7 Reasons Why Co-working Trumps Working From Home

Updated 15/12/23

Co-working is big business in 2017 with the number of entrepreneurs taking advantage of its many benefits on the rise. Earlier this year, The Guardian reported that the number of people renting shared office space is predicted to jump from 1m in 2016 to 4m by 2020.

So, what’s the attraction? Well, besides from the fact that it provides a more relaxed workspace that can be tailored to suit individual taste, it presents numerous opportunities that simply can’t be had working from home. Here are 10 reasons why we think co-working rocks.

A Home From Home

Setting up a home office not only takes up space, but can be expensive when you factor in all the mod-cons. A co-working space worth its weight in gold should come fully-equipped with desks, bottomless premium coffee, comfy chairs, chill-out zones and super-fast WIFI to ensure you can be your best and get on with the task at hand in a professional environment.

A work life balance that suits you

Co-working gives you all the benefits of working alongside likeminded people with the reassurance that you can go find a quiet spot if needed, hit the local gym or go grab a bite to eat at your favourite deli. And, if you do need a day at home while your boiler is being serviced then so be it – you’re the boss after all.

Inspire and Be Inspired

Working alongside such a diverse mix of business folk can sometimes present you with inspiration from the most unlikely of places. In the Wizu Leeds office alone we have a nutritionist, sports statistics analyst, PR gurus and web designers conversing with recruiters, accountants and broadcasters, creating a unique melting pot of ideas you simply won’t find anywhere else. New friendships and business ideas are born every week at Wizu

Impress Your Guests

One of the many pluses of being your own boss is being able to saunter into the office in your sneakers and scruffs if you so please, but for days when you need to impress a guest, there’s private meeting rooms for hire. This allows you to wow your VIP’s in a professional setting, where all the video and tele-conference tech is on hand to dial in any additional attendees.

Mind, Body and Soul

Spending too much time working home alone, or likewise surrounded by noise in a more traditional, corporate office environment can both impact negatively on mental health and overall well-being. According to The Huffington Post, 70% of co-workers reported they felt healthier than when they did working in old-school office environment, with 60% saying it also made them more relaxed at home. Co-working allows you to separate your work from your personal life, so that home really does feel like home and not an extension of work.

Location Is Everything

If you choose a quality co-working space in the heart of the city, then you more or less have the world on your doorstep. Not only is this perfect for taking a leisurely hour out to sample the hottest new sushi or BBQ joint in town, but makes client visits all the more convenient, whether they are located a train journey away or just a few blocks down the road.

Network More Naturally

We’ve all been there. You’ve had a long, hard, busy day at work but then you’re invited to a     networking event where you’re expected to mingle with a bunch of people you either don’t know or don’t want to know. With co-working, you can grow more natural relationships with the people you get along with, giving you the chance to share contacts, and take advantage of new business opportunities you never knew existed.

Fancy having a go at co-working? Join us on Friday 31st for ‘Free Friday’ at our Park Cross Street site. Free coffee, free co-working, free networking, free food. Contact us for more info or click here to secure your tickets!

More Reasons to Choose Coworking Spaces Over Working from Home

Earlier in the article, we shared 7 reasons that coworking is better than work from home. Those are great; however, we found even more reasons to consider using a working space rather than working from home!

1. Increased Productivity

How long have you worked from home? Does it seem like an eternity? It’s no wonder when you consider all the distractions! Everything from the TV, family, pets, and friends dropping by can make it challenging to focus on your work. The result is a drastic fall in your productivity.

On the other hand, working in a coworking space provides you with a dedicated workspace. It’s also free of distractions. Everyone there is working, too. You can rest assured that you’ll get more done in a coworking space.

In addition, many coworking spaces have rules that everyone needs to follow. These can include not talking too loudly on the phone, no music without headphones, and more. The rules are there to ensure everyone has the right environment to get things done.

2. Professional Workplace

Working at home can be comfortable. But what happens when you need to meet with a client or partner? If you have the meeting at your home, your guests may not be too impressed with your home office. The reality is that a home office is usually not very professional.

On the other hand, a coworking space gives a very professional impression to your clients and others. The workplace offers a professional environment, and you can usually have access to an on-site meeting room for a discount. That’s sure to impress!

3. Personalisation

You’re probably asking how it’s possible to personalise a coworking space. We’re happy you’re asking! Coworking spaces are becoming more personalised each year.

It’s now possible to hire a private office in a coworking space. That means you can have your own space, which is customised to meet your needs. Another option is to choose a dedicated desk, one that’s reserved for you. No one else is allowed to use reserved desks.

Another innovation is coworking spaces that offer suites. With a suite, you can have a private office and an optional separate entrance. This gives your business a more professional look and ensures more privacy.

4. Open 24/7

Some coworking spaces are open 24/7, which means you can work any time of the day. Being open round the clock seven days a week is a huge benefit, such as when you need to work late on a project. It’s also possible to work on the weekend if needed, or even on holidays!

You stay more productive, too, by working at any time of day when you have more energy and creativity.

5. Coworking Spaces are Perfect for Entrepreneurs

When you’re starting out as an entrepreneur, finding the motivation or inspiration to get things done can be challenging. A home office may not provide the right environment for you to work. However, a coworking space may be just what you need.

Coworking spaces are designed to be inspirational. They’re also somewhat different from traditional offices or workplaces in that you work alongside other business professionals. You can find a mentor, obtain business advice, and much more at a coworking space than you do working from home.

Coworking spaces offer you a flexible, social, inspiring place to get your work done. And these workspaces look set to increase, as more professionals and remote workers need a professional place to get their work done.

FAQs

Are co-working spaces expensive compared to working from home?

Co-working spaces often offer flexible membership plans, making them cost-competitive, considering the amenities and resources provided.

Do co-working spaces restrict working hours?
Most co-working spaces operate 24/7, allowing members to choose their working hours based on individual preferences.

How can co-working spaces benefit freelancers?
For freelancers, co-working spaces offer an environment conducive to networking, skill enhancement, and potential collaboration, which might be challenging in a home setup.

Is it difficult to concentrate in a co-working environment?
Contrary to common belief, co-working spaces are designed to minimise distractions, promoting a focused work environment.

Are co-working spaces only for tech or creative professionals?
No, co-working spaces welcome professionals from various industries, fostering a diverse community conducive to cross-industry collaborations.

Do co-working spaces provide privacy for confidential work?
Most co-working spaces offer private meeting rooms or designated areas for confidential discussions, ensuring privacy when needed.