Working from home definitely has its perks — but it also has very real drawbacks. Here’s how coworking stacks up against WFH.
With the rise of remote work in recent years, many professionals have found themselves working from home more often. While WFH may have its advantages, such as a flexible schedule and no commute, it can also have its downsides, such as isolation, distractions and lack of motivation.
This is where coworking space comes in.
Coworking spaces are shared workspaces where professionals from different industries and backgrounds can work together in a collaborative and productive environment, providing a compelling alternative to WFH.
Benefits of Working in Coworking Space vs. WFH
No Loneliness
The number one benefit of working from a shared office space is that you won’t be lonely. Working from home can cause feelings of isolation and sadness, with a lack of interaction leading to weaker bonds with colleagues, less opportunities for leadership or mentoring, and a lack of balance in your life. America had a loneliness issue even before the pandemic, with a 2020 Cigna survey finding that 61 percent of adults saying they felt lonely. And the most recent data shows that number holding steady at 58 percent. Coworking can be an antidote to our loneliness epidemic.
Complete Focus
When working from home, you’re in a comfortable place, and that’s good. But that also means distractions. Whether it’s dealing with household chores or kids and pets, your focus can be supremely tested. Not to mention the stress from trying to handle work and home life at the same time. A professional shared workspace lets you get down to the task at hand.
Additional Amenities Available
Coworking spaces are loaded with amenities you may not have at home — anything from ergonomic chairs to meeting rooms with the latest tech. Shared offices are designed for productivity and comfort, featuring all the gear you need for both.
Networking Opportunities
Coworking offices are excellent places to grow your business and increase your contacts with professionals in a variety of industries. Many hybrid workspaces offer networking opportunities for their members — for instance THRIVE | Coworking has monthly breakfasts, lunches and happy hours that allow for plenty of community-building and socializing.
Fast, Secure Internet
A fast and secure internet connection is essential for businesses and freelancers, so another benefit of a coworking space is access to high-speed internet that ensures productivity and efficiency. Plus, typically there is IT support staff that can troubleshoot any issues, meaning you can work without worry of interruptions.
Routine-Making is Easy
Coworking spaces offer a structured environment that makes it easy to establish a daily routine. This is especially beneficial for freelancers who work from home and may have difficulty establishing boundaries between work and personal life. Also, many coworking spaces offer amenities like meeting rooms, cafes and even gyms, which can make it easier to schedule your day and create a more productive routine.
Increase in Creativity
Coworking spaces provide an environment that fosters collaboration, networking and brainstorming. Interacting with other professionals from different backgrounds and industries can help spark new ideas and perspectives that you may not have considered otherwise. Additionally, coworking spaces often host events and workshops that can help enhance your creativity and provide opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Better Work/Life Balance
Coworking spaces offer a solution to the isolation and burnout that many freelancers and remote workers experience. They provide a social environment that allows you to interact with like-minded individuals and build a sense of community. This can help alleviate the feeling of loneliness that often accompanies working from home. Additionally, coworking spaces offer the flexibility to choose when and where you work, meaning you can maintain a better work/life balance and have more control over your schedule.
Professional Atmosphere
Coworking spaces provide a professional atmosphere that can enhance your productivity and credibility, not to mention impress clients. These workspaces include amenities like printers, scanners, private offices and conference rooms, as well as providing a professional mailing address. It all adds up to presenting a serious approach to your enterprise.
Community
Shared office space offers a sense of community that can be beneficial for businesses and individuals. By working alongside other professionals, you can network, collaborate and share ideas. This can lead to new opportunities, partnerships and friendships. Many coworking spaces also offer social events and activities that can help build a sense of community and make the work environment more enjoyable.
Geographical Flexibility
Coworking spaces are not limited to a specific location — many coworking spaces are part of a global network, allowing individuals and businesses to work from multiple locations. This geographical flexibility can be beneficial for businesses that have clients or partners in different parts of the world, allowing them to work from a convenient location without having to invest in a permanent office space.
Overall, coworking spaces provide a professional, collaborative atmosphere that can enhance productivity and credibility, offer a solution to the isolation and burnout experienced by many remote workers, and help establish a better work/life balance.
