Coworking space benefits
If someone were to state the most used word over the past couple of years, ‘the new normal’ is sure to be at the top. Yet there is no better way to describe the way we are working and how we are shifting to coworking spaces. For coworking spaces are firmly cementing themselves as ‘the new normal.’ And it’s not surprising really, with so many benefits to be had both for employees and employers. As with most things in life, it takes something pretty drastic to cause a change and a global pandemic was just that - and then some.
Before 2020, coworking spaces were mostly used by freelancers, with office workers usually heading down on a Friday if this was a ‘working from home’ day. People were very much stuck in the mindset that ‘office is best’ and productivity wouldn’t be maximised if employees worked anywhere else. The past eighteen months have proved that this is actually far from the truth and working from home and coworking spaces can be much more beneficial than it was previously thought.
A study by Stanford of 16,000 workers over 9 months found that working from home increased productivity levels by 13%. And while you might not be able to bring your cat or your pyjamas to a coworking space, it is the perfect place to bridge the gap between home and office working. Here are just a few of the benefits of using coworking spaces in 2021 and why employees thrive in them.
Coworking spaces offer all the facilities that you need
If you’ve ever tried to work from a coffee shop for a full day, you are probably familiar with the struggles. You can feel out of place, it is hard to concentrate with the noise of other diners chatting and eating around you and you feel the need to keep purchasing mugs of overpriced coffee so as to not lose your spot. You might not have access to good WiFi and it can be a challenge to find plug sockets. In a coworking space, you can make your base for the day and feel right at home. It has all the tools you need to get through the 9-5 including tea & coffee stations, fast WiFi, enough places to charge your devices and so much more. Some spaces have podcast studios, phone booths and meeting rooms too, taking your workday experience to the next level.
They offer flexibility in how you work
Studies have found that the average UK commute takes an hour - not taking into account traffic jams, train delays and having to wait for the next tube because the first one that arrives is crammed. Add this to working overtime or having to get in for an early morning meeting and you have lost out on the majority of your day. With a co-working space, you can find one nearer to your home, removing the need for a long and tedious journey, while also being productive. They also allow employees to have the best of both worlds - working from home while also enjoying the benefits of more of an office environment. Employees won't have to go to one every day, or for strict set hours. Instead, if they feel more comfortable working from home, they can do so, but if they need to meet someone to collaborate on a project, they can head to a coworking space in the afternoon to get this done. Coworking spaces mean that no matter what sort of work you need to get done, or how you work, you can do so in a way that suits you best.
There are opportunities to network
One of the detriments to working from home is that networking with colleagues and clients is harder. While Zoom meetings are good at speaking to existing connections, the chances of meeting anyone in person besides your postman or Deliveroo driver are pretty slim. Coworking spaces are an ideal spot to make new connections and form new business relationships. The casual networking opportunities that these spaces provide can lead to long-term relationships and business opportunities. Many spaces also offer social events and meet-ups that can be a great way to get to know other like-minded people.
They are better for employees mental health (combat loneliness)
It has never been so important to look after your mental health and one of the biggest attributes to anxiety and depression has been found to be loneliness. Research has found that social isolation and lack of contact with others can contribute to a number of mental health issues as well as a weakened immune system, high blood pressure and increased levels of stress. By going to a coworking space you will get the chance to meet many new people and make friends too. Even just a mindless catch-up while fetching a cup of coffee can help enormously with your productivity and mental state for the day.
These are just a few benefits of using coworking spaces and just why employees thrive in them. From an increase in sociability to a place that has all the facilities to enhance a workday, coworking spaces are an effortless choice. Find out more about our coworking spaces and how they can help by speaking to Contingent Works today.
