Coworking offices not only provide an ideal location for freelancers and digital nomads to carry out their work, but corporate teams are also increasingly frequenting coworking offices. Why is it beneficial for a company to work in a coworking space, instead of – or even in addition to – having its own office? We explored the reasons!
The beginning and expected future of coworking offices
The first coworking office opened its doors in 2006 in San Francisco, with the domestic pioneer arriving just a few years later, in 2009. In the 15 years since then, community offices have proliferated worldwide like mushrooms. In metropolises, you can find hundreds of coworking spaces, and they are increasingly common in the major cities of Hungary as well. Additionally, the trend of "rural coworking" is spreading worldwide, with community offices operating in tiny settlements (e.g., Parókia Coworking in Káptalantóti)and remote locations.
The shift in perspective resulting from the pandemic also contributes to the popularity of coworking spaces, as they provide an ideal place for employees working in atypical forms – remotely, from home, or as digital nomads – to work efficiently and enjoyably. Community offices enable entrepreneurs, teams, and businesses from various professions to work together in a well-equipped, inspiring environment. Everything needed for focused work, a good atmosphere, and networking is provided.
According to statistics from Gitnux, the number of coworking offices has increased by 158% since 2020, with dynamic growth expected in the coming years as well.
Estimates predict an additional 116% growth by the end of 2024. Approximately 20,000 coworking offices operate worldwide, with about 30-40 in Hungary.
Why is it beneficial for a company to work in a coworking space?
Coworking spaces offer numerous advantageous opportunities for companies, whether in terms of costs or the efficiency of work.
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1. Cost-effective office use.
Compared to traditional office rental fees, using community offices can result in significant savings, plus minimal administratives and managementbackground is required.
The idea of The lease agreement is flexible:daily, weekly, or monthly packages can usually be selected, adjusted to the actual time spent inside.
There are no deposits, nor extra maintenance or operational costs,such as utility bills, internet, cleaning, or reception services. The daily or monthly rental fee includes all these.
The idea of Startups can save on the initialcosts required for setting up a traditional office, such as office design and furnishing expenses. Yet, theycan work in a well-equipped , pleasant, modern, and inspiring environment.
Coworkings can flexibly handle növekedését the increase or decrease in team size without the need to look for a new office or modify the existing contract. This also saves time, energy, and cost for the company.
In most coworkings, there is also the possibility to rent well-equipped meeting rooms,providing a suitable place for consultations with external partners and discussions among team members.
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2. Expanding corporate networks.
One of the outstanding benefits of coworking spaces is the excellent networking opportunities they offer: companies have the chance to meet freelancers and employees. from various industries and professions without even having to step outside the office. Fruitful partnerships can be established within the walls of the community office.
Coworking communities often organize events, workshops, and meetups specifically designed to facilitate not only knowledge sharing but also the establishment of collaborations and partnerships.
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3. Inspirational Environment
Coworking spaces bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, facilitating the free flow of thoughts and ideas.This can bring new perspectives and approaches into a team's life, fostering creative problem- solving and offering innovative ideas. What may be a common practice in one industry could be a novelty in another field. It's no wonder that startups also frequently utilize coworking spaces.
It's the icing on the cake that the office spaces themselves are designed in a way to have an inspiring impact on those who use them.
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4. Motivated Employees
Utilizing coworking spaces can significantly increase employee satisfaction through several key factors that positively influence employee well-being, commitment, and performance..
Coworking spaces provide employees with the flexibility to determine where and when they work. This flexibility allows them to better balance their work and personal lives, reducing the risk of burnout ㅤ.
Within the communal space, they can form new connections and become part of a supportive community, which also contributes to increasing their overall satisfaction.
Coworking spaces are modern, well-equipped, and creatively designed environments that foster creativity and innovation. Such a work environment has a positive impact on employee morale and productivity.
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5. Cohesive Team Despite Remote Work
While remote work and home office arrangements increase flexibility and productivity in many cases, maintaining cohesion and team spirit can pose challenges. Regular online meetings can contribute to a positive atmosphere,but occasionally convening for in-person meetings can deepen the trust among colleagues and foster stronger bonds.
For monthly 1-2 days of shared office use, maintaining a dedicated office space may be unnecessary. Occasional, hourly rental of a coworking space's meeting room can serve as a flexible solution for the team to hold regular office days together. If team members live in different cities, they can agree to rotate meeting locations each time. This adds to the team-building atmosphere of the gatherings!
Coworking is not just a workplace; it's an ecosystem that fosters business growth, innovation, and valuable professional collaborations.
Explore among the local coworking spaces and give it a try with your team!