National Work Life Week

Date: Thu Oct 14 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

With National Work Life Week well under way, now is a great opportunity to focus on wellbeing in the workplace and the importance of a healthy work-life balance. In support of Working Families UK – a leading charity for workplace wellbeing – we would like to raise awareness for what can be done to promote healthy working practices for you and your business. 

 Although the past year has presented massive challenges for employers and employees alike, one positive development has become overtly apparent. The status quo of the 5-day work week in the office is a thing of the past. Modern circumstances have shifted in favour of Hybrid Home-Office Working. 

 There are numerous benefits to Hybrid Home-Office Working. Employees are able to spend more time with loved ones, they can reduce lengthy commutes (lowering carbon emissions) – each contributing to positive mental health work practices. 

 The wellbeing of employees and the wellbeing of a business as a whole are inherently connected.  Employee satisfaction, productivity, efficiency, and office space and management cost-savings can be dramatically improved.  

 And whilst hybrid working and downsized offices bring their own challenges, new flexible workspace offerings provide businesses with solutions to providing working environments where and when they’re required. Meeting rooms and co-working spaces that can be booked throughout the UK on a pay-as-you-go basis for short durations (from one hour+) facilitating important video meetings near employees’ homes, or as supplemental spaces near re-sized offices, can assist in the challenge. 

 Find out more about improving workplace wellbeing by visiting WorkingFamilies.org.uk and visit Remote Working Corporate Membership | Pay-As-You-Go| BluDesks to learn about real workspace flexibility. 

Hybrid home-office practicalities and the BluDesks Corporate Member Portal

Date: Sun Oct 10 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Hybrid home-office working models offer the potential to bring significant cost savings (reduced office space) and improved employee morale.

But are hybrid arrangements practical? What about ad-hoc needs for additional space, and even if these were available, wouldn’t buying be too complex for internal purchasing procedures?

Quick, simple and easy to navigate, the BluDesks Corporate Member Portal provides direct access to thousands of cost-effective flexible workspace rentals spanning 150+ cities across the UK and internationally that can be booked on a pay-as-you-go basis from durations of just one-hour upwards.

As an integral part of its Corporate Membership scheme, BluDesks’ versatile online portal not only allows members to book from over 1,200 available co-working spaces, meeting rooms and private offices, but is also fully customisable to suit the policies, procedures, systems and processes of your business.

Coordinating teams that operate various areas of responsibility has never been more efficient and hassle-free. With its bespoke online system, you can assign a lead person such as a Facility Manager, Purchasing Manager or Office Manager, and delegated authorised individuals such as Project Managers, Regional Sales Managers or Office Coordinators, to make and manage bookings on behalf of your company.

After booking and payment has been settled directly through the portal, sub-groups – such as accounting and purchasing teams – can be nominated to access an online dashboard to see and monitor all active and past bookings, payments and invoices, resulting in a streamlined, efficient and user-oriented system within your business.

Additionally, members can access multiple payment and invoicing options through the portal including Direct Debit, Deposit with draw-down reconciliation, or Company (and/or Personal) Credit Card.

With workspaces instantly available as hourly+ pay-as-you-go rentals through the Corporate Membership scheme, the BluDesks Corporate Member Portal is the most convenient, flexible and comprehensive service for real, flexible workspaces when and where facilities are required.

Please feel free to contact our amazing support staff at hello@bludesks.com to learn more about the BluDesks Corporate Membership Scheme.

Why Are Coworking Spaces So Important For Us Today?

Date: Tue Oct 5 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

There’s no doubt that the last year and a half has been pretty tough for everyone. The shakeup of the working world has been a test for people who are used to the hustle and bustle of office life. Plenty of people have been forced to adapt to working from home, which has taken a toll on those that thrive on human interaction. 

Now that people have been gradually returning to the office to work after so long, coworking spaces have become more popular and important to business owners and freelancers. Working from home has shown employers and business owners that it can be difficult for people to control their own productivity and motivation. This means that having a dedicated space where people can work remotely can be really important and beneficial. 

What Are Coworking Spaces? 

Coworking spaces are flexible alternatives to a traditional office environment. These innovative spaces are shared workspaces where people can work amongst other similar professionals and have access to various office essentials at a reasonable cost. 

Flexible office space in London and other major cities worldwide is low-cost compared to office buildings. Instead of being tied down to a long-term contract, you can sign up for a membership with no commitments instead, and you only pay as and when you need the coworking space. Included in that price is everything you need to get some work done, such as printers, wi-fi access, scanners and projectors. 

Advantages Of Coworking 

To understand why private office space in London is so important today, it’s a good idea to explore the benefits of using coworking spaces. There are several advantages to take note of: 

Buzzing Atmosphere

You get an excellent, positive vibe from using coworking spaces. People tend to be stimulated and encouraged when working in the company of others who are in similar circumstances. Your mood will also be lifted by the available facilities, such as a comfortable chair, furniture, office supplies and in some cases there’s unlimited tea and coffee. 

Boosts Business 

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, freelancer or small business owner, private office space rentals are perfect for helping you gain a reputation within your business. It’s a professional and great way to collaborate with partners, set up meetings with clients and network with other business owners in a setting that has a positive, community feel to it. Not only that but you will find that you are able to organise and plan your day better which will make you work more efficiently.  

Facilities And Benefits

The extra perks you get included in the price of renting coworking space exceeds expectations. Not only do you have a desk and chair, but you also have access to fast internet, all the office supplies you need, food and drink (available in some places) and the ability to book a coworking space in many locations all over the world. You won’t have to worry about spending extra on printing costs, utilities, maintenance or any other costs that come with managing an office.  

Low Cost And Flexible

When you think about a traditional office, you need to sign a long-term lease or rental agreement that ties you down for the length of time stated. This can be stressful if circumstances change within that time and you get burdened with financial worries. With coworking spaces, you get the flexibility of choosing where you work and how long you pay for your space. There are no contracts or hidden fees to worry about, and you just sign up for a membership and pay-as-you-go when you work. Not to mention the facilities you get included in the price mentioned earlier. It’s worth every penny! 

Chances To Network

Flexible office space in London is an excellent way to network with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. You will get inspired with new ideas from having conversations with people who have different experiences to share, or you might even find a new partnership that helps boost your business. You just never know who you might meet each day and how it can positively affect your work. 

Increases Productivity

There’s no doubt that people are more productive when surrounded by like-minded, encouraging and energised people. The community spirit found in coworking spaces helps you feel motivated to get some good work done. Much better than working from home, where you can get easily distracted and feel isolated. It’s much harder for some people to get themselves motivated when working alone. Also, having a bigger space to keep things organised will definitely help you be more productive. 

Better Work-Life Balance 

Working in the same space that you live in has its disadvantages. You can get easily distracted by things that might need doing around the home or by members of your family that might be there while you’re trying to work. It’s much harder to get work done and can leave you feeling like you don’t get any respite. You’ll be much more productive working in a dedicated workspace where you can focus your attention solely on the jobs you need to get done.  

People Thrive In Coworking Spaces

With all of those benefits mentioned, it’s no wonder that people flourish in their work when renting private office space in London and other locations. Here are a few ways people feel they thrive in coworking spaces: 

Feel Part Of A Community 

The experience and vibes you get from these workspaces certainly have that sense of community spirit. The connections you make from socialising with others, and the energetic atmosphere are a big reason people pay to use these spaces. Even when focusing on work and you don’t want to interact as much, you still feel like you’re part of a “team”.  

Have More Control 

Choosing private office space rental is so flexible that you get more control over how you work than you would in a traditional office setting. If you have a big project that needs great concentration, you can choose to work longer days in a quieter location. If you are struggling in getting stimulated, you can choose a coworking space that is directly in the midst of a buzzing environment where you can get motivated by connecting with other people. The way you work is entirely in your control and is a wonderful advantage to coworking. 

Work Feels Meaningful 

Many people feel like they’re part of a social movement rather than just being someone who turns up to work. Coworking makes people feel more valued knowing that it’s sustainable, you’re always learning, there are opportunities for collaboration and being part of a community. Also, working with people who do different kinds of work can make you stand out more and feel like you have more of an identity.  

As you can see, there are many parts of renting private office space in London or elsewhere that are important for people wanting to work remotely without the corporate feel. If you feel that coworking is right for you, why not browse our website to find out more. You never know where your work might take you and what inspiration you might find. 

Are You A Creative Professional? Here’s Why You Need a Coworking Space

Date: Tue Oct 5 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

If you’re someone who has been making a name for yourself over the years in the creative industry or a graduate with a dream and passion for the future, you will need to find somewhere to work that will help your creative juices flow. Having a dedicated workspace will help boost productivity and keep everything organised in one specific area, which will make your life much easier. 

You may assume that working from home would be the best choice for you, and for some people, it is. However, working from home can come with some disadvantages: 

  • Lack of motivation 
  • Distractions 
  • Poor timekeeping 
  • Decrease in productivity 
  • Can be lonely 
  • Risk of burnout 

Your workspace should be somewhere you can surround yourself with other like-minded creative professionals to get encouragement from and network with. You should also have a space to plan things out effectively and keep everything organised and together. What if I told you that there is a way to achieve this without the huge cost of renting an office building? We have the perfect solution! 

A coworking space is a shared office space that you can rent and work remotely among other professionals and business owners. It’s a great way to get out working remotely and get inspired by others who may be in a similar position to yourself. At BluDesks, our coworking office spaces come fully equipped with all the everyday essentials that you would find in a traditional office. You can have peace of mind that you can turn up knowing that you will have everything available to you that you need to get work done. 

Why Do You Need A Coworking Space? 

There are many great reasons why a coworking space for rent is perfect for creative professionals. 

Different Coworking Space Options 

Here at BluDesks, we offer a variety of different spaces to rent to suit different needs and purposes: 

  • Customised Workspace and Dedicated Desks – Having a customised workspace has been shown to improve efficiency and positively impact performance, productivity, and concentration. This is because people feel more comfortable in a space that’s specifically suited to them. People handle distractions easier and get more of a sense of control when they have a personalised desk.  

A dedicated desk gives people comfort with having their own personal desk in a shared office space and helps them feel free from distractions. What’s more, you get all the necessities you need to get your work done. 

  • Fixed Desks – This coworking space for rent is perfect for anyone who has a short-term project because they work on a pay as you go basis. This enables professionals to only pay for the space that they use and the hours that they book. Fixed desks space help to improve productivity, help retain focus and bring peace of mind. 
  • Meeting Rooms – If you have clients to entertain or team meetings to hold, many meeting rooms are available for rent. Hiring a private meeting room in a contemporary and fully-functioning office builds a positive appearance. Also, it will be much cheaper than hiring a meeting room in a hotel or similar setting.  
  • Private Offices – It can be costly and time-consuming travelling to work. Private office space enables you to save money by paying on an hourly basis and reducing travel costs. With all the standard office equipment you need, you’ll be able to focus on your work with all the right tools. 
  • Shared Office and Workspaces – These coworking office spaces create fantastic networking opportunities and a possible chance of acquiring new business without the costs of marketing. With several spaces to choose from worldwide, the possibilities are endless! 

Networking Opportunities 

Coworking spaces create the perfect opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals. It’s a great way to explore potential new business approaches or collaborations when meeting people who do different things to you and can also make you feel like part of a community.  

Working from home can get lonely and cause you to lack motivation as it’s entirely up to you to get driven and encouraged to focus on working. Going out to work surrounded by others in these environments helps boost your ambition and drive to succeed. You could also end up with some great advice and tips from the people you meet. 

Cost-Effective and Flexible 

Coworking office space provides a convenient, cost-effective and straightforward alternative to working from home or leasing out an office space. Here at BluDesks, we offer flexible pay as you go memberships that have no ongoing commitments. This means that you only pay for the time you use the space without contracts tying you down wherever you decide to work. 

Our mobile app makes booking coworking spaces very easy, saves time and is conveniently flexible. You can book spaces for as little as an hour and pay from only £2 per hour, with access to thousands of global workspaces. Your booking gets stored within the app, and you can save time by rebooking your favourite places in your booking history so you won’t have to search for them over and over again constantly. 

Better Work-Life Balance 

Sometimes people get stressed and worried when burnout sets in from having so much to do in a set time frame within a traditional office environment. Sometimes people working from home have difficulty separating work and home life with the various possible distractions, such as noticing housework needs doing while you still have many emails to answer. 

Coworking space gives you the perfect opportunity to improve your work-life balance with a dedicated workspace. It allows you to become more productive, better organise, and plan a schedule to get more work done efficiently. If you’re a social person, you will tackle loneliness by working remotely with other people around you who have similar experiences. 

Increases Productivity  

As a creative professional, you will definitely notice increased productivity when choosing coworking space for rent. You can get your creative juices flowing with motivation, knowledge and inspiration from other professionals around you. The excitement and community feel you get with these workspaces are very beneficial to boost your morale and productivity. 

The facilities provided by coworking spaces are also helpful towards being productive. With comfortable chairs and desks provided and access to wi-fi, printers, photocopiers and much more, you will feel motivated to achieve more and work harder. Seeing other people working hard around you helps too. It’s a psychological truth that we adapt to our environment, so you will be encouraged to work hard if your surroundings usually are like that.   

As a creative professional, it’s essential to have a dedicated workspace to focus on your passion. Using a coworking space with other professionals nearby will keep you stimulated and help with new ideas. The flexibility and the work-life balance you get is beneficial in improving your mood and motivation, along with the inexpensive costs. 

If you’re looking for a workspace that’s convenient, commitment-free, cost-efficient and simplistic, don’t hesitate to have a look around our website. Let your creative ambitions and goals thrive in a successful environment.