A coworking space is simply a “shared workspace”. This is a rudimentary description of what this new concept encompasses.
What most people think of as a “coworking space” is actually much more than that. For many people, coworking is a real phenomenon that is transforming the way we think about work on a daily basis.
There was a time when it was impossible to work without some sort of connection to the outside world. Gone are the days when you had to dig through piles of paperwork to find a place to work. As you may have guessed, many aspects of coworking go beyond simply renting shared space.
For a coworking space to be a place where people can grow professionally and personally, it must adhere to a set of core values.
In a coworking space, you are part of a community
Each person who joins a coworking space is at the same time part of a real community. The spirit and the physical environment of Coworking are shaped by its members. Coworking does not exist in the absence of a supportive social network. For a coworking space to thrive, the connections that employees make with each other are essential.
Sharing is at the heart of coworking spaces
Coworking, in its most basic form, refers to the sharing of work spaces. But in a coworking space, you don’t just share a desk.
You share your daily routine, your kitchen, your experiences and your know-how. The cornerstone of a coworking space is that everyone brings their own grit.
There is a creative dynamic that happens in these spaces because of the sharing of ideas and expertise, the mutual support and the tools that are available.
It is a flexible work environment
“When I want, where I want and with whom I want” is probably the best saying to describe this aspect of Coworking. In a coworking space, you can work when and where you want.
You decide where you want to work, whether you want to work alone or with others, and how much time you want to spend.
In a coworking space, you are part of a network
How lucky you are to have a neighbor who is a graphic designer when you need a new logo! Isn’t it great to work in the same space as a real estate agent, a journalist or a lawyer?
Sharing a workspace makes networking and collaboration easier. With a coworking space, it’s easy to build trusting relationships with the people you meet there. Many of your coworkers could be clients or vendors.
As you’ve realized, a coworking space is more than just a shared workspace. You expand your knowledge, grow as a person and meet interesting people.
