Home Office or Coworking Spaces?

Choosing the place where we are going to work is not a simple decision. That space would be where we develop and carry out the professional challenges we take on, whether as entrepreneurs or leading work teams.

With different options nowadays, from working from home, in a coffee shop, a private office, or a coworking space… When it’s about deciding, you need to check and think about which is the most convenient for you.

Freelance Latam has been established for five years because we believe coworking spaces are the best office option. Whether for workers and companies looking to keep up with the work demands of the future compared to other more traditional options. In this article, we summarize why working from coworking spaces or home office are also good alternatives:

Why choose coworking spaces?

It is the use of infrastructures, such as an office or other type of space, dedicated to people working as freelancers, or for companies. They design these areas to provide synergy between members, sharing ideas and knowledge in the community.

We understand this change may involve testing the pros and cons to see the balance of productivity and personal fulfillment. That is why we want to show you the main benefits of coworking spaces so that you can adapt them to your particular case and make the best decision.

Working in a coworking space allows you to be in contact with a network of professionals from different fields. To which you would not have access if you were working in an independent space with your team. This paradigm also rethinks how we relate to our work environment, sharing ideas and participating in coworking.

Besides, one of the most outstanding values of shared offices is collaboration: the possibility of working together with other members on the same project, whether creating business opportunities or exchanging clients, thus creating a community among work members that often goes beyond a working relationship.

Flexible to business growth

Working in a coworking space offers you many benefits, whether you are starting a business on your own or with a team. Coworking spaces provide you with a flexible office that suits the needs and size of your business.

You can access common spaces that are even more accessible than individual desks and access all the other benefits. Among the benefits, there may be a front desk, meeting room, Wi-Fi, and kitchen. Also, if your company already has several staff members, separate desks and private offices for your team are a good option.?

You will save money

They design coworking spaces o reduce the structural costs of a company as much as possible. Following the logic of collaborative economies, instead of each company having its building… With meeting rooms, offices, reception, kitchens, services, and all the investment that implies. In change, in coworking spaces, members share the same infrastructure and services, which makes the costs much lower.

Also, these services are included in the same invoice, saving administrative work for the members.

Coworking benefits

The benefits refer to production and also the possibilities of connecting with other people. The coworking facilities host various events that allow socializing and taking a moment to talk about topics other than the professional.

A coworking space offers different options to suit your company or project, such as:

• Virtual offices.
• Office spaces (shared and private).
• Conference rooms.
• Shared spaces for breaks and relaxation.

Besides, it is a dynamic and innovative environment. Ideal for startups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

Pros of coworking spaces

You will not be alone

As it can happen in a traditional office, coworking spaces also help to combat that feeling of loneliness. A conversation in the kitchen or on the terrace with other members will always be an option.

Fostering relationships between coworkers

Coworking involves sharing a space with other companies or startups, which may provide you with networking opportunities. You can learn from experienced entrepreneurs and get new skills that could be useful in the future. Expanding your professional and personal networks is a good start for your project.

Visibility and business

As we mentioned earlier, coworking spaces not only foster an incredible sense of community. Many people may see a remarkable increase in new members thanks to the connections they can make in their coworking environment.

Optimize costs

Although paying for a coworking space does not mean you’ll spend less than you would owning an office, some different options and prices adapt to the needs of each member. It’s ideal for companies that have just joined the business world.

Working with the latest equipment and technologies

You need to invest in equipment and design when renting your own office. Coworking spaces offer flexible plans for equipment, including materials or extra services, such as communication technologies, reception, or mailboxes. You will have adequate meeting areas to receive your clients and convene business meetings.

Healthy Environment

In offices, healthy environments generate a feeling of collectivity that will make your workplace pleasant.

It offers advantages that your team can attend, such as events and conferences. You will have the opportunity to work in a positive and vibrant environment and be part of a close-knit community.

Fewer distractions

Another benefit is the productivity increase while at the same time reducing distractions. But, some people are less distracted working from home or in a traditional office where cases are distinct.

If you prefer the first option, being surrounded by other coworkers like you can give you that extra boost of inspiration. In addition, you can have full access to equipped meeting rooms that will allow you to create the best version of yourself, thus increasing your efficiency.

Inspiration and creativity

Coworking offices usually have large spaces, with access to many areas and services. The designs have an inspirational environment that is more pleasant for professionals. They can reflect on their work performance can feel better, healthier, and more positive.

Spaces according to your needs

Coworking spaces are in the heart of cities and metropolitan areas. They are built in central locations so they can be accessible and within everyone’s reach, to meet the needs of any company, startup, or freelancer, with dedicated spaces for meeting rooms, presentations, and coffee, are some of the added benefits of a coworking space contract.?

Complementary services

If your company’s operations are large-scale or you manage a local venture looking to expand. In coworking centers, you will find all the complementary services and comforts you need to achieve your goals.

As you have seen, the benefits of coworking spaces are perfect for any business or project, whether you are starting or an established company. The good news is that they adapt to your needs.

Cons of Coworking

As we see we find many virtues in Coworking, we want to mention some aspects that are not so much:

Coworking: open and close schedules

The opening and closing hours can sometimes be too strict, as well as the schedules for spaces, classrooms, and meeting rooms. The rules are to be complied with in a way that does not affect other users, so you will not be able to extend the meetings or rush the work a little more.

Distractions

We have all noticed that it is more difficult to concentrate in open spaces. The movement of people and a large number of attractive stimuli can be irritating for those who need a lot of silence.

Silence

Sometimes it’s a little bit awkward to start talking on the phone when all your colleagues are concentrating.

Excessive noise

Noise can be a problem, but it is not much more of a problem than that shared in a big office. Yet, you can ask for private offices.

Lack of ‘privacy’

You’ll have to deal with confidential and sensitive issues or phone calls with no privacy.

However, these disadvantages are also solvable. In many coworking spaces, you can ask for keys so you can come and go as you please. Besides, you can put on some music with headphones to isolate yourself from the noise as a signal so that you are not interrupted. In the end, when dealing with sensitive information, you could always do it in the meeting rooms or at least get out of the common areas.

In short, you have the chance of achieving fast and efficient growth with coworking space alternatives.

Work from home

“Home office” “remote work” and “hybrid work” are concepts that we can see in business every day. Sometimes these work modalities have different meanings because the terms are exchangeable.

Although they have some different features, we need to realize, learn and be aware of each one. Among them, we can describe the following:?

• It requires a lot of self-discipline to meet schedules.?Otherwise, the person could end up working even on weekends to meet the objectives it is not always possible to have.
• Prepare a room free of distractions.?To solve this, workers should adapt someplace in the house where they can concentrate.?
• Distracting events can happen.?At any time, it can come from a neighbor knocking on the door to someone visiting you. So better to set up schedules and let the family know to avoid interrupting.
• The person does not have the opportunity to socialize with office colleagues often. So,?they may feel lonelier yet there are other ways to get in touch.?
• Other costs may increase.?Although the cost of transport or gas will reduce, the cost of electricity, phone and internet services may go up.
• It leads to a more sedentary life.?The person may be sitting all their shift at home due to not having to leave to go to work, and this may have repercussions on health. A solution may be to take a walk after work or a light workout.

Work from home sounds easy but, it needs commitment from both parties and a trust-based relationship between the company and workers.

What is hybrid work?

Hybrid work is a model that offers employees the flexibility to work from anywhere. Employees can work from home, in the office, or anywhere else. Organizations can establish hybrid work schedules and set dates and times for employees to work in the office. They could give employees full autonomy to choose when and where they want to work.?

The pandemic-related shutdowns demonstrated that many employees might be as productive working from home as they are in the office. Both organizations and employees have discovered several advantages of remote work. So now that companies can get employees back in the office, the question is whether to return to the old model work or continue to take advantage of hybrid work. After all, both the remote work and normal work models have several pros and cons. The solution that many companies are turning to is hybrid work.

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrid work

What are the advantages of hybrid work?

Now that you know what characteristics define hybrid work, it is time to address some of the advantages and disadvantages of implementing it in a company. The purpose is for you to check whether it is the best solution for your company. When applied, hybrid work models can bring employees and the organization many advantages.

Companies have incorporated hybrid work into the dynamics of a significant number of teams due to the benefits. These models generally promote flexible schedules and make it easier for them to choose to perform their duties from home or in an office. Such as when illness strikes or turnaround times are tight.

Some of them are:

Improved work experience

When employees feel comfortable in a company, they are more likely to be motivated to work. Hybrid work schemes are tailored to workers’ needs, so you can expect them to be satisfied with their work experience. Remember that these relationships should be mediated by a contract so that both parties are winners.

Increases productivity

Beyond the motivation that employees may have… the reality is that being in a personal environment can help their concentration and performance of complex tasks. Also, by reducing time walking to the office and administrative processes, it is easier for employees to have enough energy to perform their duties.

Promotes innovation

Remote work models are based on technology. Thus, companies that incorporate these tools and keep their resources up to date are better prepared to face the challenges of the future. Besides, these resources help to stay ahead of the curve and promote a fresh brand image.

Benefits of hybrid work for employees

Greater flexibility.?Employees can choose where to work and, in some cases, when.

Better work-life balance.?No more wasted hours commuting to and from the office, and employees can better combine work with other errands.

Greater satisfaction.?Employees tend to be happier if they have more flexibility and autonomy to choose their workplace.?

Business leaders are realizing that offering flexible remote work options can lead to better results.?

At least three factors contribute to the increase in productivity:

Less time wasted.

For workers, the main factor that has increased their productivity is the fact of not having to commute to work. The time they used to spend driving or walking back and forth to the office is now spent working and having adequate rest.

COVID-19 has shown that the way of working needs to move forward and companies need to identify what policies they can install to adapt to the employee’s needs

Zero distractors

The main concern every morning is no longer “getting to the office early”. Now it is about being on time for the Zoom meeting, and starting early to deliver progress on the agenda. Workers are more focused on their work and not on meeting other goals.

For this, to work it is advisable to put in place a space to work, such as a desk and an office chair to focus on 8 hours a day. It is also important to combine this with personal schedules and work goals.

By working from home, employees do not feel the pressure of keeping a work schedule for the sake of keeping it, and downtime has been reduced. It is not a matter of working without a break, but of concentrating and ensuring that the time to work is the right amount of time to do daily tasks.

Comfort and flexibility to work

Being at home has been synonymous with family reconnection and energy replenishment. Workers have been able to sleep more, be with their loved ones, and take care of the details of their homes.

The flexibility that remotes work has provided has even broken the barriers of dress codes. Betting on greater effectiveness and human contact from the digital. It is no longer a priority for the worker to keep an eye on their clothing or uniform, but rather effectiveness.

Flexible schedules have been an important factor in increasing productivity. Workers would be more focused on achieving goals rather than schedules. Unless the schedule was part of the main goal of their work, as is the case in education. Flexible work policies will help keep employees and increase their motivation. In the labor market, it will also be a tool to attract the best talent.

Disadvantages of hybrid work

The hybrid work model has proven to be excellent for many companies, but some aspects should consider before implementing it in workspaces.

For this reason, we present some of the possible disadvantages of their incorporation into business life.

It involves high investments

At first glance, it may seem that remote work allows savings on some operating expenses, such as rent or some labor benefits. The reality is that in a hybrid work companies must not only continue to divide resources to these elements. Often, companies also pay for the expenses derived from the work performed by their employees, such as electricity, internet, and computer equipment. So, before implementing these models, you should carry out an analysis of the expenses that will generate and your capacity to cover them.

It does not always increase efficiency

Although the hybrid work model has been shown to increase productivity and motivation, it does not imply that the work is delivered. Efficiency can be limited if employees are given too much freedom and can be diminished if there is no timely follow-up of workers’ tasks.

It requires training

Because the hybrid work model requires a good level of computer and IT expertise, it is usual that young workforces are well suited for positions in this format.

However, the hybrid model must be inclusive and be a work option for the number of employees. If your employees are not prepared to handle the systems, you must train them.

In summary, remote work and working from coworking spaces both have many pros and also cons. Which one to use? Is totally up to you. Now, each one depends on every professional and personal situation.

More companies are modifying their work system, but there is a matter that must receive special attention and be dealt with reciprocally: company-employee trust. There is where the essence of remote work lies.?

–?Carla Fattal