Co, Cowork, And Coworking: The Power Of Action Around Community And Collaboration
The term “coworker” has existed for a long time, but “cowork” and “coworking” are relatively new. Nowadays, when people talk about coworking, they’re most likely referring to the trend of working independently in a space shared with others. At first, coworking spaces were mainly for freelancers, writers, artists, and solo entrepreneurs. These days, however, many full-time employees are also choosing coworking as a remote-work option.
Coworking is a growing trend because it offers a host of benefits. People who cowork tend to be more productive, more creative, and happier. The following are some of the advantages of working in an independent, collaborative environment.
Freedom And Flexibility
These days employers and employees alike recognize the value of flexibility. Coworking is a natural companion to initiatives like flex time and working from home. The most popular coworking spaces allow 24/7 access, giving workers total freedom to tailor their schedules to make the most of their time, both at home and at work.
Coworking spaces also provide flexibility in terms of how workers use the space. An employee who works at the company’s office, for instance, is likely tied to a desk or workstation. Opportunities to meet with others may be limited to scheduled meetings in restricted conference rooms. Coworking spaces, however, tend to have a mix of open work areas and private rooms, and users can move around as needed.
Collaboration And Creativity
One of the most often-cited advantages of coworking is the sense of community that develops when diverse people share a workspace. Coworking is a solution to the isolation that plagues many freelancers who work without the benefit of colleagues. Even though coworkers may not work on the same projects, the social ambiance of the shared space is pleasant and motivating.
Furthermore, coworking often leads to informal collaboration. In getting to know each other, coworkers are likely to talk about their jobs and sometimes share frustrations or dilemmas. When people with different areas of expertise talk about what they do, those conversations can generate new ideas and approaches. Many people who work in coworking spaces find that their work is more creative thanks to exposure to a variety of ideas and points of view.
Independence
Working in a coworking space is both a communal and independent activity. The independence stems from the fact that workers are free of the need to conform to company culture. They can dress as they like, express themselves as they like, and work according to their preferred routines. This freedom allows people to be authentic, which makes working a more meaningful experience.
Coworking As A Social Movement
While many people try coworking out of curiosity or convenience, they are also participating in a social movement with a mission. The coworking community aims to create more spaces that promote community and collaboration. Coworkers are committed to building sustainable communities, creating learning opportunities, and valuing collaboration and friendship over competition. By participating in this social movement, workers feel a sense of belonging and take pride in their contributions.
What To Look For In A Coworking Space
As the coworking movement grows, more spaces are opening up all over the U.S. For most people, location is a top consideration. Working close to home helps people maximize the flexibility of their schedules. The following are a few more things to consider.
The space. Most people are happiest and most productive in a space that looks good and feels good. Consider the aesthetics of the space, the configuration of work areas, temperature, lighting, and noise levels.
Amenities. Some coworking spaces provide a coffee station, a kitchen or cafeteria, audio-visual equipment, whiteboards, and other resources. Some also provide childcare.
Privacy. While collaboration is a huge benefit of coworking, there are times when privacy is also important. For example, workers who need to conduct phone or video meetings may need private rooms to protect their clients’ confidentiality.
Technology. High-speed internet and a printer are generally a given, and sometimes other technology tools are available to coworking members. These may include cloud-based software or storage.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed coworking space allows its members to thrive. The benefits of flexibility, collaboration, and community are unmatched in other working situations.
Now is the time to take advantage of this growing trend by joining the SUCCESS Space franchise network. Reach out today to find out how to get started.
