Why are Shared Office Spaces so Popular?
January 16, 2020
Shared office spaces have become hugely popular in recent years. But why are they so popular and could they be right for your business? Find out more here.
Shared office spaces, also known as coworking spaces, are offices which are shared by different businesses and individuals, from startups to freelancers. There are a number of different options when it comes to shared office spaces, from a shared workbench to renting a private office - both of which can be hugely beneficial to businesses. Coworking spaces have grown in popularity over recent years and it’s not difficult to see why. Not only do they provide a hugely collaborative space for any kind of business, but they’re also sociable and affordable, making them perfect for freelancers - but that’s not all! We’ve explored all of the reasons why coworking spaces are so popular below.
Startup businesses are often attracted to coworking spaces as they can be massively beneficial for their growing business.
When renting a traditional office, a lengthy lease is often required, which isn’t particularly feasible for startups - given that it’s difficult to forecast growth and revenue for the first few years of trading, thus, being tied to a contract can have a huge impact on business growth.
However, shared office spaces often offer rolling contracts, allowing startups to take things month by month, adding desks or upgrading their membership package as their business grows.
Additionally, given the ample opportunities for networking and socialising at coworking spaces, you’re never too far away from someone who could have a huge impact on your startup business.
Many coworking spaces benefit from frequent networking events, providing people with the opportunity to get to know the other people in their shared office space, which is one of the many reasons why shared office spaces have become so popular.
Whether you’re a startup looking to hire a new recruit, or you’re simply looking for someone to help you out with your latest project - networking events provide the ideal setting for building business connections to help your business to continue to thrive.
Whether you work better at night, or you’re more of an early riser, coworking spaces provide people with the flexibility to set their own work schedule, with many offering 24/7 access to members.
This flexibility is what attracts so many people to coworking spaces, especially for freelancers or those running a business alongside their 9-5 job. So whether you want to come in early hours and get your work done, or would prefer to work through the evening - shared office spaces offer people the flexibility to do so.
One of the biggest complaints from freelancers is that they often feel lonely and unproductive when working from home. However, one of the alternatives - working from coffee shops - can prove to be expensive and just as unproductive.
Coworking spaces provide freelancers with a place to base themselves from, allowing them to plug their laptop in, get their head down and get their work done - not to mention the free tea and coffee!
Additionally, most coworking spaces have meeting rooms for hire for both members and non-members, providing freelancers with the ideal setting for client meetings and calls. Whether they choose to hot desk at a coworking space, or rent their own dedicated desk, coworking spaces provide freelancers with everything they need to get their work done and their clients happy.
Shared office spaces are much cheaper to rent than traditional offices for hire and provide a number of different membership options for every kind of business - from small businesses who require a private office, to freelancers who just want to hot desk a few days a week.
Additionally, with free tea, coffee and biscuits on offer at a number of coworking spaces, as well as meeting rooms and event spaces included in the rental price - many people can actually save money when working in a shared office, allowing them to concentrate on growing their business.
From freelancers to small businesses, coworking spaces attract a huge range of people, meaning there’s always someone to share ideas with - even if it is just over a Friday beer.
Freelancers often report how lonely their job can be - especially when they’re based from home. However, shared office spaces can be hugely collaborative, providing people with the perfect setting to build connections, make friends and feel like a part of a community.
Shared office spaces don’t just come with a desk and a chair - they offer so much more than that.
From high-speed wifi and meeting rooms for hire, to all of the tea and coffee you could possibly drink and beers on a Friday - coworking spaces provide you with everything you need to make sure your business thrives - all you need to worry about is turning up and getting your work done!
So if you’ve been wondering why shared offices have become so popular, it’s not difficult to see why! With so many benefits to working at a coworking space, it’s no wonder so many people are opting to rent a desk in a shared office.
