Coworking Spaces – and Why We Love Them
Austin, Texas’ coworking and creative rental spaces are blooming. This is not your mother’s office space. Coworking is an innovative type of workspace that is revolutionizing the way in which people work.
You don’t have to work from a corner of your home. Or bounce between coffee shops. Now you can settle into an inspiring calm and creative environment, where you feel safe to unleash your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Called “coworking spaces” these new spaces offer a flexible and collaborative place for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and freelancers to work, network, and navigate their professional journeys together.
But what does that even look like?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you’ve wanted to know about coworking spaces. How they differ from traditional office spaces, what coworking often looks like, and the studies that have shown creatives and solopreneurs thrive in these types of spaces. Let’s begin.
What is a coworking space?
Coworking spaces are shared work environments that bring together creatives, freelancers, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business owners from various industries. Because of this, people who utilize a coworking space often find that it facilitates cross-pollination of ideas and helps them build a diverse professional network.
Traditional offices may lack the creative and inspiring environment that coworking spaces provide. The design and layout of coworking spaces are often carefully curated to enhance productivity and stimulate creativity.
And – unlike traditional offices – coworking spaces offer flexible membership options, allowing you to choose between daily, weekly, or monthly access. It just depends on your needs.
The Rapid Rise Of Coworking Spaces
Coworking is one of the most rapidly growing workplace movements. While Covid-19 didn’t start the fire, (coworking was already becoming popular before the pandemic) it certainly didn’t put it out. Since 2020, there has been a 158% increase in coworking spaces available in the U.S.
This rate of exponential growth can be attributed to a couple of factors:
1. The Evolution Of Work
As more and more individuals are opting for flexible work arrangements, the nature of work as we know it is changing. Coworking spaces provide the ideal solution for people who seek a professional environment outside their homes or traditional office settings.
2. Our Inherent Need For Community
Coworking spaces have gained popularity, in part, due to the networking and collaboration opportunities they offer independent workers and business owners. By bringing together professionals from various backgrounds, these spaces foster a sense of community and provide a platform for individuals to connect, share ideas, and grow in their professional journeys together.
3 Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Creatives and Biz Owners
As a creative business owner, I am drawn to the fact that creativity thrives in coworking spaces. In my research, I’ve found that coworking spaces impact the work of creative individuals in a meaningful way.
Here are three areas where you’re likely to see a coworking space impact your business:
Productivity
Studies have shown that individuals who work in coworking spaces report higher levels of productivity compared to those working from home or in traditional offices.
Here’s why coworking spaces can boost productivity:
Fewer distractions
Whether it’s the dog whining to go outside or pausing amid deep work to show the plumber the problem you called about, working from home can be challenging. Coworking spaces minimize distractions from family members, pets, and household chores, allowing you to focus on your work.
More accountability
Being surrounded by other creatives who are focused and dedicated to their work can create the kind of motivating environment that will help you stay on track and push through your creative limits.
Less isolation
If you’re a freelancer and solopreneur, you’re likely familiar with the feeling of isolation that so many of us face. A good coworking space offers a sense of community and social interaction, so you can combat better loneliness with people who get it.
More resources
With a coworking space, you get access to resources that will enhance your productivity, such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and office equipment.
Balance between work and life
No more blurred lines. Utilizing a coworking space will allow you to establish a clear separation between your personal and professional life, between your working hours and your non-working hours, and between your week and your weekend.
2. Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of coworking spaces. They are intentionally designed to foster a spirit of cooperation and provide opportunities for professionals to share expertise and learn from one another.
Here are some ways coworking spaces facilitate collaboration:
Cross-pollination of ideas
Bringing together diverse perspectives and areas of expertise can create an environment that encourages a new exchange of ideas, often leading to innovative collaborations.
Serendipitous encounters
The open and diverse nature of coworking spaces often leads to serendipitous encounters. A casual conversation or meeting can lead to unexpected connections and collaborations.
Community support
Coworking spaces foster a sense of community, where individuals feel supported and understood, so you can seek advice, feedback, and assistance in a judgment-free space.
3. Networking
Networking is a crucial (yet often cringe-worthy) aspect of professional growth. A good coworking space can facilitate low-pressure, non-cringey networking opportunities.
These spaces bring together people from different industries and provide a platform for meaningful connections.
Here’s how coworking spaces improve networking painlessly:
Networking events
Networking events (that don’t feel like networking), such as fun workshops and informative seminars, provide opportunities for you to connect with others and explore the possibilities for collaborations with your business.
Mentorship opportunities
Coworking spaces often attract experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and mentor others. Whether you’re a mentor or mentee, the prospect of mentorship can be invaluable to your professional growth and can open doors to new opportunities.
How To Choose The Right Coworking Space For Your Needs
With the growing popularity of coworking spaces, it's essential to choose the right one that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting a coworking space:
Location: Choose a coworking space that is conveniently located and easily accessible for you. You’ll also want to consider the proximity to potential clients or partners.
Atmosphere: Take the time to visit the coworking space and get a feel for the community and atmosphere. Does it feel cozy, like a home away from home? Is it well-lit with natural light? A good coworking space will prioritize creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for you to do your best work.
Facilities: Assess the facilities offered by the coworking space. How private is it? Are there many distractions? Consider factors such as flexibility of the space, internet speed, bathrooms, meeting rooms, and kitchen facilities. A space filled with seating options, wide open spaces, cozy nooks, and mix up your working environment is the best bet.
Community: Check out their events page. The best coworking spaces make it a priority to host networking events, workshops, and social activities, further enhancing the sense of community.
Amenities: Pay attention to any out-of-the-box amenities. The best coworking spaces are the ones that anticipate your needs before you do. Ample plugs, pull-down extension cords for laptops, Bluetooth speakers, etc. You want amenities that meet your needs and make life easier.
Introducing Alight Collaborative’s Coworking Space
At our studio in North Austin, we are excited to have created just such a coworking space – designed specifically for creative entrepreneurs like you.
With intention, we have tailored every detail to meet your most pressing needs, by offering you a supportive community, natural networking opportunities, and the kind of space you can do your best creative work in.
With state-of-the-art amenities, work areas bathed in natural light, and a growing community, we hope our rentals empower you to flourish and grow your business.
Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or an established business looking for a change of scenery, our studio offers the perfect balance of privacy and community. Reach out and let us know what you’d like to use it for.