Are you tired of the traditional office environment and looking for something more exciting and unconventional? Look no further than coworking spaces. These innovative workspaces offer a range of perks that you may not have even known existed.
In this article, we will explore the unconventional perks of coworking spaces that can enhance your productivity and work experience.
Coworking Spaces: Its Popularity Over The Years
In recent years, coworking spaces have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional offices. With their flexible memberships and vibrant communities, they have become a go-to choice for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. But what sets coworking spaces apart from regular offices are the unique and unconventional perks they offer.
Coworking spaces have already proven themselves as hubs of innovation and collaboration, but their value goes beyond shared desks and meeting rooms. Here are some of the unconventional perks you may take advantage of as a member of a coworking space (depending on their availability).
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Many modern coworking spaces are taking a holistic approach to their members’ well-being. They offer on-site fitness facilities, yoga classes, meditation rooms, and wellness workshops. This not only promotes physical and mental health but also helps members maintain a healthy work-life balance.
For example, there are many coworking spaces now that have dedicated activity or recreational rooms to promote health and wellness. Meditation and Yoga rooms have begun to appear in many coworking spaces, and others boast areas for gyms, dance floors, even small libraries. All these are focused on creating value for their members by increasing their quality of life.
Networking Adventures
One of the most exciting and unconventional perks of coworking spaces is the ability to go on networking adventures. These adventures give members the opportunity to attend industry events, meet influential people, and build lasting connections. This not only helps members build their professional network but also provides them with great opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Another benefit of these networking adventures is that they often take place in exciting and new places, so members get to explore the world while they work.
Professional Development Workshops
Coworking spaces often host workshops and seminars led by industry experts. However, some spaces take it a step further by offering ongoing, structured professional development programs. These programs can help members upskill and advance in their careers.
For example, there are coworking spaces that now offer business coaching programs that are designed to help members develop their entrepreneurial skills, hone their leadership abilities, and grow as professionals. You can ask and/or suggest it to the co-working space owner so it can be provided to the members of your community.
Nap Rooms
While this can be considered as part of the Fitness and Wellness Program, some co-working spaces also offer dedicated nap rooms. These rooms provide a quiet and comfortable space for members to take a break or rest in between meetings. This helps them remain productive throughout the day and ensures they stay energized and focused on their tasks.
Child Care Services
This may sound surprising to many but some coworking spaces also offer a range of childcare services so that parents can focus on their work without worrying about their children. These services could include on-site daycare, after-school programs, etc. This helps parents balance their responsibilities and still have time to focus on their projects and tasks.
Pet-Friendly Policies
Many coworking spaces are now going the extra mile to make their members feel at home, and one of the ways they do this is by allowing pets in their premises. Pet-friendly policies are becoming increasingly popular in coworking spaces as they give members the freedom to bring their furry friends along so that they can work and play together. This allows members to have a little bit of company during
Access to Sustainable Practices
Some coworking spaces are dedicated to sustainability and eco-consciousness. They offer recycling and composting programs, energy-efficient facilities, and promote sustainable commuting options. Being part of such a workspace allows you to contribute to a greener planet while you work.
For example, some coworking spaces use eco-friendly furniture, source local produce for their food and beverage services, and encourage members to carpool or bike to work.
Skill Swapping and Barter Opportunities
Coworking spaces are not just places to work, but also great places to network and collaborate. Many coworking spaces are now providing members with the opportunity to skill-swap or barter their services. This means that members can exchange skills, resources, and knowledge with one another in return for something of value.
This opens up opportunities for skill swapping and barter agreements. Need a graphic designer? You might find one in your coworking space who needs your expertise in return.
Mentorships and Collaborations
Coworking spaces create an environment of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place to find mentors. Many members have the experience and knowledge that can be shared with others, which allows for a more meaningful relationship between mentor and mentee.
The mentorship programs offered in coworking spaces allow people to connect with like-minded professionals and progress together. This also encourages collaboration between members, which can lead to the development of new ideas and projects.
Union/Club
Many coworking spaces are now offering clubs and unions for members to join. These unions and clubs provide a great opportunity for members to connect with like-minded individuals, discuss their ideas, find mentorships, collaborate on projects, and exchange skills.
Joining one of these clubs or unions helps members build relationships within the workspace, which can lead to better networking
Coworking Spaces: A Big Pool Of Opportunities
Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are looking for flexible, collaborative working environments. Since they provide a variety of benefits that you can’t find in traditional offices, it’s no surprise that they are now seen as a great place to develop new skills and opportunities.
They offer members the chance to connect with others from diverse backgrounds, make use of sustainable practices, and even bring their pets along. With all these unconventional perks, it’s no wonder that many people are turning to coworking spaces for their work needs.