With work patterns changing rapidly, more and more businesses are turning to alternative solutions such as coworking. This flexible approach enables businesses to adapt to the transition from traditional work to the new needs of employees in terms of flexibility, productivity and collaboration. Here’s a practical guide to help businesses in transition adopt coworking effectively.
1. Understanding the benefits of coworking for businesses
Coworking is no longer just for freelancers or start-ups. Major companies such as Microsoft, IBM and Facebook have understood the benefits that coworking can bring. These spaces encourage innovation, stimulate creativity and enable better collaboration between multi-disciplinary teams. What’s more, coworking reduces fixed costs by offering shared office solutions tailored to the size of your team, while avoiding long-term commercial leases.
Why coworking?
- Lower property costs: No more high rents for under-used offices.
- Greater flexibility: You can adjust the size of your space to suit your needs.
- Easier networking: You share space with other companies, which can lead to new collaborations and business opportunities.
2. Choosing the right coworking space
Not all coworking spaces are created equal. It’s essential to choose the one that meets your team’s specific needs. Here are a few criteria to consider:
- Location: Choose a central location that is easily accessible for your employees.
- Infrastructure and services: Make sure the space has the necessary technology (fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, etc.).
- Corporate culture: Choose a space with an atmosphere that matches your values and your team’s dynamic.
Tip: Take a tour of the premises before making a final decision. Talk to other team members to get a feel for the atmosphere.
3. Adapt your corporate culture to coworking
Moving to coworking means adapting your corporate culture. It’s important to establish rules for communication and remote working so that teams are always aligned with objectives. Encourage your employees to be autonomous while maintaining a spirit of collaboration.
Some strategies to adopt:
- Use collaborative tools: Platforms such as Slack, Trello or Asana make it easier to manage projects remotely.
- Encourage face-to-face meetings: Organize regular physical meetings in coworking spaces to keep a strong link between teams.
4. Manage the transition smoothly
The transition to a coworking model needs to be well planned. Here are a few steps to follow for a successful transition:
- Transparent communication: Inform employees of the reasons for the transition and the benefits to be gained.
- Test phase: Start with a trial period to see if this way of working suits your company.
- Employee support: Ensure that team members have the tools and support they need to adapt to this new environment.
5. Measure the impact of coworking on your business
It is essential to monitor the development and impact of coworking on your employees’ productivity, well-being and commitment. Use internal surveys and regular feedback to assess whether the coworking space is contributing to the company’s objectives.
Key indicators to monitor :
- Productivity: Are deadlines being met? Are projects progressing more quickly?
- Employee well-being: Are employees more satisfied with their working environment?
- Innovation: Have there been more new ideas or internal collaborations?
Adopting coworking can be an important strategic change for companies moving towards greater flexibility.
By choosing the right space, adapting your corporate culture and managing the transition carefully, you can take advantage of the many benefits offered by this new way of working. Coworking not only reduces costs, it also fosters a collaborative and stimulating atmosphere, which is essential in today’s ever-changing world of work.
