When you think of a traditional office what do you think of? Perhaps the movie Office Spacewith its many iconic scenesand characterscomes to mind. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. That has been part of the allure of a co-working space for many people and according to the Harvard Business Review workers are thriving in these spaces in much higher percentages than a traditional office.
What Are Co-Working Spaces?
Co-working spaces are quite simple. They are membership based workspaces that are used by freelance workers or independent professionals. Members work in a common setting while sharing resources and this model allows for them to work on their terms. Stereotypically they are common with young people but in fact co-working spaces are made up of a diverse group of individuals.
How Can A Co-Working Space Be Better
A major part of the reason that a co-working space is a more effective place for someone to work is at the heart of freelancing itself. Freelance workers tend to believe in the work that they do and they are motivated to get it done as efficiently and professionally as possible. Their livelihood depends on it. Because they are working on their own projects the interoffice politics of a traditional business is less of an issue with the added benefit that freelance workers will be more supportive and will work with each other much more frequently and willingly.
Co-working spaces also allow for more flexibility in a person’s life. Not everyone is up at the crack of dawn and ready to work from the moment that they get in the car. Co-working spaces allow for greater flexibility in a person’s working life. Someone may work another job and only have a few hours in the evening. Some people may not be able to sleep after 5 AM and have time to get work done in the morning. Some people are insomniacs and like to get their work done at night. A co-working space like Freelance York is open 24 hours a day so you can get your work done when you have the time.
Co-Working Spaces Offer Human Interactions
For many people the ability to work from home is a great perk. You can be at work in about 30 seconds and save yourself a lot of money. At the same time humans are social creatures and it is necessary to get out of the house, even if it is to find or meet with clients. A co-working space offers a professional setting to meet with a client with none of the expenses of a professional office and it also offers a place for freelancers to come together. A co-working space becomes a community and anyone who joins can be a part of that community.
But being a part of that community is not compulsory. The main reason that people join a co-working space is to get work done and to learn and if someone is only there to work their fellow freelancers will respect that. That seems to be the foundation of a co-working space.
Flexibility And Control Are Key
For many what makes a co-working space so effective is its flexibility. Members can come use it at any time giving them flexibility and control over their lives. Freelance work gives them that same flexibility and control while at the same time the pool of members gives them the ability to bring someone else into the project. Any member can also find help or guidance from other members as many of them have gone through the same trials and tribulations already.
This success has not been lost on many businesses. Many traditional offices are changing their office layouts to incorporate more of a co-working feel and less of a traditional office layout. Many are also incorporating co-working spaces into their business to become business incubators. It seems like the co-working space is the future of business and it should be no surprise that more and more people are choosing to become independent or freelance workers.
If you would like to join this movement or just need a place to get a little bit of work done or to meet with a client Freelance York is here for you. We are located within minutes of both the Leader Heights and South Queen Street exits off of I-83 and we are minutes away from York, Dallastown and Red Lion. Schedule a tour today to see what we have to offer!