Remote but Need a Hub? Here’s Why Coworking Makes Sense
In the ever-evolving landscape of work, remote and hybrid work models have become the norm rather than the exception. While working from home offers flexibility, it often lacks the structure and community that comes with a traditional office. Enter then… Coworking Spaces. A solution that bridges the gap between home and office, offering the best of both worlds.
The shift towards remote work has been significant in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, as of June 2023 46% of working arrangements were hybrid, and 6% were fully remote. This trend underscores the growing need for flexible work environments that cater to diverse working styles.
Coworking spaces have emerged as a popular choice, offering flexibility and a sense of community. Mark Dixon CEO of IWG, notes that the pandemic accelerated the trend towards hybrid working, with coworking space epitomising this shift by opening new sites in suburbs rather than city centres.
Benefits of Coworking Spaces:
- Enhanced productivity and focus
Working from home can blur the lines between personal and professional life, leading to distractions. Working from an office environment with stark personality-less walls can drain the motivation and inspiration. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that people working in coworking spaces reported feeling more productive and motivated compared to traditional office set ups.
- Flexibility and Work-life Balance
Coworking spaces offer unparalleled flexibility allowing individuals to choose their working hours and environments. Many spaces provide 24/7 access, catering to early birds and night owls alike. This flexibility supports better work-life balance, enabling professionals to align work schedules with personal commitments. Staff that feel better supported by their employers are known to perform their work better.
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
One of the standout benefits of coworking spaces is the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals from diverse industries. Sharing a workspace fosters collaboration, innovation, and idea-sharing. According to WeWork, coworking spaces often host community events, workshops, and networking sessions, enabling members to build meaningful connections that can lead to partnerships and professional growth.
- Cost Effective Solutions
For start-ups and small businesses, coworking spaces offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional office leases. With options for monthly memberships or even daily passes, businesses can scale their workspace needs without committing to long-term contracts.
- Improved Mental Wellbeing
Isolation is a common challenge for remote workers. Coworking Spaces address this by fostering a sense of community. The shared nature of these spaces creates an environment where members feel part of something bigger than themselves. Being surrounded by motivated professionals can inspire creativity and a greater sense of purpose, contributing to both personal and professional fulfilment.
Hybrid working models have proven beneficial for both employers and employees. A study involving 1,026 UK workers found that 75% felt less fatigued and stressed when working part of the week from home. Moreover, PwC’s HR chief, Phillipa O’Connor, observed that requiring employees to work in the office three days a week yielded the highest levels of engagement.
Coworking spaces support this hybrid model by providing flexible environments where teams can collaborate in person when needed, without the constraints of traditional office leases.
As the work landscape continues to evolve, coworking spaces offer a viable solution for remote and hybrid teams seeking flexibility. Community, and productivity. By combining the benefits of traditional offices with the freedom of remote work, coworking spaces are redefining the future of work.
Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup, or a large established corporation, embracing coworking could be the key to unlocking new levels of success in this dynamic work environment.