Technology let’s us work from literally anywhere – bedroom, bar, edge of a cliff (okay, maybe edge of a cliff isn’t a good idea). However, if you are a freelancer and/or a small business team, working from home or inside tiny, isolated office space can get quite monotonous after a point. That’s where co–working spaces come into play!
At KissDoodles, our entire team works virtually – that’s part of our core work culture. I used to alternate between working from home and fun bars and cafes across the entire city. Recently, I had been hearing a lot about a series of co–working spaces springing up across Mumbai, and so I finally decided to work out of one to see what all the fuss was about. I signed-up to work out of a fun and fancy co–working space in Powai called Of10. The experience was positive and eye-opening. I am now convinced that co–working spaces should definitely replace the traditional way of working for small businesses.
1. New People, New Ideas, New Experiences, New Faces.
Working in a co-working space allows you to step out from isolation. Working from home makes you anti-social. You are cut off from from the “real” world. A co-working space is intentionally designed to give you a sense of community – it exposes you to new people, new ideas and new experiences. You can’t be creative if there is nothing new in your life. A co-working space offers you diversity and perspective.
2. Sick Events Keep You Happy
We don’t shy away from hustling even on a Sunday morning. #hustlehard #alwayshustling #carols #sundaymorning #forthem #teamworkmakesthedreamwork A post shared by Of10 (@workof10) on
Co-working spaces, especially Of10, offer a lot of amazing events throughout the month to keep you happy and engaged. Some events are for leisure and make you laugh. Some events allow you to network. And, some events allow you to learn a new skill set, so you continue to improve and stay on top of emerging tools and trends.
3. Good Vibes Will Cancel Negative Vibes
Co-working spaces have a lot less negative vibes than traditional workspaces. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone, which reduces negativity. And, if you’re lucky, you might even find people who are inclined to help you grow by exchanging important ideas and information. Symbiotic working relationships can thrive in such spaces. You build your own identity alongside building a stronger business.
4. Amazing Resources
Happy faces at our first ever glow yoga event #yoga #yogapants #workspacegoals #healthiving #coworking #workof10 A post shared by Of10 (@workof10) on
Co-working spaces give you access to excellent resources at a low-cost. High-speed internet, work stations, printing, coffee, tea, gym, gaming rooms, conference rooms…These are some of the many resources most co-working spaces offer. Some even offer weekly yoga sessions on-site!
5. So Many Businesses Will Get You More Business – So. Economical.
With so many different companies and skill sets represented under one co-working roof, you gain access to a wealth of information and business leads. I was able to connect with so many graphic designers – something my team required, and people were able to connect with my team for social media strategy, Web design and content development – things we could offer expertise in. Exchange of business – that’s called a win-win situation. It also helped that my wonderful host at Of10 was considerate enough to make sure everyone was comfortable talking to each.
6. Don’t Have to Pretend to Work
Lastly, a co-working space offers a sense of balance. I was able to separate home from work. And, I didn’t have to pretend to work – I was in control of how many hours and which days I wanted to work. I also got a sense of structure, which kept me focused.
If you still aren’t convinced, let’s take a look at some numbers. A survey by DeskMag indicated that 90% people who worked out of co-working spaces felt a boost in self-confidence and 71% felt a boost in creativity.
Have you worked out of a co–working space? Comment below and share your experience with us!