The office space nowadays does not seem to be the same as our parent’s office then. With the growth of remote workers, traditional offices do not provide the kind of environments and tools in which workers can thrive and work. Occasionally, working from home or in a neighborhood cafe is not enough. This is where coworking spaces come into play. What exactly are workspaces, what makes them good, and when should they be avoided?
What are the Coworking Spaces?
Workspaces have the advantages of a conventional workplace: WiFi, printers, workrooms, meeting rooms, possibly even coffee, and snacks, depending on the benefits they offer. The only thing they don’t need is a long-term commitment or a long-term lease, so they are so enthusiastic about teleworking.
This seems like the ideal answer for distance workers who might need something more professional than their home couch, but is that all it promises to be?
Are They Healthy for Employees?
Why are workspaces a great idea for distance workers and the companies that support them? Industry specialists say that by 2027, nearly 50 percent of the U.S. workforce could be working remotely and will need infrastructure such as working distance to be encouraged.
Their healthiness for workers will depend on local amenities, workers’ needs, and many other factors. In general, however, a more professional environment will help keep workers in the workplace and provide a much better base. On the other side of the coin, many factors can affect a workspace more negatively than positively. It is up to the employee and the company to discover the ideal work environment or make the most available when this is not possible.
The collaborative distance can be an excellent tool for your growing and remote workforce, but it is not the best answer. Be sure to look for spaces in good locations and offer all the necessary comfort without breaking too much or creating a workplace that is detrimental to your employees’ emotional health and productivity.
Advantages of Coworking Spaces
These rooms will provide you with everything you need to work remotely or run your business, whether you need better WiFi or much better access to your printer than you can buy at Wal-Mart. They also offer almost infinite flexibility. If you get bored in one area of the city, move to another without being bothered by a binding contract or lease. When traveling the world, you can discover collaborative spaces in almost every city in the world.
Disadvantages of Coworking Spaces
Although workspaces may seem the ideal tool for remote employees and individuals on the go, it’s not all roses and flowers. First of all, you don’t have the opinion of the people you might be working with. Depending on where you live, workspaces can be expensive in the long term, with little or no return on your investment. For new or small businesses looking for ways to spend less money, team workspaces may not be the best alternative.