The Top 15 Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Remote Workers
If you’re a remote worker, you know the importance of finding a good workspace. While home offices or public spaces can be great places to get work done, they often lack the necessary tools and facilities to help you be at your most productive. That’s where coworking spaces come in. Coworking spaces offer all the benefits of traditional office spaces, without the limitations of long lease terms. For a relatively low cost, coworking spaces provide remote employees with an oasis of productivity from which they can network, complete tasks, or even launch entirely new entrepreneurial endeavors, all whilst working alongside others and bouncing ideas off like-minded people.
A recent study by Zippia shows that, as of 2022, 66% of U.S. employees work remotely in some capacity, with roughly 36 million people expected to be working remotely across America by 2025. Moreover, this same study outlines that 16% of companies in the U.S. are fully-remote, a number that is expected to increase in years to come.
The many benefits of remote work are wide-reaching, including improved work-life balance, less stress, and reduced absenteeism. However, 50% of remote workers have reported feeling lonely at least once per week, with issues of isolation and a general disconnect from workplace culture becoming hotly debated talking points in the modern business world.
Serving as a vital piece of the puzzle that is the future of work, coworking spaces present a number of excellent benefits for remote workers and entrepreneurs struggling with working from home. In this article, we will be exploring 15 of these benefits, hopefully allowing you to determine if coworking spaces are right for you!
Contents
- 1 They Provide Sense of Community & Collaboration
- 2 Access to Amenities & Equipment to Improve Productivity
- 3 Reliable, High-Speed Internet
- 4 Flexible Membership Plans for Day-to-Day Use
- 5 Excellent Networking Opportunities
- 6 Helps to Establish a Sense of Routine
- 7 Ability to Book Dedicated Desks, Private Offices, and Meeting Rooms
- 8 Some Coworking Spaces Provide Complimentary Drinks & Discounted Food
- 9 On-Site Management & IT Support
- 10 Clear Boundaries Between Home and Work
- 11 Access to Health & Wellness Facilities
- 12 Inspiration for Those Struggling to be Productive Elsewhere
- 13 Various Coworking Spaces are Open 24/7
- 14 Some Coworking Providers Give Access to Numerous Locations Across the Globe
- 15 Most Coworking Spaces Allow You to Get to Work Immediately
- 16 Looking for a Coworking Space?
They Provide Sense of Community & Collaboration
Working from home or a nearby coffee shop can be extremely convenient for remote workers, however, it lacks the sense of community and collaboration found in an office setting. Coworking spaces provide the perfect work environment for remote professionals looking for the best of both worlds, offering an engaging space to interact and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Despite the wide range of backgrounds and industries represented in your typical coworking hub, the shared nature of these workspaces often creates an environment where ideas can flow freely. Coworking spaces allow remote workers to essentially have their cake and eat it too, gaining access to a social working atmosphere whilst also enabling them to travel or adopt a hybrid work schedule. Many coworking spaces encourage members to collaborate, with community managers typically hired to plan events, make introductions, and facilitate discussions. The end result of these efforts is the creation of engaging workspaces that boost both productivity and morale, two things which can be lost when working isolated away from others.
Access to Amenities & Equipment to Improve Productivity
Coworking spaces have revolutionized the way remote workers conduct business in numerous ways. Providing them with access to world-class amenities and facilities that are designed to boost productivity is one such example. Home to ergonomic office furniture, printing services, artisanal coffee bars, video capture devices, and state-of-the-art equipment like 3D printers and laser cutting machines, coworking spaces have quickly become a haven for remote professionals. Most of these items and fixtures are typically not available at someone’s home office space, making coworking a cost-effective and logical choice for those who require more advanced resources to stay productive.
Reliable, High-Speed Internet
Coworking spaces also provide remote workers with access to high-speed internet and enough bandwidth to meet the needs of most businesses. This is especially beneficial given the continuing trend of companies becoming increasingly reliant on cloud technology, which requires reliable internet speeds to function properly. In addition, the increase in data sharing between businesses will require even higher download speeds over the coming years. As such, by utilizing coworking spaces, remote workers will have access to the resources necessary to keep up with changing industry requirements and maximize their productivity. Reliable, high-speed internet is particularly appealing for remote workers in developing countries, where ubiquitous Wi-Fi isn’t as common as in the United States.
Flexible Membership Plans for Day-to-Day Use
Remote workers will be happy to know about the flexible membership plans that coworking spaces offer, which allow occupants to pay for access only when needed. Coworking spaces are typically rented on a month-to-month or even day-to-day basis, so that users can easily adjust their commitment as required. This type of arrangement is well-suited to the unpredictable nature of remote work and the unique requirements of certain professionals. For example, a busy freelance realtor that finds themselves constantly driving from appointment to appointment will likely find value in having a coworking membership for admin-focused workdays. Not only does this setup help reduce unnecessary costs associated with traditional office leases, it also provides an environment for teams to collaborate once or twice a week, something that a lot of remote-focused businesses find extremely valuable.
Excellent Networking Opportunities
In addition to access to a shared, creative workspace, coworking spaces often offer organized networking events where members can collaborate and share ideas in an informal setting. These periodic get-togethers are especially helpful for freelancers and digital nomads who might not have a more traditional means to meet with other professionals in their line of work. Not only do these specific events allow remote workers to network with contacts that are relevant to their respective fields, they also provide them with a chance to connect with people from all sorts of different companies and backgrounds. The wide variety of people that find use for coworking spaces opens the door for unexpected business opportunities and interesting conversations that might not have previously happened otherwise. Having the chance to learn from other successful business owners, or experts in your given field, is a core benefit of coworking spaces. Coworking management teams work hard to plan and host networking opportunities to build their own local business community, fostering long-lasting relationships between like-minded professionals and helping to create meaningful connections.
Helps to Establish a Sense of Routine
Coworking facilities also provide remote workers with a sense of routine, something which can be difficult to replicate when working from home or public spaces. By spending their workdays in the same place and specific times for certain tasks or meetings, remote workers can establish a work-day routine that mirrors what it would feel like to be in a traditional office environment. This creates more structure and provides a much-needed anchor for remote workers struggling to replicate their productivity outside the office spaces that they used to occupy. Without routine, it is easy for procrastination and burnout to creep in, as remote workers battle to both engage and disengage with their work. Ultimately, coworking spaces act as a great cornerstone for remote workers to plan their day around, providing them with the structure necessary to be productive.
Ability to Book Dedicated Desks, Private Offices, and Meeting Rooms
By having dedicated desks, private office spaces, and meeting rooms available to use, remote workers are empowered to create a workplace that best meets their individual needs. Different tasks naturally require different environments. With the flexibility of a coworking space, workers can switch between settings depending on what they have going on each day and which location will result in the most productivity. Coworking spaces also provide an invaluable service by allowing remote workers to collaborate with their colleagues or clients in a neutral environment. For example, a freelancer trying to land a big client might opt to hire a meeting room in an inner-city coworking space for the day, rather than meeting with the client online or hosting in his or her home. All these advantages combine to make coworking spaces an ideal resource for remote workers looking for a bespoke, on-demand workspace solution.
Some Coworking Spaces Provide Complimentary Drinks & Discounted Food
Some coworking spaces offer complimentary drinks such as tea and coffee as part of their membership to help remote workers get through their day fully caffeinated. For those looking to find an even better deal, certain coworking spaces also provide discounted meals to members. These small conveniences result in less time worrying about eating out or cooking at home and more time focusing on being productive. In this age of digital nomads and remote work, coworking spaces are now upping their game to provide the most convenient and wholistic working experience for occupants – with food and drink being a core consideration.
On-Site Management & IT Support
On-site management and IT support are highly beneficial features of coworking spaces that promote an optimum level of productivity. These services provide unique technical and administrative expertise, making them invaluable to remote workers who may not have immediate access to similar help when working from home, coffee shops, or public spaces. Such on-site support reduces stress levels, frees up time, and provides much-needed peace of mind.
Clear Boundaries Between Home and Work
For those working remotely, it can be difficult to find balance between work and leisure. When countless distractions, such as housemates or family, are vying for your time and attention, it can be hard to remain productive. Coworking spaces serve as a welcome solution, providing clear physical boundaries that separate home environments from the workplace. Here, employees can focus on their tasks without the interruptions or distractions found at home or public spaces, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. For remote workers who need an extra push of motivation, coworking spaces also have the added benefit of offering the accountability of being surrounded by other professionals hard at work. If you’re still struggling to concentrate, some coworking spaces host educational workshops to help members create structures and build habits designed to self-motivate.
Access to Health & Wellness Facilities
Access to health and wellness facilities – such as gyms, yoga classes, and mindfulness rooms – is becoming an increasingly common feature of modern coworking spaces. This benefit essentially allows professionals to reallocate funds that they might already be spending on a gym membership towards coworking, increasing the value proposition of the space whilst also being extremely convenient. Most coworking spaces that offer health and wellness perks also provide access to healthy food options – including snacks, juices, and supplements. As modern professionals become increasingly focused on health and wellness, coworking providers are pivoting to bolster related perks. By providing individuals with access to quality health and wellness services, coworking spaces give members the opportunity to cultivate healthier habits that can boost performance at work and improve mental health outcomes.
Inspiration for Those Struggling to be Productive Elsewhere
Faced with the growing prevalence of remote work schedules, many people may find it hard to stay inspired whilst working from home or other locations. Coworking spaces can be a great solution for those struggling to find inspiration, largely due to the emphasis that most coworking providers place on creating an engaging and creative atmosphere to work in. This philosophy extends to almost all aspects of design, from decor choices and furnishings to the abundance of plant life that typifies most modern coworking spaces. Outside of design, the simple act of sharing space with other like-minded individuals does a great job of reinvigorating creativity and inspiration. Coworking spaces provide a unique atmosphere – no matter the task at hand – that enhances collaboration between members, inspiring and revitalizing each individual with new perspectives and fresh knowledge.
Various Coworking Spaces are Open 24/7
Another element of convenience present in the vast majority of coworking spaces is 24/7 access, something which appeals directly to professionals working long or irregular hours. Having a comfortable place to work around the clock is particularly advantageous for digital nomads, who might be working with clients or colleagues in different time zones. 24-hour access ensures that these individuals are never without a place to work during important meetings or project milestones. In many cases, the flexibility currently being afforded to employees also extends to their working hours, making 24/7 access vital for any coworking space looking to appeal to the largest possible customer base.
Some Coworking Providers Give Access to Numerous Locations Across the Globe
Working on the move has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people look to marry work and travel. Coworking spaces have recognized the importance of this trend, now offering members access to spaces dotted across the globe. This offers a great advantage for digital nomads who are travelling from city to city – providing them with access to quality facilities and removing the guesswork out of trying to track down quality office space. What’s more, many coworking spaces provide excellent features such as high speed internet, comfortable furniture, and collaborations with local businesses – all of which allows occupants to work efficiently while they’re away from home. Coworking providers with multiple locations across the globe are also extremely appealing for those who travel routinely for business, providing a quick and easy office solution for a day or two.
Most Coworking Spaces Allow You to Get to Work Immediately
Many coworking spaces make it quick and easy for members to sign up without having to commit to long-term leases, something that is perfect for remote workers looking to experiment with working in a coworking setting. The turnkey nature of these types of spaces is also extremely appealing to small business owners, who might quickly require temporary space as they look to scale up or down depending on market conditions. The aforementioned flexible agreements provided by coworking spaces, coupled with the speed of setup, makes them an ideal option for those looking to remain agile in the face of changing circumstances.
Looking for a Coworking Space?
As outlined above, it’s clear that coworking spaces are an extremely viable option for remote workers looking for flexible, inspiring workspace. These bustling hubs of business activity serve as excellent communities for those looking to network and socialize with like-minded professionals. Perfect for small businesses, remote employees, freelance individuals, and even travelling CEOs, coworking spaces provide great cost savings coupled with access to world-class perks.
Not sure where to find a coworking space near you? Click here to browse our full range of amenity-rich coworking spaces, located in major business cities across the United States. You can also call us to have a discussion about your requirements on 972-913-2742, or reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter.
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