With the trending concept of Shared Office Spaces, businesses of all sizes have started moving their operations to co-working spaces that were once ruled by freelancers and self-employed professionals. More and more businesses have started opting for shared office spaces instead of investing in a traditional private office setup. The reason? Well, there are many but to state the most obvious – the freedom from a heavy amount of investment.
The major benefit of choosing a Co-working Space is that it relieves you from the clutches of a huge amount of money required to own private space. Shared Offices are plug and play workspaces that are ready to move-in and require zero capital investment since there are no furniture costs or similar refurbishing expenses that owning a traditional space might incur.
But like every coin has two sides, Co-working Spaces too, if not chosen correctly, have their own set of disadvantages. For sure the advantages can outweigh the drawbacks easily but we all know how we let the bad memories affect us more than the good ones. Here’s our guide to the advantages and the possible drawbacks of operating from a Co-working Space that might help you choose the right workspace for your business. Following are some of the instincts from Co-working in Ahmedabad.
Advantages of operating from a Shared Office Space
- Zero Capital Investment
Plug and play office spaces require no capital investment as they are ready to move-in spaces. Unlike traditional offices, Shared Office Spaces are fully furnished work areas that are equipped with all the necessary amenities such as electricity and internet connectivity.You are not required to get into the hassles of getting the space up & running.
- Networking Opportunities
The core idea behind Co-working Spaces is a collaborative work environment, a space that facilitates networking to generate business opportunities. Co-working Spaces organize regular events and activities that benefit their members. Meeting like-minded individuals and indulging in a healthy exchange of ideas is a prime benefit of operating from a Shared Office.
- Facilitates Easy Business Expansion
Shared office spaces can easily accommodate the need for expansion or contraction of your business in terms of space. For example, if you need to temporarily add a couple of seats for a particular project, managing the extra seats may be challenging in a traditional office setup whereas a Co-working Space can quickly provide you with the solution.
- Business Support & Allied Services
With a huge community of people operating from the same premises, finding a solution to business needs becomes easier. Most requirements can be fulfilled by outsourcing the task to a freelancer or a company operating from the same space. Moreover, most Co-working Spaces also offer similar allied services to their community members.
- Facilitates Distributed Operations
With the post-pandemic changes in workforce management, most companies are struggling to manage their distribution operations. Co-working Spaces that function from multiple locations across the country are a saviour in times like these. Shared Office Spaces provide a safe and viable solution for companies in this scenario.
- Vibrant & Engaging Community
The backbone of a Co-working Space is its community. A vibrant & lively community forms a healthy work environment. Co-working Spaces ensure that their community stays connected through regular activities and the members are constantly engaged to keep the energy across the workspace pumped up all the time.
- Larger Common Areas to Access
In comparison with traditional offices, Co-working Spaces provide you with larger common areas to access. Shared Office Spaces always maintain a decent ratio of workspaces and breakout zones where you can grab a coffee & unwind after a hectic day. These breakout zones are designed for quick breaks and light conversations.
- Zero Operational Headache
Another major benefit of operating from shared office space is that they are fully managed offices. From housekeeping to the security staff, everything is managed by the Co-working Space provider. Upkeeping of the space, maintaining the bills, providing internet connectivity – none of it falls on your plate!
- Tech-Driven Workspaces
Most well-established Co-working Spaces are technology-driven. These spaces are fully automated, include access to their in-house application in the subscription that gathers the entire community on a single platform and carries out their processes online. This saves a lot of your time and energy in case you need any assistance.
- Event & Gathering Spaces
Good Co-working Spaces are designed considering all your needs. Most of them provide gathering spaces where you can conduct an event or organize seminars or workshops at any time of the day. Traditional workspaces can hardly fulfil these requirements. Cafeteria and event space is an attractive bonus while considering Shared Office Space.
Drawbacks of operating from a Shared Office Space
- Lack of Privacy
Since Shared Office Space designs revolve around the concept of open workstations, you might find it difficult to get a private spot to work from. Open desks are generally meant for those who are looking to work in a vibrant and collaborative environment. However, a dedicated cabin can always be an option in case you want privacy.
- Frequent Distractions
Though it seems fun to be in a surrounding that is always exciting, it is also important to keep in mind the main reason behind getting a space for yourself – Work! The right co-working always respect the balance between work & leisure. Make sure you be a part of the community gatherings as per your schedule and not the other way round.
- Lack of Control over operations
Shifting to a full managed space means you get more time to focus on the core areas of your business. But it also means that you may not be able to control the operational aspects of your space. The simple solution to this can be that you choose a space that provides you with 24*7 operational assistance.
- Availability of Resources
One drawback that shared office spaces possess is the availability of resources such as meeting rooms, cafeteria, etc. A good Co-working will maintain enough space for these kinds of common resources so that the members can comfortably use them at their convenience. Spaces that use technology to track the availability of common areas should be preferred.
- Work-TimeDependency
If the workspace is not accessible 24 hours then it can restrict you to operate at their time. Choose a workspace that gives you the flexibility of working at your convenience and not the other way round. It is important for the workspace to be open 24*7 (though some exceptions must always be made) and for the housekeeping & security staff to be available.
If you are looking to operate from a shared office space, these pros & cons can help you make a fair choice. Choosing a workspace isn’t rocket science. It’s all about what you & your business needs. Always make sure your primary business needs are met first and then you can choose basis the add-ons each shared space provider offers. Make sure you thoroughly understand their offerings & at least get a basic idea of the community that you are willing to be a part of.
All-in-all, working from a Shared OfficeSpace can turn out to be an amazing experience for you and your team if chosen wisely. A workspace that focuses on giving their members a hassle-free experience is the ideal definition of a good Co-working Space.
