Why Coworking Is Better For Your Health, Work, And Money
5 reasons to ditch the home office.
Noun: co-working; noun: coworking
- the use of an office or other working environment by people who are self-employed or working for different employers, typically so as to share equipment, ideas, and knowledge.
“The whole idea of coworking is to bring bright, creative people together and let the ideas collide.”
What’s not to like about that definition? Sharing equipment, ideas, and knowledge is a win-win proposition. Especially now, after more than a year of isolation, often accompanied by stress and loneliness, the thought of sharing can be appealing.
Indeed, this is one of the reasons why a Third Space is so valuable.
There is verified support for the benefits of coworking.
? Coworking avoids loneliness
A September 2015 Harvard Business Review article noted people thrive in coworking spaces, “We believe this comes from coworkers knowing there is the potential for interactions when they desire or need them.”
My experience backs up this statement. From Dripping Springs to southwest Austin, we’ve faced two extremes: too many distractions working from home or too much loneliness.
I spoke to a Sententia Vera Cultural Hub member who lives alone and works in a home office. She told me that over the winter, during the months of isolation, working at The Hub provided a perfect balance of company and a quiet workspace.
“Knowing I could greet some coworkers, get a cup of coffee, and say good morning to Teresa, honestly kept me sane,” this coworker told me.
? Power of seeing other focused people working
Humans are social creatures. True, and no harm in that. But when we’re working alone at home, it is hard to stay focused. However, when I look up and see the person at the next desk immersed in their work, I feel inspired.
You can also double up on your work efficiency by combining a program like Pomofocus to keep you on track for your best work.
? Lack of distractions
I know it’s tempting to tell ourselves we focus just as well when the dog is whining to be let out and our furry feline is walking across the keyboard. But… we can’t.
One of the many challenges of the last year has been the discipline required to work at home amid all these distractions. So why not book a slot at The Hub for at least a couple of days a week? Trust me, when you get a cup of coffee you won’t feel guilty you didn’t empty the dishwasher or throw some clothes in the washing machine, and you will be twice as productive.
? Save the time and money spent driving to the office
No matter where you work in the greater Austin area, it will take you at least an hour a day to commute. Plus, the fuel and wear on your vehicle. Consider the value of that hour spent in your car and it’s an easy win for the convenience of your local coworking space.
This year, 98% of workers said they’d like to keep working out of the office, at least part of the time. No wonder, considering the time they save.
? Help! When does my workday end?
While working remotely has plenty of benefits, it can lead to this strange blurring between working hours and the rest of your life. Showing up at a regular time at The Hub coworking space and leaving at a specific time can help ease that problem.
“On the clock or off the clock. It has been 100% easier since I started working at a coworking space. Now, I can say ‘at work’ and ‘not at work’. Such a relief and only two miles from home.”
—Hub coworker
Remote working is an important employee benefit.
An article in the May 12 issue of Austonia agrees that remote working is here to stay, and shared space will be part of the new workplace.
“Coworking is the use of an office by people who are self-employed or work for different employers to share resources and save on overhead costs.
“I truly believe coworking is the new normal,“ —Lindsey Rohde, senior director of campus operations for Galvanize.
So, there you have it—five great reasons to consider the benefits of coworking.
At the Sententia Vera Cultural Hub, we have a membership to fit your needs. Call me and see how we can help you create a balance between your work and the rest of your life.