The Anatomy Of A Great Coworking Space

The coworking space trend is showing no signs of slowing down. If you work on any commercial projects at all, chances are good that you’ll be working on a shared office at some point. 

Maybe you’re already positioning yourself to be competitive in the space! Either way, it’s worth knowing what makes a good coworking space.

Let me start this by saying that a coworking space isn’t all pros compared to the traditional office. 

Both have their advantages and disadvantages – especially knowing that many employees have chosen to work from home (in the light of current COVID-19 events).

But what when the remote model is not for you? To be competitive in the coworking trend, it’s worth exploring what makes coworking so appealing.

Spend Your Work Time More Meaningful

Freelancers we have surveyed reported finding meaning in the fact that they could bring their whole selves to work. They’re able to do this in a few ways.

Unlike a traditional office, coworking spaces consist of members who work for a range of different companies, ventures, and projects. 

Because there is little direct competition, they don’t feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in.

They can make their own business identity stronger.

We believe this comes from coworkers knowing there is the potential for interactions when they desire or need them.

It Gives You More Control Over Your Job

People that come to shared workspaces can decide whether to put in for a long day at work if they have a deadline or simply need an option to decide and take a long break in the middle of the day to go to the gym.

They can even decide to work from home and deal with a family member’s needs without repercussions.

…and yet – provides structure to your business day.

Although coworkers value this autonomy over their workflow, we also know that they equally value some form of structure in their professional lives.

A Perfect Life-Work Balance

Too much autonomy can cripple productivity because people lack routines. On the other hand, having a community to work in helps them create structures and discipline that motivate them. 

Thus, paradoxically, some limited form of structure enables an optimal degree of control for independent workers.

People need to be able to craft their work in ways that give them purpose and meaning. FOCUS strives to provide control and flexibility to coworkers and their work environment. 

Moreover, many companies are now increasingly adopting this model, providing shared settings used for either collaborative work or quiet work.

It Makes You Part Of A Community

 The variety of workers in our coworking spaces means that coworkers have unique skill sets that they can provide to other community members. 

This means that FOCUS creates a working culture where it is the norm to help each other out. It clearly articulates the values that the coworking movement aspires to, including:

1. Community
2. Collaboration
3. Learning
4. Sustainability

Being able to connect with others is a big reason why people wish to work in a communal space. In many cases, it’s not simply the case that a person is going to work; they’re also part of a social movement.

Each coworking space has its own vibe, and the managers of each space go to great lengths to cultivate a unique experience that meets the needs of their respective members.

FOCUS, for example, is a growing network of coworking spaces in San Francisco. When it comes to cultivating our community at FOCUS, we’re all about the human element. 

We consider ourselves as much a hospitality company as we do a workspace provider. Our staff knows all of our members by name and profession, and we’re constantly facilitating introductions between our members.