If you haven’t already heard, coworking office space is the new trend for professionals and businesses alike. The pandemic has highlighted that it is easy to adapt to new and different work environments and has shown that not everybody needs to be in the same office to keep productivity up. Using a coworking space means that companies do not need to spend a lot on leases or building upkeep and they don’t need to worry about long term commitments, so it is easy to see why they have become more popular.
Why do people thrive in coworking spaces?
It is becoming clearer that people who use a coworking office space are thriving, meaning more and more people are opting to use shared office space instead of traditional offices. But why are people becoming more productive? We’ve taken a look at the top reasons why people are flourishing when renting coworking office space.
- Sense of community – by using a coworking office space, remote or home workers are finding that they have a real sense of community by working alongside other professionals. This then leads to pride in their work which in turn increases their productivity. By being around like minded professionals people become more motivated and efficient.
- Creative collaborations – by being around a whole host of different people and trades that you wouldn’t normally be around, people are finding themselves more inspired than ever before. You might get a chance to meet and work with people that you never would have found if you were working in a traditional office, but with a coworking space, the possibilities are endless.
- Flexibility – some people work better alone, and others in a group. Some people work better in the morning whilst others find themselves more productive at night. The beauty of a coworking office space means that you can be as flexible as you want with your office environment – and you only pay for what you need. If you are a freelancer who only needs a desk for a couple of hours, then that is all you will pay for. If you need an office space closer to a customer, then you will easily be able to find one. The possibilities are endless and by taking the pressure off you or your workers, you will find that people will focus on their work and increase productivity.
Whatever your reason for using a coworking space, whether it’s the atmosphere of an office for home workers or an excuse to network with like minded individuals, then you need to make sure that you find the right office to suit your needs.
Top 5 Tips to keep co-workers happy
If you are renting out your offices to co-workers in a shared office environment, then we have put together some tips to make sure that they stay happy and keep coming back.
- Noise level
When people are opening up their apps and searching for ‘coworking spaces near me’ they want somewhere that ticks all the boxes. It is something that might not be top of their list, but no one wants to be working where noise levels are so loud that they can’t concentrate and put all their focus into their work. In order to make sure that it is kept as level as possible, there are a few ways in which you can make sure that noise levels are kept to a minimum.
- Have dedicated meeting spaces for when people need to discuss without disturbing others.
- The layout of the office – make sure that breakout areas and canteens are not too close to the desks and coworking space.
- Plants – it sounds funny but simply adding plants can help with noise levels! They help to block high-frequency notices and help to reduce sounds, as well as adding a more natural atmosphere.
- Soft furnishings and carpets – whilst trendy bare floors and walls might be in at the moment, by having carpets, acoustic fabric screens and sofas in your coworking office space means that some of the noise is simply absorbed.
- Tidy
Keeping your coworking office space tidy is a big must – no one wants to turn up to a cluttered or dirty desk first thing in the morning! Whilst it is an unwritten rule that people clean their desks at the end of every day, it might be worth putting up posters and making sure that you have someone to clean every evening to make sure that this rule is enforced. You will also want to make sure that the ace is not cluttered, everything needs to have it’s own place and be easily accessible for those who are renting desks with you.
- Lighting
A well-lit coworking office space can make all the difference to how someone works, and it could be the reason that they keep coming back to you. Natural office lighting goes a long way when you are spending a full day somewhere. Big, large windows are an added bonus as they allow natural light to do most of the work. Natural light releases endorphins and while it’s not as much as 15 minutes on the treadmill, it can help people feel more energised and create a much nicer working atmosphere. If you do not have large windows in your coworking office space, make sure that you invest in good office lighting with brighter and energy efficient bulbs so that co-workers can be more alert, focused and creative.
- Quiet rooms
Even when you have done your best with keeping the noise levels to a minimum with layout and office décor, there will be times when people need private and dedicated quiet rooms. Whether they are discussing sensitive data, or they really need to get their head down for upcoming deadlines, it is important that the coworking space they choose has quiet rooms. Many people who are looking for “coworking office space near me” specifically for quiet rooms have reported that they either can’t find one, or the quiet room isn’t very quiet! If this is the case, it might be good to invest in sound proofing your quiet room or adding small ‘phone booth’ style quiet rooms in a specific section of the coworking space to make sure that everyone who rents a desk is happy with the service.
- Ergonomic office furniture
As desks are being used by different people every day, it can be difficult to make sure that everyone has the right office equipment. One style does not fit all, and so it is important that your coworking space appeals to everyone who is renting a desk there. Having a variety of different spaces and areas with different furniture and styles means that people can choose the best place to sit. You can include soft seating, task chairs, bench desking or focus booths to make sure that you cover all bases. It is important that a coworking office space has choice, and lots of it!
You are creating a coworking space that needs to appeal to a lot of different employees and personalities. Not everyone will like the same things, so by making sure you have variety and choice you can ensure that people will keep coming back.
