Embracing flexible working
The way that we work was forced to evolve last year when offices and workspaces shut due to the pandemic. Established businesses that thought they were unable to operate on a remote basis found they were more than capable to do so. Innovative new companies were founded in the wake of redundancies and job cuts. With the emergence of an influx of new businesses, more freelancers than ever, and the ability to work from home, came another shift: People wanted somewhere to go to work that wasn’t into work. So they didn’t necessarily have to work from home, but instead could work near it. Where they could reap the benefits of an office environment, but without the long commute or long-term commitment. Which is where flexible working spaces come in.
There are a host of benefits to flexible working this way, with one of the best reasons being just that - the flexibility. If you are a freelancer or are running a small business for example, you likely work odd hours and can be away at meetings, pitching to potential clients or networking throughout the week. You will have a small team and it might just be one or two of you. This will mean you don’t want the commitment or the ties to rent or purchase a full-time office, yet a squashed corner at home or sticky table at the back of your local coffee shop just won’t cut it. With flexible working, you have the freedom to work away from home, in a professional environment yet
If you are new to flexible working, we have put together a beginners guide for all you need to consider before signing up to ensure you find the best one for you.
Think of the plan that is best suited for you
When it comes to flexible working, there is no one size fits all and that is why there are so many options for you to choose from. You could choose a coworking space that can be used for a day or booked for a certain amount of hours over a month. You could join a plan that means you get not only the space to co-work, but also a host of benefits such as events and additional facilities, or you could get a virtual office plan. Think about what you will use the space for, how often you will be there and whether you are looking to work flexibly and mix it with time in the office, if it will replace going into the office, or if you are looking for a full-time destination to replace working from home.
Find the right location
Another thing you need to consider when it comes to flexible working is the location. You will likely want somewhere that is near enough to your house that you don’t have a long commute there and back. You might want somewhere that is near to your children’s school to aid with drop off and pick up time, or you might want somewhere that is near enough to your main office (if you have one) that you can pop in should you need to. These are all factors you need to consider when you start flexible working.
Consider the facilities available
One of the best things about flexible working spaces is that they offer so much more than just a desk. Think about the facilities you want from a space and what you want to pay for. There are many factors behind flexible working and everyone can want something different from them. You might want to utilise the social aspect, being able to network and chat with those around you. You might be looking for a quiet reprieve away from a busy house, or you might be looking for a more inspirational and motivating place to run your small business from. Facilities can include fully equipped kitchens, meeting room hire, luxury showers, members galleries and private phone booths. Some offer a place to record training sessions, or somewhere with great breakout spaces where you can enjoy others' company. Check out the facilities of the flexible working space and see what you want from the space you will be working at.
Think about the hours you will work
When you are flexible working, you might be required to go into an office a couple of days a week, or need to be out for other reasons. You might have clients that work in different time zones and therefore require you to make calls or work at unsociable hours. Take this into account when you are selecting the package you want to subscribe to and ensure that your flexible working space can facilitate this.
Decide on your budget
Flexible working is great but due to all the benefits you get from heading to a coworking space, it isn’t free. While you can get a lot for your money, you need to think about what you want to spend and what you want to be included. Consider the number of hours that you will be there, the extras you want and the convenience that it will bring. You might choose to work from a space a few days a week or full time depending on what is best for you.
Flexible working is one of the best things that you can do and it enables you to have the benefits of both working from home and working in a professional environment. If you are looking for a flexible coworking space that can suit all your needs then please get in touch with us today.
