Sep 08, 2021

Bursting 5 misconceptions around coworking spaces

Over the last few years, professionals across the globe have been ditching traditional office spaces in favor of coworking, but some professionals are skeptical of the shift as this movement disrupts long-held business norms. People often think coworking spaces are too distracting, only for startups, or just a glorified term for any other office space.

While many coworking spaces do have a casual vibe, they are definitely much more ‘work’ than play. So, today, let’s debunk some of the most common coworking myths once and for all!  

Misconception: “Coworking spaces are not for big enterprises.

Truth: While coworking facilities are great for startups as they cut overhead costs, startups are not their primary users. Gone are the days when the majority of occupants at coworking spaces were startups or small enterprises. With affordable prices, a dynamic environment and ease in transitions (staffing, location, and renovations) many large enterprises are looking towards coworking spaces as a solution. Even Smartworks, in addition to several budding businesses, is home to conglomerates including Jaguar, and Amazon India.  

Misconception: “Our business has a fully-functional office, so a coworking space isn’t suitable for the company.”

Truth: Traditional office spaces are a comfort zone for a majority of businesses, which is why coworking spaces become uncharted territory for them.

But the perception is slowly changing with professionals believing in a change of scenery. Companies are today using co-working spaces for a variety of tasks, for example, hosting business meetings with visiting clients, providing workspace solutions for short-term employees or renting the space during the expansion of the business.

Also Read: Fun Things That You Can Do in a Coworking Space

Misconception: “ Coworking spaces will only work for my business if I were a solo entrepreneur.”

Truth: Another name for a coworking space is “flexible space.” The coworking model is flexible and works for businesses of all sizes, be it independent workers, small businesses or satellite locations for larger corporations. According to an industry report by JLL, “Workspace, Reworked: Ride the Wave of Tech-Driven Change,” flexible workspaces will comprise up to 30 percent of corporate real estate portfolios by 2030. Which means coworking spaces will not only work for solo entrepreneurs but also provide an excellent setting for all size of enterprises looking to combat isolation and to thrive in a productive environment.

Misconception: “ Coworking spaces are an extrovert-friendly arena.”

Truth: People often think of coworking spaces as offices with a  bunch of hipster programmers working on their start-ups, walking in and out with their pets, usually wearing pajamas. That’s really not true. A coworking facility does not confine to a set layout, every space is different, and some are designed to facilitate socialization more than others. While some spaces offer open office space, others provide private offices.

These spaces include both common areas as well as spaces for independent work. Therefore, professionals get to choose the extent of socialization and can strike a balance between mixing and personal autonomy. This benefit offers space for personal expression and creativity, making coworking professionals thrive.

Misconception: “Coworking spaces mean people who share a job.”

Truth: This is one of the most common misconceptions about a coworking space. People tend to assume that only similar businesses and jobs share a coworking space. Getting different professionals to work together is not always the purpose of a coworking space instead of a coworking environment often has professionals working on various projects or even in different industries.

What sets coworking spaces apart, is the rapport that coworkers working in different industries build, as their work relationships grow. Such camaraderie allows for a transfer of knowledge across industry lines which has the potential to bring insights and innovation to disparate fields.

Coworking is a unique business model that has something for every business. So, if you’re on a hunt for the most productive and profitable environment for your business, consider coworking.

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