360 Degree Review At The Coworking Place: Things To Watch Out For

With the ongoing flexibilization of work and workforce, new trends are resurfacing – mainly concerning workspaces, and working outside the company.

Check out more on that flexibilization deal: Workspace Flexibility: What Is It and Why Is It Important

No need to specifically point out the importance of coworking spaces, and their rise in the process. 

Coworking spaces are designed to offer collaboration and an easy-going community, all connected via furnished and equipped space, available on a rental, or membership basis. 

At FOCUS, we believe in more than just setting up a space, and letting concerns pile up. So to ensure a successful feedback process for your employees – we tried to prepare you for what’s to come. 

We’ve found that several things increase communication, lead to better feedback, and generate greater willingness to adapt, creating a healthy environment for work; One that works for every individual or group of people relying on your spaces; starting from freelancers, remote workers, and other independent professionals who are keen to work together in a shared, communal setting.

1. Well Defined Work And Goal Objectives

Many organizations begin their 360 reviews because they know they should – but they don’t – take the time to figure out what their objectives are, and what they want to achieve.

Before resuming forward, they figure out where are you on your business path? How are you defining your goals, employees, and do you even know how to communicate your goals with people surrounding you? 

Start by asking yourself these questions also:

1. What competencies are important to your organization?
2. How will you measure these competencies, and what will you (or your managers) do with the data you get?
3. Are you going to evaluate only top-level leaders? Or are you willing to include the entire organization?

Defining your objectives is essential in the future of coworking (any working for that matter).  Determining what measures are important, what questions to ask – and whom to involve, must be your priority No. 1 for the future.

2. Taking More Control Over The Work

Coworking spaces are normally accessible 24/7. People go there to put in all the work if they have a deadline, to take a long break in the middle of the workday, or brainstorm ideas, and meet people like them.

They can choose whether they feel like working in a quiet space and focus, or are they for a more collaborative vibe. They can even decide to work from home, without repercussions.

And while coworkers value this autonomy of shared workspaces, we cannot ignore the fact that they equally appreciate some form of structure in their professional lives. 

Check out our post on the work-life balance if you want to know more about this, or need you to struggle to focus, and get ready to actually work.

LINK: How To Achieve Optimal Work-Life Balance With Coworking

3. Feeling Like Part Of A Community Is The New Black

A sense of belonging can be very powerful – especially if we are expected to show results at work. Creating steady connections with our colleagues is a big reason why people like to work in an office or visit a communal space.

Each coworking space has its own vibe. For example, managers of each coworking space in FOCUS go to great lengths to cultivate a unique experience for every user. That usually means meeting the needs of their respective members. 

This quality, for example, made FOCUS a growing network of coworking spaces in San Francisco. We oversee our marketing, community management, and member services. Our shared spaces are all about the human element. 

We consider ourselves as much a hospitality company as we do a workspace provider, and we’re constantly facilitating introductions between our members.

Making a Meaningful Difference Via Coworking Spaces 

Aside from the type of workforce coworking spaces usually attract – people report finding meaning in the fact that they could bring their whole selves to work. 

We think they’re able to do this in a few ways. 

First, unlike a traditional office, coworking spaces consist of members who work for a range of different companies, ventures, niches and projects. This lack of direct competition spontaneously makes you feel like you don’t have to put on a work persona to fit in.

Second, working in a culture where it is the norm to help others, provides many opportunities to do so. Workers in FOCUS have unique skill sets that they provide to other community members.

Compared to the home office, the coworking space proved to be the preferred work arrangement. 

In conclusion, coworking spaces are now seen as an alternative to the home office –  once highly valued during the pandemic. 

It’s important to emphasize all aspects of the work environment in order to create health-promoting and satisfying workplaces.

FOCUS will continue to research and suggest a well-designed work environment and a well-curated work experience as part of the reason why they thrive in coworking spaces.

Our advice to traditional companies is to give people the space they need and support them to be authentic. The result will be employees who feel committed to your organization and bring their best energy and ideas to the office each day.