In the US alone, coworking spaces jumped from a grand total of one in 2005 to 781 in 2017, with no signs of slowing down, according to Inc.com. Originally geared towards startups and entrepreneurs as a solution to working from home or brainstorming at a coffee shop, coworking spaces are now changing the face of the traditional office. Even corporations are getting in the game, using coworking spaces as convenient, cost-effective satellite offices. Besides the built-in social networking, community spirit, and collaborative nature coworking spaces offer, the new normal in office environments can actually help you grow your business.
Coworking vibe motivates like-minded professionals
While you might think the energy level, the social element and just working around a lot of other people may be distracting for individuals, as well as businesses using coworking spaces as branch offices, the truth is, studies have shown that the open coworking space vibe increases members’ productivity and success. A February 2017 Business.com article reported that research by DeskMag and Deskwanted revealed that:
- 74% of coworkers are more productive
- 86% have a larger business network
- 93% have a bigger social network
- Over two-thirds feel more creative and collaborate more on projects
- A third reported an increase in income
Also, a Harvard Business Review study showed that people who were members of coworking spaces reported levels of thriving that approach an average of 6 on a 7-point scale. That’s at least one point above folks working in traditional spaces. “Unheard of,” said Harvard Business Review, as they double-checked their data just to be sure. Along with working in motivating, inspirational spaces, businesses, and individuals like the idea of saving money and avoiding the pitfalls of setting up and maintaining an office space.
Getting right down to business without overhead expenses
When you’re just starting to grow into your success, fledgling businesses often take a hit to their productivity and overheads by setting up an office. Skipping the stress that goes along with long-term leases, outfitting a space and setting up technology keeps your business on track. Coworking space members enjoy all of the appointments of an upscale office space, with laser fast Wi-Fi, plus all of the services and amenities you need to keep on, keeping on, towards more success at a fraction of what it costs to maintain a traditional office space. According to a MakeOffice.com article, “coworking spaces have been proven to reduce expenditures of small companies by as much as 75 percent.”
Coworking spaces equal flexibility
Another coworking space perk that helps companies grow revolves around the fact that whatever space needs your company encounters during different growth phases, coworking spaces deliver. You might need to rent a large space to brainstorm ideas with remote team members once a month, or you may want a private office for yourself and semi-private spaces for other team members. Short term rentals are available whether you need to rent a conference room for a product launch or for training sessions on a new system. Coworking spaces redefine flexibility. Most coworking spaces feature boutique hotel lobby-like community areas, with sofas and chairs that make an ideal place to meet with new clients or just to take a break from it all. Flexibility means that you aren’t stuck in a space that doesn’t fit the needs of your company as it grows. Speaking of stuck, the intrinsic, collaborative spirit of coworking spaces can help you hurdle business obstacles, as well.
Consulting, conversing and collaboration
The diverse community of coworking spaces lends itself to helping other members out. You may find answers to your specific hurdle by consulting with a business owner who’s been down the same road already. When creative ideas start bouncing around from one coworking member to another, the synergy can create new ideas, new business relationships, and new businesses. Not a bad perk. Also, a number of freelancers working at coworking spaces can provide the support your business needs in the way of websites, marketing, photography, and other components of your business that may not be your specialty. Saving time choosing a web designer or an IT guy to set up your e-commerce site saves money and allows you to do what you do best, keep growing your business . . . even when you’re not feeling so productive.
Coworking energy is contagious
Working from home can present a plethora of distractions that can easily take a big chunk out of your work schedule and result in frustration with further distractions and down the rabbit hole your day goes. Coworkers often surprise themselves when they show up for work, not really feeling it that day and can’t help but get into their business goals because others around them are so jazzed about what they’re doing that it just rubs off on them. Then, maybe there’s a community event that day that addresses something you’re trying to figure out and . . . there it is, problem solved. Or maybe you attend a community event that day where you meet someone with an idea that grows into a new business opportunity. You gotta be in it, to win it.
Hone your skill sets
Because coworking lets you network at the business level in a professional environment, you are ideally positioned to learn how to expand your business skills and learn new skills you may not have deemed necessary before. Your whole day could turn into a series of learning opportunities that inspire you to break through the barriers that affect your progress moving forward. Venture X Naples offers everything you need to save money while growing your business in today’s marketplace. Affordable, upscale digs with flexible monthly contracts, an open, welcoming community of like-minded professionals that motivates you and promotes productivity, with the same goal of continuing success. Visit Venture X Naples to schedule a tour of your new office space. Located in the heart of Naples, the Mercato neighborhood features top of the line shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Take a client to lunch or take a walk on the beach in the morning – a mere five-minute bike ride away from our location. Just another perk.