. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and you can still get a mix of different ages, cultures and so forth.

With a shared coworking space, you can have people from a range of different businesses. This means you get a wider range of businesses and people, allowing for different types of interaction and insight. It can mean an increased amount of networking opportunities, as you find out about businesses and industries you may not have previously considered while working for yourself.

Flexibility

When it comes to running a business, it is good to be adaptable. Coworking spaces allow for you to have an office space, without committing to the full costs of your own office. In effect, it is a win/win situation- if you try it and you feel that working from home suits you better, then you can return to that. If coworking is more appropriate for your needs, stick with it, and if your business expands to the point where you can get your own premises, then it is easier to move on from a shared space than it is from premises you buy or rent out yourself.

Additional Facilities

Depending on where you work, coworking spaces can provide additional facilities that give added value. For example, they may have a leisure room with arcade machines or a table tennis table. Some have gyms and sleeping pods, ideal for people who need to take a break from work or need to switch off at the end of the day.

As with any business cost, you do need to weigh up if these additional facilities are worth any added cost when comparing different types of services, but this is down to personal preference.

Social Events

A common issue for people who work on their own or work remotely is that they miss out on the social structures that come with work colleagues such as sports teams, after hours pub sessions and so forth. A lot of coworking spaces have these elements in place, such as networking events, guest speakers or in some cases even their own sports teams or charity events.
Equally, there is also the buzz and energy that comes with being part of a workspace with other people, something that can be difficult if you are working from home. It can also be very collaborative, as people come together to help each other with their projects.

This, in turn, can be beneficial in other aspects- being part of a social circle makes it easier when it comes to interacting at conventions, networking events and so forth as you are doing this on a daily basis, as opposed to having to “switch on” during an event and being isolated the rest of the time (unless you make an active choice to get out to social events, something that can be difficult when organising this for yourself).

Advice For Choosing A Coworking Space

As with any form of service or investment, there are different types of coworking options available. Some will be better suited to you than others. The best way is to look online for reviews and feedback, comparing the various options that are available in your local area.

At Cocreate, we believe in giving people the workspace they need in order to get the most from their business, while at the same time giving them the chance to reach out and learn from other people. Our two premises in Dublin have been made with the needs of freelancers and new businesses in mind, giving people the desks and facilities they need, while at the same time offering a relaxed ambience and collaborative atmosphere that can help you get more done and maximise the opportunities available to you.

If you would like to know more about what we have to offer or would like the chance to make a visit in person, please contact us today.