What is coworking?
So, coworking is a free-form workspace, when a group of completely different people is engaged in various fields, working for different companies and projects.
What is coworking in simple terms?
All these people can perform work independently, although they are in the same place, or vice versa, people get together to discuss common project issues and tasks. A coworking space only provides a comfortable and equipped space or space necessary for work. In most cases, freelancers and startups use the services of coworking centers. In other words, free and independent individuals.
Only in such a relaxed atmosphere person can reveal his creative potential and work in full. It is worth mentioning that coworking centers were first introduced in the USA in 2005 by a young programmer Brad Newberg. The idea became widespread and successful. Nowadays, more and more various coworking spaces are being open all over the map.
As a rule, coworking areas are equipped with everything you need: from furniture to a coffee machine. You can rent a workspace for the required period, and it outwardly resembles an ordinary office with workplaces, meeting rooms, and recreation areas.
What’s the difference?
Traditionally, a coworking space is a separate office, a particular establishment with several furnished rooms, a seating area, and a kitchenette. A good internet connection is a must – however, for modern offices, it is the standard feature.
You can say that coworking is an analog of an ordinary office, very similar to open space. The main difference is that coworking usually has a relaxation area and a small kitchen, where you can make tea and coffee, warm up food, brought from home, and have a snack in a relaxed atmosphere.
Employees can gather at the same table and discuss work processes, perform team tasks, and interact in such a zone. Moreover, there may be employees working on different projects and for completely different employers in the same space.
Today, coworking spaces have become a separate business. The owner of the coworking center sets up such a workspace to charge a fee for people working there. The pay is always low so that being in a coworking space brings more benefits to remote workers than working from home.
In which industries coworking works
Not every type of business can use a coworking environment. Most often, this type of workspace organization is popular in the following areas:
- Programming, IT. It was here that coworking was used for the first time, revealing that such an organization of the work of specialists is the most effective.
- Accounting and finance. In the USA and Europe, for example, there are particular coworking spaces for financiers.
- Consulting and legal support. A lawyer may not have his own office – it is convenient for him to meet with clients in the coworking space.
- External communications and marketing. While there are few such coworking spaces, they assume the presence of separate rooms for negotiations.
- Сreative occupation. Journalists, copywriters, writers, authors of works of art have also chosen coworking spaces as an effective platform for working and exchanging ideas.
As you can see, coworking spaces are most in-demand among those who have chosen to work remotely via the Internet and do not have their own office. For the direct provision of services and production, of course, this format of the workspace is categorically not suitable.
Benefits
- A well-planned and organized work environment allows you to fulfill the assigned tasks as efficiently as possible;
- Productive communication, expanding the circle of useful acquaintances;
- Opportunity to meet like-minded people with whom you can discuss and share various ideas;
- Constant workshops and seminars held in the center contribute to professional growth;
- The meeting room allows you to arrange business meetings;
- The cost of renting a workplace includes office equipment, free; Internet, and many other additional services, on which you can save money;
- Relatively low price compared to the office lease.
Disadvantages
- Money and time spend to get to the center
- A noisy neighborhood is possible.
- You need to be constantly attentive so as not to lose personal belongings
- Lack of normal nutrition, although there are cafes and kitchens in some centers now
- Payment of rent, although insignificant, is still another item of expenses
How to choose a coworking space? We are looking for pitfalls!
A good coworking center is a place where you will be comfortable and inexpensive to work. To make the right choice, follow the instructions.
- Find out basic information about the coworking area:
- Location of the coworking space. Will it be convenient for you to get there?
- Mode of operation. The working hours must be comfortable for you – to work around the clock and on weekends, if necessary.
- Coworking rules, penalty system.
- What is included in the basic rental of a workplace? Sometimes the rental price includes several hours of renting a meeting room, sometimes – other bonuses.
- The layout of the premises. In some coworking spaces, you can rent small rooms – this will be a plus.
- Prices for a seat and additional services.
- The history of coworking. If the center has been operating for a long time, there is less risk that it will suddenly close.
- List of additional services.
- The proximity of public transport and metro stations.
- Look at the reviews.
- Find out the speed of Internet access.
- A significant plus is the presence of an inexpensive cafe in or near the coworking space. It will save you money on meals.
So, if all mentioned minor downsides did not overweight all benefits, you can start looking for a perfect coworking in Dubai using our guide. Remember, the better coworking space is, the lesser its downsides. You can use special coworking searching aggregators to find the perfect place.