Are you tired of the same four walls of your home office? Are you looking for a change in scenery and a way to increase your focus and productivity? If so, you may want to consider joining a co-working office. Co-working has many benefits, such as increased collaboration with others, increased focus and productivity, and the ability to meet new people and network. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making the decision to join a co-working space. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of working in a co-working space so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you!
The Pros
1. Increased focus and productivity
When you work from home, it can be difficult to stay focused and productive. You may be tempted to take a break to do laundry or run errands, or you may be easily distracted by your pets or by the TV. Co-working can help you overcome these distractions and increase your focus and productivity. When you are in a co-working space, you are surrounded by other professionals who are also working hard and focused on their tasks. This atmosphere can help inspire and motivate you to stay productive and achieve your goals.
2. Increased collaboration with your team
If you’re part of a company or have a business where everyone is working remotely, your team members and you can decide to start seeing each other once again; of course, this is assuming all of you live close enough and are willing to join a co-working center collectively. However, if it works out, this can increase productivity because you’ll be able to collaborate on projects more frequently, and you’ll get to re-establish your relationship with your coworkers in a professional environment.
3. Ability to meet new people and network
You can still meet new faces if the above does not apply to you. It has been proven time after time that the professional connections you make can lead to more opportunities. Do you need to find more clients for your business? That person might be a few desks away. Meeting new people and making connections is a big plus for having a co-working membership. It allows you to meet like-minded professionals who might be in your field or might need your help and guidance with their own business ventures.
4. Better work-life balance by adding structure to your day
Though working from home can be a dream for many, your work-life balance is greatly affected. Going to an office provides a better sense of structure once you leave for the day. You leave your work behind (at least for some of us). Regardless, separating your work life from your personal life is vital for your mental health. Working from home destroys the work-life balance concept because your workspace is right there. It can be hard to “clock out” when your office is in the same room as your bedroom.
5. A healthier work ambiance
Are your kid’s toys lying around all over the house? Are you trying to do Zoom meetings while you have a hungry toddler or antsy teenager on their summer vacation? Reiterating back to work-life balance, none of this is good for your health or productivity. On the other hand, co-working spaces are physically designed to promote health and productivity. These spaces have comfortable chairs and desks, better lighting, and every ergonomic detail you can think of. In essence, a co-working office is a completely different experience from home and a traditional office because they are designed to feel warm, welcoming, and inviting.
No more isolation
When you work from home, you can feel isolated and lonely. This is because you don’t have the opportunity to interact with other people on a daily basis. Co-working spaces can help you overcome this feeling of isolation by providing you with an opportunity to interact with other professionals on a daily basis. Studies have shown that social interaction is essential for maintaining your mental health and well-being. If we go without socializing for long periods of time, people are more prone to developing anxiety and depression.
The Cons
You have to pay a membership fee
Co-working centers are not free, and having to pay for a monthly membership is something you’ll have to include in your budget. Amenities and pricing range by center, with some offering childcare, baristas, and other types of perks, all of which come with a higher price tag. However, there are also affordable options, and depending on the type of space you choose, co-working can be an economically-sound choice. Many of these places are willing to let you try it out. For example, Onboard Coworking, a co-working center in El Monte, CA, lets you purchase a day pass for as little as $25. Many other co-working centers also let you try it out for a day before you commit. Other major co-working centers, like Wework, also offer some sort of daily membership feature. This means you can try it out for a day or two before committing for a longer period.
You may feel obligated to socialize with others
If you’re more on the introverted side, you may feel a bit out of your comfort zone with other people around. On the other hand, if you have a more extroverted personality who is dying for social stimulation after being locked up and working at home for too long, this can be a breath of fresh air.
You can’t work in your pajamas
Although we have not heard of a rule that says “no pajamas” at a co-working center, it’s probably not a good idea to show up in your eggs and bacon patterned PJs. Now, this is not to say that you can’t dress how you want; it just means that you can’t feel free to lounge around in your comfiest clothes all day.
You have to commute
This is probably the biggest con for people who are used to working from home. You now have to account for travel time, which can be a huge pain, especially if you live in a big city with traffic.
Conclusion
Weighing the pros and cons of co-working is important when deciding if it’s the right choice for you. If you’re someone who struggles with focus and discipline while working from home, or if you’re feeling isolated and lonely, a co-working membership may be a great option for you. However, if you prefer working in your pajamas or can’t afford the monthly fee, then working from home may be a better choice. No matter what you decide, make sure to do what’s best for you and your work-life balance.