22 Tips for Coworking Space Operators

Advantages of coworking spaces over traditional office spaces

"Value is no longer created in traditional offices," claim some coworking spaces and their supporters. To say the least, this is not entirely correct. With the exception of financial institutions, other types of businesses contribute to the economy as a whole, and many of them continue to work in traditional offices.

Regardless of where members previously worked, a move to flexible workspace   is almost always welcomed - even if there are significant and unexpected differences between the two working environments. Consideration of previous workspaces of members can provide coworking space operators with invaluable insight into the expectations of current members.

The biggest advantage coworking spaces have over traditional offices is increased self-confidence.

When compared to a traditional office, the majority of coworkers - nearly 90% - report an increase in self-confidence. This is most likely due to the flexibility provided by coworking spaces, as well as the fact that they are surrounded by a supportive community with whom they voluntarily enter into a relationship.

Members who have previously worked in a traditional office work more effectively with 24-hour access and their own permanent location, and they have higher expectations of office infrastructure. They do, however, value the ability to choose their workplace, working hours, and the people with whom they associate voluntarily and more flexibly.

They are the members who are most likely to expand their business networks and benefit from opportunities to learn new things. This helps to explain why they are more likely to attend events. They are less likely to switch coworking spaces than a home worker.

These members are slightly more satisfied with their new workspaces, which is surprising given that ex-home office workers were more susceptible to feelings of isolation. Furthermore, 70% of members report feeling healthier than they did while working in a traditional office! The more self-directed way of working is likely to be the reason for these improvements: by choosing one's own colleagues and contracts, the risk of bullying and frustration is reduced. Coworkers also prefer coworking spaces close to their homes, commuting to their space in 22 minutes on average, greatly reducing the stress levels associated with daily travel.

Above all, former home workers increase their income and productivity.

Home workers are also healthier, but only one in every two, because they are less likely to be victims of bullying or office politics, and they do not have to deal with commute-related stress. They, predictably, benefit the most from less isolation and being a part of a community. However, the most significant advantages enjoyed by ex-home workers are increased productivity (23 percent more than ex-office workers) and an increase in income (32 percent more).

They are more flexible than ex-office workers and choose their membership plans accordingly. They prefer 'normal' opening hours, even though nearly half prefer 24 hour access. They are, predictably, more price-sensitive than ex-home office workers, which explains their preference for flexible plans

Ex-office members stay in a coworking space for a longer period of time than ex-home office members

Nonetheless, the two groups share some characteristics. The people with whom they work, in particular, are a positive factor expressed by both groups. The majority would also miss their coworking space: seven out of ten respondents have no plans to relocate (out).

However, 16% of ex-home office workers intend to stay in their space for three to twelve months. For them, the home office is still the primary workspace option, and they work here the majority of the time when they are not in their coworking space. They are slightly tougher with their scorecard of their space when compared to ex-office coworkers.