Until 2000, the
traditional offices were still very much preferred as workspaces by small and
medium-sized businesses. Not because they were perfect, but because of two
other factors. The first one being there was no better alternative and the
second reason was the absence of a worldwide startup boom in an unprecedented
volume and pace- which we are seeing post 2000. Otherwise, expensive IT parks
were the pick of those who could afford.
As the startup boom happened, so did a
revolution occurred in the office solution industry- worldwide. Coworking
spaces- which were there in fewer numbers- suddenly became more popular and
traditional offices lost their significance. What is it about these shared office spaces for rent that businesses find them attractive compared to the existing
option? There are many benefits that triggered the shift in office choice.
Let’s talk about the important 5.
1. Affordability
The factor that clearly gives a major advantage to coworking office spaces over their traditional counterparts is affordability. Not just
compared to rent for floor size, but with added amenities, better maintenance
and with friendlier lease terms these alternative workspaces cost less compared
to a traditional office setup. Startups and SMEs that need a readily available
plug and play office would without a doubt go for a coworking space. Again, the
competition between office providers make it like a festive season for the
businesses to save huge.
2. Flexibility
In a traditional office, everything is fixed. The way people work in,
the way colleagues interact or how firms find them running isolated in a not so
humane way. In a shared coworking space, on the other hand, there is greater
mobility and flexibility. Working in a fulfilled environment with many creative
people doing their job inspires you to be more productive. At the same time, it
just keeps one happy, stress-free and the process of output becomes humane.
Working seems to be fun.
3. Location
There was a time
when appearing professional was not as essential as it is in this era. Apart
from that, businesses didn’t really felt the need to have a business address
that mattered- because of a lack of competition. However, that time has gone
past. Now a business address is the first thing that needs to be perfect to
remain in the competition. Coworking spaces have reciprocated to this need and
leveraged the same very tactically. Being in the CBDs and other prime business
locations, of course, they are the first choice for the office.
4. Infrastructure
Apart from the
competition between coworking platforms to offer something more and better, it
is generally the scenario that all such shared offices are well equipped to
look fancy, to contribute to the freshness and productivity of the
professionals working inside. From printing/scanning to high speed internet,
security, professional support etc.; every convenience, requirement and comfort
are taken care of with one deal. No need to have a third party serving you in a
traditional office where you are more focused on the office maintenance than
real work.
5. Growth Prospects
It is not just the
physical things that make these coworking spaces for rent suitable but also the
values they embody. Collaboration and networking are emphasized as priorities
by the office providers so that their clients can grow faster, and be ahead
from the rest in what they do. Coworking events and other activities help both
firms and professionals find clients, partners and career growth. There is
hardly any traditional office that can offer this. Undoubtedly the shared
offices are defining business in this century.
Apart from these
5, there are more benefits/advantages that the shared offices offer. However,
these have the defining impact on a business of any kind. If you are a
business, choose your office smartly, and pick a coworking space that can be a
pushing factor for you.
