Coworking as a flexible alternative to the office model

For years, office work took place only within four walls, with employees united in a static and often isolated environment. However, as time went by, many professions began to need an alternative to the limitations of the office. In this way, coworking emerged, it is an innovative physical space that takes advantage of the advantages of a dynamic and collaborative work environment. 

The coworking approach has gained popularity among many professionals, from freelancers and entrepreneurs to small businesses and corporate teams, who find here a shared space that promotes collaboration, flexibility and creativity. Now, beyond fashion and sometimes the coffee-in-hand posture, is coworking useful? We will talk about this topic in the next sections. 

Features of coworking 

As we told you before, coworking is a working model in which independent professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses share a common office space. This concept offers a flexible and collaborative alternative to the traditional private office or work-from-home model.  

These are the main characteristics of coworking: 

• Shared Spaces: Members have access to open workspaces where they can rent a desk for the day, week, or month.  
• Flexibility: Coworking spaces offer flexible contracts, allowing users to choose the duration and type of membership that best suits their needs. 
• Community and networking: one of the main advantages of coworking is the opportunity to connect with other professionals from different sectors. In this way, collaboration and the exchange of ideas are encouraged. 
• Events and workshops: many spaces organize events, workshops, and networking activities for their members. This facilitates professional training and networking. 

Services offered in a coworking 

Another characteristic that makes coworking spaces very popular is the variety of services they offer. Although they may vary by provider and type of space, they typically include amenities and resources designed to meet the needs of the professionals who use the space. Let’s look at the most common services: 

• Shared Workspaces: Hot desking in open areas, suitable for individuals or small teams looking for a collaborative work environment. 
• Private or Semi-Private Offices: Dedicated spaces that can be rented by larger teams or individuals who prefer more privacy. 
• Meeting Rooms: Spaces equipped with conference technology and furniture suitable for meetings, presentations and group work sessions. 
• High-speed connectivity: High-speed internet access to ensure a reliable and fast connection for work activities. 
• Printing and Scanning Services: Printing, copying and scanning equipment are available for member use. 
• Breakout Areas: Spaces designed to relax, socialize, or take a break between tasks. 
• Cafeteria or kitchen space: Facilities for making coffee, tea and snacks, as well as dining areas for enjoying meals or snacks. 
• Reception and administrative services: Reception staff to greet visitors, manage mail, and provide basic administrative assistance. 
• 24/7 Access: Some coworking spaces offer 24/7 access to accommodate flexible work schedules. 

Five types of coworking 

Are you already thinking about going to work in a coworking space? If so, it is important that you know that there are different types of infrastructure, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here we show you five very popular ones: 

Generalist coworking 

These are coworking spaces that are open to many professionals and companies, regardless of their sector or industry. They are ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for a collaborative and diverse work environment. 

Specialized coworking by industry 

They focus on addressing the needs of a specific sector or industry, such as technology, design, health or finance. They offer resources, events and networking tailored to the needs of that particular sector. 

Coworking for startups 

They are designed specifically to serve startups and emerging companies, with resources and services that can help accelerate their growth and success. They can include access to investors, mentors, acceleration programs and networking events. 

Rural coworking or remote areas 

They are located in rural areas or remote areas, far from large cities. They are ideal for those looking for a quiet, natural environment to work, or for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and high cost of living in urban areas. 

Benefits of coworking 

Nowadays, many professionals choose coworking spaces to develop their work or give free rein to creativity. These are the benefits that coworking has and that make it very popular:  

• Reduced costs: Sharing a workspace reduces operating costs compared to renting a private office. 
• Flexibility and mobility: Coworking spaces allow professionals to work in different locations without long-term commitments, which is ideal for those who travel frequently or prefer to change environments. 
• Productivity and motivation: Working in a professional and dynamic environment increases productivity and motivation, avoiding common distractions when working from home. 
• Access to resources and services: Coworking spaces provide access to equipment and services that might otherwise be expensive or difficult to obtain. 
• Collaboration opportunities: Proximity to other professionals and companies fosters collaboration, the creation of synergies and the opportunity to form strategic alliances. 

Is coworking useful? 

At this point, let’s answer the question we posed at the beginning: is coworking useful? If we look at the previous advantages, we can say yes, but the truth is that it is a working model that does not suit everyone. For example, if you need to work with sensitive or confidential tasks, this may not be the best environment. Open desks and common areas can be prone to interruptions and lack of privacy. 

Furthermore, it has a lot to do with your personality and the way you work. Are you easily distracted? So it is better to look for another alternative. The coworking environment can be social and active, resulting in frequent distractions for some professionals. Noise, conversations, and social interactions can make it difficult to concentrate and focus at work. 

The last disadvantage we raise also has to do with personality. And when working in a shared environment with people of different characteristics, interpersonal conflicts or disagreements about the use of space or behavior in the workplace may arise. 

If you want to expand your knowledge about this and many other areas related to collaborative work environments, do not hesitate to follow us on the Educa.Pro blog.