Let’s face it. The working landscape has changed. Actually, that’s an understatement. 2021 has put work through a complete overhaul — a transformation that turned traditions upside down and inside out. We figured out how to go to the office less, how to work with pets and children underfoot, and how to still show up and kick butt. During this time, people are looking at coworking spaces with new interest. Will a coworking space work for you in this new landscape? We think so. But first, get some understanding of the pros and cons of coworking spaces.
Full disclosure. We are a coworking space, and we want you here at our locations in Temecula and Murrieta! So why are we about to reveal not only the pros, but the cons of coworking spaces?
Because above all, Coworking Connection is about the success of our clients. We want to provide you with a place where you not only get it all done, but a place where you absolutely thrive. We want you making this decision with eyes wide open, and we want you to have the best chance at massive success. So read on for nine pros and cons of coworking spaces.
Pro: Coworking Spaces Are Affordable
Plain and simple: If you have a team, or if you need to face customers, you need a professional space to work.
But leasing office space in a building can get pricey. You need to manage upkeep, utilities, equipment, rent, and so much more.
One of the great pros of a coworking space is its affordability in comparison to leasing office space. Most coworking spaces have a variety of affordable membership rental options, from renting a desk by the month to renting an office or cubicle annually.
And because coworking spaces provide necessities like Wi-Fi, printers, conference rooms, and more, you’re getting a screaming good deal to have access to all the perks of an office — for less.
Con: Your Budget May Not Be There Just Yet
While coworking spaces are more affordable than a leased office, your budget still may not have room for anything beyond your home office. If you’re self-employed and don’t need to meet face-to-face with customers, you might do better working from home or in a coffee shop (post-Covid) until your budget expands.
But don’t be afraid to look beyond budget to benefits. Even with a shoestring budget, you may not want to rule out coworking spaces entirely. It might be beneficial to rent a desk or cubicle for a day or two each month to give yourself space, peace, and comfort to get more work done than usual. The more efficient work days may increase your income in the long run.
This leads us to our next pro in our list of pros and cons of coworking spaces.
Pro: Flexible Options
Most coworking spaces provide flexible plan options, so you only pay for what you use. If your business grows and you suddenly increase your team, no worries. Just upgrade your membership to an office or more desk space. If you only need office space for a few client meetings a month, rent an office for just those days.
Keep your costs down while keeping your working flexibility up. And because there are typically no upfront fees or deposits, you can change your plans as quickly as you need.
And don’t forget the flexibility of working at any time you need. Work late into the night, start your day before the sun rises, or work traditional hours — it doesn’t matter, because the space is there when you need it.
Pro: Increase Your Credibility
If you run your own business, you need credibility. A coworking space can provide that for you with a professional address, professional office space for meetings, and even professional conference rooms.
If you are a client-facing business, your credibility won’t go far if you’re conducting meetings in your basement or at the library. Get a coworking space for those critical meetings, but without the overhead that comes with a leased office.
Pro: Increase Your Productivity
If there’s one thing we learned during pandemic shutdowns, it’s that we sure like baking bread.
And also, working from home sucks the life — and productivity — right out of us.
Coworking spaces increase your productivity because they give you the buzz of efficiency. All around you, people are working towards their goals. Your productivity capabilities increase almost by default, just because of your location.
Not only that, the culture of a coworking space is highly supportive. Different people from different industries cheer each other on. You’ll feel a push to keep moving onwards and upwards, something you just can’t get from your napping cat at home.
Add in the amenities of a coworking space, like hot coffee, free WiFi, printers, mail distribution, onsite support, and a breakroom and bathroom that someone else cleans, and you don’t have to worry about anything but the work in front of you.
Con: Distractions
While coworking spaces do provide a buzz of productive, supportive energy, that may not be your cup o’ tea. If you’re the type who needs complete silence and pajamas, your home office might be the right place for you.
But don’t discount the power of a private office in a coworking space. We won’t dress code you if you show up in pajamas, and you might find more productivity in a professional setting with a closed door.
Pro: Networking Opportunities
“If you build it, they will come.” Or rather, if you have an office built for hard-working, creative professionals, they’ll show up.
And that’s a beautiful thing, because when you put ambitious people from different fields together, they’re going to want to expand opportunities by looking to the people around them.
When you work in a leased office, there are fewer opportunities for this kind of networking. A coworking space, on the other hand, puts you in direct proximity with people from different industries. You can’t help but meet someone who could make a difference for your business.
Want growth? Network. Coworking spaces allow you to do that by default.
Con: Not Everyone Will Be Your Buddy
While your networking opportunities will be huge in a coworking space, that doesn’t mean you’re going to like everyone you come into contact with. There may be some people in the coworking space who you just don’t jive with.
But don’t worry too much. This can happen anywhere; your corner of the coffee shop would also certainly bring unpredictable encounters into your work day. At a coworking space, you can at least move to a more private work location if you run into someone who gets on your nerves.
Pro: Watch Your Creativity Soar
In an environment of likeminded people, away from the distractions of home, you might just find yourself finding solutions to long-unsolved problems, creating new pathways forward, and increasing your sales in new ways. That’s because a coworking space is ideal for creativity.
Give yourself the space to think and focus, and you’ll likely see your creativity increase.
Coworking Connection in Murrieta and Temecula is your fantastic option for a better way to work. We love our clients and want the best for them. Give us a call at 1-800-762-1391 to set up a tour, or stop by. Our affordable options will help you take your work to new heights.