How Freelancers Benefit From a Shared Workspace

If you are a freelancer or run a small startup with a handful of employees, it does not make sense to waste resources and capital on office space. Having a professional workspace is still desirable but renting out office space can be wasteful. The solution can be a shared workspace that can provide a professional environment that promotes productivity and creativity.

Benefits of a Shared Workspace

#1. Access to other creative minds

When sharing a workspace with other individuals, it is inevitable that at a certain point ideas will be exchanged. It is well known that a shared workspace promotes creativity and a collaborative environment.

#2. Close view of your competition

Another perk of sharing a workspace is the fact that you get to interact with other freelancers or small business owners. This means that you may also get to observe some of your competition. This does not mean that you will need to constantly look over your shoulder but it can be a good opportunity to study common practices within a particular industry.

#3. Flexibility

A shared workspace offers greater flexibility in terms of costs, plan options, and space options. You get to pay only for what you use and you save money in the process. At the same time, you get to choose everything about your work environment and you will not be locked into a particular office space or area. Lastly, you are not constrained into a long-term contract.

#4. Access to Amenities and Services

When you pay for a shared workspace, you do not pay just for the seat and desk. You gain access to the amenities in the building and some of the services that the facility operator offers. You can get access to recreational areas, private phone booths, parking, internet access, etc. At the same time, you have the freedom to pay only for the things that you need and use.

#5. Access to Education

While not all shared workspaces offer training and education opportunities, some do have such services. As a new entrepreneur, you will benefit the most from participating in training sessions. These facilities have dedicated training rooms and have training space for rent. You may organize your training sessions with your staff or customers or you may attend training in various areas such as project management, programming, technical certifications, etc.

Conclusion

There are many more benefits to getting a shared workspace. At the same time, there are a few negative aspects. You will find that it is much easier to get distracted when sharing a workspace with other independent workers and entrepreneurs. Also, sometimes, being close to your competition can be a negative point. At the end of the day, the benefits of renting a shared workspace outweigh the negatives. What makes a difference is what the shared workspace offers and what amenities and services you get access to. Avoid limiting your options to just one shared workspace and compare different offers. Pricing can vary depending on the location, facility size, and what services are included or that may be optional.