Topic > Pros and Cons in the Age of Coworking

Having the freedom to lounge around in your pajamas, choose your own work hours, and do it all from the comfort of your own La-Z-Boy may seem like an arrangement that will draw the envy of the typical 9-to-5 employees, but is this “ideal” setup really beneficial to the average person's work performance? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In an age where the number of people working from home has increased 115% since 2005, it's no wonder that 542,000 workers sought refuge in coworking spaces during 2017. With a number that Expected to double by 2022, coworking is becoming one of the fastest growing and most needed services available in the modern world. As the growth of coworking continues to attract potential clients, more and more remote workers may begin to wonder whether coworking could be beneficial to them and their long-term goals. Coworking is a relatively new movement, coined by Brad Neuberg in 2005, that encourages community and prosperity among various workers of all genders coming together in a shared office space. Coworking spaces, essentially, are work spaces shared by people who don't work for the same company and often rent office space at an hourly or monthly rate. Coworking creates a community of independent collaborators and remote workers, whether they are lawyers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, small business owners or other professionals, and offers these typically homebound workers the opportunity to break away from the isolation and distractions of own home. Because coworking spaces have the potential to attract a wide range of customers with an equally wide range of personalities and preferences, there are certainly aspects of coworking that can seem both promising and scary. Available Resources Some potential coworking customers may be attracted by the availability of resources and technologies that would otherwise represent a huge cost to the average remote worker. Shared offices typically offer access to devices such as printers, scanners, high-speed Wi-Fi, and other shared services, which would allow you to focus on your work rather than purchasing expensive equipment. Therefore, visiting a coworking space can be beneficial for a startup or an individual who does not yet have the resources or financial support to invest in a permanent office or the equipment needed to run their business. Those who take advantage of shared workspace would also benefit from working in a fully furnished environment, further eliminating costs from an already limited office budget. For some, coworking may prove to be a cost-effective alternative to acquiring your own permanent office space and the niceties that come with it. Cost Effectiveness While coworking spaces are certainly convenient, if the only equipment you need is your computer, then you may find yourself simply paying for WIFI and desk space. While there are many more benefits to visiting a coworking space than just amenities, it may not be a wise venture to spend more than $400 a month just to heat up a place outside your home or at a local coffee shop. Other costs to consider are the costs of commuting and eating out (for those who don't religiously keep a lunchbox and pack of snacks in tow). Potential Network For those who find they don't benefit from the shared services of a coworking space, the money they invest in coworking.