Thanks to the fabulousness of the interwebs and the on-again off-again lockdown world the global pandemic threw up, the practice of working remotely has become the new norm.
We did some digging to find out more about co-working spaces – who uses them?
Why do people use them and what are the benefits?
Let’s start with some stats because who doesn’t love a good stat?
- 70% of professionals (so in the study these professionals are defined as an employee for a medium to large sized biz) work remotely 1 day a week and 53% work remotely for at least half of the week. Big numbers, right?
- Freelancers are the biggest users of co-working spaces.
- Co-working spaces are not just for freelancers and start-ups. 38% of co-working members have been in business for 3 – 5 years.
Interesting…..so who uses a co-working space?
Lots of different people, really!
At most co-working spaces – here’s a list of spots in the Highlands BTW – you’ll find a mix of members who use the space anytime from one day to all week.
From freelancers to contractors, start-ups to small businesses and commuters and consultants from a range of fields. A lot of the time, you’ll find it’s a hotpot of creativity and entrepreneurial energy when you pop in!
So, what are the benefits of becoming a member of a co-working space?
FINANCIAL
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to run a home office?
Nope!
Co-working means you can eliminate many of your overhead costs.
There’s less to worry about, plus you get access to things like in-house IT support, meeting rooms, printing facilities and more.
Just roll up with your laptop!
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Many people who have worked from home know how long bouts by yourself may lead to having business related conversations with your cat and / or dog, right?
Co-working spaces give you that all important social interaction. We’re human beings. We respond positively to being part of a community and having somewhere to ‘belong’.
It also helps with your time management and distractions. You’re less likely to watch Ellen or head down the rabbit hole of dirty washing or accidentally binge watch every single episode of Schitt’s Creek on Netflix.
TACTICAL
Having a cross-section of industries, fields and expertise in one space is fantastic for networking and business development.
Many members will share their knowledge and happily refer each other to their clients.
Working in close proximity, they learn about each other’s business and build trust which works well from a networking and business development perspective.
Cool, huh?
FLEXIBLE
The fluid landscape of the modern business and working world (and the uncertainty of COVID) means locking in long term office leases isn’t the answer for many start-ups, freelancers and small businesses.
Co-working offers the flexibility of full-time, part -time or casual visits.
That’s handy, considering we’re wellintro the third year of pandemic uncertainty!
It all sounds pretty interesting, right?
And is definitely the way millions of people around the world are working now.
If you’re interested in giving co-working a try, head here for a list of local shared office spaces from Mittagong to Moss Vale. While there are varying packages available, you’ll find most spaces have access to high speed internet, meeting rooms, in-house IT support, teleconferencing facilities, printing and kitchenette facilities.
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