Regardless of whether you run a large or small business, the type of workspace your employees spend most of their time in can significantly impact their productivity. Coworking spaces are becoming more and more common in the workforce, and they come in a variety of styles and sizes, from the traditional cubicle to the open-plan office. Coworking is the process by which employees of different companies share office space, notably to cut down on overhead costs, using shared equipment and resources.
In the employee space, you should be able to accommodate both your own employees’ needs and the needs of employees from other companies, and it should be adaptable enough to accommodate a wide range of tasks without having to rearrange the space.
Commonly Seen Coworking Spaces
Look into the following models if you’re curious about how the modern workplace is changing and how companies are utilizing more creative designs in coworking spaces:
Conventional
This is the most common type of coworking space, often open with many different work areas that encourage collaborative work. It is usually casual, well-lit, with comfortable furniture and several tables for spreading out work.
Corporate
This is a more professional space with carrels and cubicles, is often quieter, and has less energy and more subdued lighting.
Minimal
This model is similar to the conventional model in that it is open and offers shared amenities, but these are often bare-bones, with little furniture and little décor. It is meant to be an affordable but minimal site.
Industry-specific
This area of coworking space caters to a specific industry’s demands. If an industry has a specialized skill set, such as healthcare or law, these coworking environments are tailored to those needs. This usually involves spaces with more customization and better privacy.
High End
Also called full-service coworking spaces, these are costly but offer many amenities other workspaces do not. Some of these amenities can include kitchens or on-site cafeterias, coffee service, luxurious furniture, office space, and access to expensive technology.
Lifestyle
This is a broad category of coworking space that can include several types of coworking spaces rolled into one. Depending on the clients’ business needs, the lifestyle environment can look very different from space to space. They can include apartments, condos, gyms, and even restaurants. They are well lit and casual but often not quiet or private.
Private
This coworking space model is geared towards industries that might see sharing space with others as a detriment or might need privacy, such as legal aid or law firms. These spaces often involve private offices or entire floors, locked doors, conference rooms, and offices dedicated to one company. They are usually leased for more extended periods.
Virtual Office
This type of space exists solely to cover the need for a physical office address, such as a place to send physical mail or house a server from which remote workers will be working. It can also serve as a place for remote workers to meet with clients or staff, but almost no actual work happens at the location. It is primarily a focal point for those who typically work from home.
How Coworking Spaces Work
For a virtual office space, monthly costs can range from $50 to several thousand dollars, depending on your location and business requirements. In terms of cost, the most common type of space is a conventional or minimalist one, which typically costs $100 to $300 per month. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington DC are only some of the cities that boast high rates of coworking spaces. Coworking space popularity is rising, as we see in this video about WeWork, one of the world’s largest providers of coworking spaces.
With the help of coworking spaces, employees can collaborate, cooperate, and mentor one another. They’re usually inexpensive, flexible, and a great way to meet new people. A coworking space is ideal for companies that want to house their employees in excellent locations with the necessary space and tools for work without buying or renting a more expensive space.