Teleworking, or full remote working, has become a norm for many businesses and freelancers in recent years. However, despite the benefits of flexibility and productivity, full teleworking can lead to feelings of isolation. Fortunately, coworking is an ideal solution for combating this isolation while preserving the benefits of teleworking. Let’s explore how coworking can enrich the remote working experience.
Teleworking and isolation: a challenge for remote workers
Full remote working allows workers to manage their time, avoid commuting and work from anywhere. However, it can also have undesirable side-effects. Working alone for months or even years on end can lead to a loss of social connection, a lack of real-time collaboration and reduced motivation.
Signs of isolation when teleworking
Isolation manifests itself in different ways:
Decreased motivation: Without regular human interaction, some workers may lose the enthusiasm they initially had.
Psychological fatigue: The lack of social interaction can affect mental health, causing stress and anxiety.
Professional disconnection: Not interacting with colleagues or partners can make you feel disconnected from the business.
This is where coworking comes in, an ideal solution to offset these negative effects.
Coworking: a response to the isolation of the teleworker
Coworking spaces give you the best of both worlds: the freedom offered by teleworking and the social interaction of a shared working environment. These spaces are designed to offer a professional environment while maintaining a degree of flexibility.
The benefits of coworking for fully remote workers
Socializing: Working in a coworking space gives you the chance to meet other workers, whether freelancers, entrepreneurs or remote employees. Not only does this encourage networking, it also gives you a sense of belonging to a community.
Boosting productivity: Being surrounded by other professionals motivates you to stay focused on your objectives. A dynamic and professional environment helps to structure your day.
Separation of professional and personal life: Coworking allows you to get out of the house and create a real boundary between work and personal life, which is often difficult to achieve in full remote.
Access to high-quality infrastructure: coworking spaces are equipped with all the necessary amenities (broadband Internet, meeting rooms, printers, etc.), so you can work in optimum conditions.
Striking a balance between teleworking and coworking
For those who work remotely full-time, alternating between working from home and coworking can offer a good balance. This hybrid approach combines the best of both working environments.
Strategies for combining teleworking and coworking
Plan regular coworking days: Identify the days when you need more stimulation or collaboration and reserve those days to go to a coworking space.
Take part in coworking events: Many coworking spaces organize events, workshops or networking sessions. Taking advantage of these opportunities allows you to expand your network and develop new skills.
Adopt a flexible routine: Using coworking as a one-off resource when you feel the need can prevent burnout and maintain a healthy balance.
Full remote working offers undeniable advantages, but isolation can quickly become an obstacle to productivity and well-being. Coworking offers a solution for maintaining human contact and improving productivity, while retaining the flexibility offered by teleworking. By adopting a hybrid approach, remote workers can enjoy the benefits of both environments, avoiding the pitfalls of isolation.
