The way that we are working is changing. A combination of more advanced technology, COVID-19, people looking to take more control of their lives, the rising cost of fuel, as well as other factors is meaning that traditional 9-5 in the office work is becoming less and less popular amongst the British workforce.
One of the ways that things are changing is the increase in the use of shared workspaces. As workers get more autonomous (albeit whether they work for themselves as a freelancer or entrepreneurs) or as an employee wanting to take more control over their working lives, shared workspaces are booming in the UK at the moment.
What is a Shared Workspace?
A shared workspace is usually an office space that has been designed for multiple users, often from different businesses. They will normally be rented on a desk-by-desk basis (or meeting room or small office) to individuals or businesses, by the day, or other short-term arrangements.
Shared workspaces will be fitted out with all of the equipment that you need – high-speed internet, telephones, toilets, kitchens, printers, and sometimes other facilities – ready for you to plug in and go.
Shared workspaces are located all around the country, providing you with facilities wherever you choose to go.
There are pros and cons to using a shared workspace, and in this article, we will look at each of them to help you to decide whether this is the commercial property solution for you.
Shared Workspaces Pros
The shared workspace community in the UK is growing fast. More and more people are using shared workspaces as the way that we work changes.
Flexibility
One of the best things about using a shared workspace is that you have complete flexibility over the location that you will be working in and when you are going to be there. This saves you money as you are only paying for the time that you are spending in the office, and not nights, weekends, and holidays, as you would be if you were to be renting a workspace on a long-term basis.
It also means that you can choose where you go into the office. Perhaps you are visiting someone in a different city or just fancy a change of scenery. With a shared workspace, you can book a desk wherever you want to be and get straight to work.
A shared workspace also allows you to grow or reduce your team as you need to. Whether you are a quickly growing business – or are looking to downsize – using a shared workspace gives you the flexibility to accommodate your needs whatever they may be. It enables you to book meeting rooms at the times when you need them.
Financial
Depending on your situation, using a shared workspace can also save you money. Instead of paying for an office for use 24/7 when you would only spend some of the time in it, with a shared workspace, you will only pay for the time that you are actually there.
Likewise, when you rent a shared workspace, it comes complete with energy, heating, water, and amenities, as well as printers and scanners, a postal system, and meeting rooms, potentially saving you money here too.
Networking Opportunities
For start-ups and entrepreneurs especially, shared workspaces can offer a great number of networking opportunities. Working alongside other small businesses in a similar industry to you, in a similar area can be a great way to meet them. This is one of the major reasons why small businesses and entrepreneurs love working in shared workspaces.
Productive Atmosphere
Working alone at home can not only be lonely but also not very motivating. Even if you are working on your own as a freelancer or entrepreneur, a shared workspace can help you with motivation as you work amongst other successful, motivated, productive people. Working in a productive environment cannot be underestimated, and a shared workspace is full of other people who are in a similar situation.
Shared Workspaces Cons
Shared workspaces are not necessarily for everyone. There are also some reasons why it might not be for you.
Distractions and Privacy
Many people go to shared workspaces for the networking opportunities that they offer. This does mean, however, that if you are looking to get your head down and work with no distractions, a desk in a shared office might not be for you. However, some shared workspaces also offer private offices for rent.
This could also be an issue if you are working with sensitive information or are concerned about competitors seeing what you are doing.
Not ‘Yours’
Although shared workspaces are generally well fitted out and well-decorated, it is not ‘yours’. If you are renting a desk by the day, you cannot leave your belongings there. You cannot decorate the area as you might wish to or have the layout that is optimal for you. For some people, this does not matter, but for others, it might be an issue.
Culture
For small businesses, company culture is important. It can be the case that if you are running your small business from a shared workspace, it can be difficult to grow your own culture. Likewise, it can be tricky if you do not feel that you are fitting in with the culture within the shared workspace. Fortunately, with a shared workspace, you have the ability to change to a different location if you do not like it!
Final Thoughts
For many entrepreneurs, start-ups, freelancers, or remote workers, shared workspaces are an excellent solution. They can provide the right environment to make your business successful, with the flexibility over location and times that you are spending in the office that you need to make it financially viable, as well as giving you flexibility over the amount of space and facilities that you need.
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