There is something special about coworking spaces. Coworking spaces are membership-based workspaces where diverse groups of freelancers, remote workers, and other independent professionals work together in a shared, communal setting. From the importance of community to the power of flexible working conditions, these are our insights into why people thrive in coworking spaces.
No coworking space is the same. Whilst franchises and chains of coworking spaces do exist which adhere to a level of uniformity, each facility customises its offering to suit the local community and those that use the space. The question we ask is: how effective are coworking spaces? And are there lessons to learn for more traditional offices?
Our coworking spaces are designed with a singular outcome in mind: to create a foundation for your business to build and grow.
People see their work as more meaningful
Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces consist of members who work for a range of different companies, ventures, and projects. Because there is little direct competition or internal politics, they don’t feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in. Working amidst people doing different kinds of work can also make one’s own work identity stronger. For example, freelancers can find meaning in their work when they are at a coworking space.
Meaning can also be derived from working in a culture where it is the norm to help each other out, and there are many opportunities to do so; the variety of workers in the space means that coworkers have unique skill sets that they can provide to other community members.
The picture above is from our Mississauga Location on 6660 Kennedy Road
They have more control
Coworking spaces are normally accessible 24/7. People can decide whether to put in a long day when they have a deadline or want to show progress, or can decide to take a long break in the middle of the day to go to the gym. They can choose whether they want to work in a quiet space so they can focus, or in a more collaborative space with shared tables where interaction is encouraged. They can even decide to work from home, without repercussions, if they need to meet a repairperson or deal with a family member’s needs.
Coworkers value this autonomy and they equally value some form of structure in their professional lives. Too much autonomy can actually cripple productivity because people lack routines. Coworkers feel the sense of having a community to work in helps them create structures and discipline that motivates them. Simultaneously, some limited form of structure enables an optimal degree of control for independent workers.
They feel part of a community
Connections with others are a big reason why people pay to work in a communal space, as opposed to working from home for free or renting a nondescript office. Each coworking space has its own vibe, and the managers of each space go to great lengths to cultivate a unique experience that meets the needs of their respective members.
Importantly, however, socialising isn’t compulsory or forced. Members can choose when and how to interact with others. They are more likely to enjoy discussions over coffee in the café because they went to the café for that purpose – and when they want to be left alone elsewhere in the building, they are. Even if some people interact with fellow coworkers much less than others, they still may feel a strong sense of identity with the community. We believe this comes from coworkers knowing there is the potential for interactions when they desire or need them.
In conclusion, people who cowork have substantial autonomy and can be themselves at work. Traditional companies who want to learn from coworking spaces need to give their employees the space and support to be their authentic best selves. This results in employees feeling more committed to your organisation, and are more likely to bring their best energy and ideas to the office each day. At ZEMLAR Offices you get access to a wide range of customizable private offices, managed by a highly qualified team of office managers, all working towards one single goal: your business’ success. With over 13 locations in established business addresses in the Greater Toronto Area, the possibilities ZEMLAR provides for your business are endless. Book a tour now to explore your new coworking space.
