Choosing the right environment for your business needs
We study everything about the differences between coworking spaces and shared offices to see which option best suits the needs of each businessman and entrepreneur.
Now that the traditional office has lost its appeal, companies have found it necessary to explore flexible working options. In a rapidly changing landscape, companies are hesitant to commit to long contracts and seek the flexibility to easily expand or reduce costs. Flexible offices provide the solution to these needs, offering move-in-ready spaces with modern amenities and attractive designs that improve productivity.
Shared offices and coworking spaces are popular options for flexible work environments. By sharing space, professionals and businesses can reduce costs and enjoy a collaborative work environment, which is an effective alternative to expensive private offices and isolated home offices.
What are coworking spaces?
Coworking spaces are ideal for startups and entrepreneurs looking for a better alternative to working from home. These spaces typically house freelancers, some of whom are new to the scene and not associated with any particular business or industry. The advantages of these spaces include offering startups the opportunity to remain efficient, an affordable option for community and collaboration, as well as a vibrant atmosphere that encourages productivity.
What are shared workspaces?
A coworking space serves more established businesses and provides traditional services to meet customer needs. However, this does not exclude the possibility of established companies using or being attracted to coworking spaces, and vice versa. This is currently the common operating model for most shared spaces.
Although corporate coworking is gaining popularity, shared office spaces prioritize having a variety of equipment such as fax machines, photocopiers, and audio-visual tools, in addition to professional office furniture. Some shared offices even serve as executive suites, offering amenities like full front desk services, kitchens, and private offices separate from the common area.
It's worth mentioning that coworking spaces are typically rented to members for 3 to 6 months, while shared office spaces, such as executive suites, are typically rented for 12 months.
3 key differences between shared office and coworking:
Typical user demographics: Office sharing typically involves well-established businesses, while coworking spaces attract small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads looking for networking and collaboration opportunities.
Amenities and services: In the shared office, the user is responsible for providing most of the amenities and services for the company, while coworking spaces offer a wide range of amenities such as Wi-Fi, printing services, refreshments, areas rest and more as part of the membership.
Privacy and space flexibility: Shared office arrangements can provide more privacy as separate teams have their own designated spaces, while coworking spaces offer a more communal feel with shared workspaces and private areas available for rent. Additionally, coworking spaces typically offer more flexible lease terms, including daily or monthly payments, compared to shared office arrangements.
In recent times, more and more financial institutions have shown interest in coworking spaces. This has led to the need to increase security measures in these spaces. The trend of corporations expanding into coworking spaces is gaining momentum, meaning the industry must meet traditional needs if they haven't already. It is important to consider all of these factors to ensure an optimal experience and business growth.