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Working, we all do it, but where we do it is changing. It all started back in 2005, when we really started to embrace the advances in the tech sector. These advances in computers, internet, telecommunications, email servers helped ease the restrictions on where we could work and allowed the growth of a new movement. This movement was for a work environment that was collaborative, sustainable, and matched the needs of the community it was serving.
The typical office space that was filled with stuffy furniture, office politics, competition, and regulations that didn’t benefit the community did more than stifle the worker, it helped ignite a desire for more freedom in where someone works, when they work, and how they work.
In this article, we are going to cover the different case studies of how people use a coworking space. We find it is easier to look at other people’s experiences to understand how a space is used than to go with just one word descriptors. So here we go…
Case Study 1: The Practitioner
A practitioner means someone who sees clients professionally in a services capacity. This could be a massage therapist, a psychologist, a nutritionist, an acupuncture therapist, or any other similar profession.
How does the practitioner use the space?
It will depend on each practice, but typically most practitioners prefer to have a set fixed weekly schedule in the same room each week.
A practitioner will use say Room 3 every Monday from 8am to 1pm and pay for only this time slot.
Why does this work for a practitioner?
Many practitioners see clients on a regular basis and need to schedule weeks in advance. Keeping a set schedule in a set room provides consistency not only for themselves but for their clients.
Is this the only way a practitioner works in a coworking space?
No, newer practitioners often opt to use a more flexible membership. This allows them to subscribe to a certain number of hours each month but doesn’t tie them down to a specific day or room. This allows them to meet clients when it is convenient for both parties and allows them to say yes to new clients easier.
Case Study 2: The Professional
A professional is someone who owns their own business and provides a service, for example lawyers, financial planners, coaches, consultants, and other service related individuals that may provide services for others in areas of accounting, marketing, photography, film, technology, etc.
How does a professional use a coworking space?
A professional typically uses many different types of plans at a coworking space and it depends largely on how they run their business. Here are some factors that will impact how a professional uses coworking spaces, when looking at their needs:
To see clients
To have a dedicated locked room
To have flexible use of a desk
To have flexibility to meet clients on an as needed basis
To have meetings with more than 2 or 3 people at a time
For those professionals who see clients and do so on an as needed basis, they will often opt for a flexible private office plan.
For those professionals who need a dedicated locked room, a full time private office plan is typically the best option.
For those who see clients in groups more than 2 to 3 people at a time a meeting room or conference room plan is usually the best option.
For professionals who just need a quiet place to work and an occasional office to work or hold calls, our premium workspace membership works well.
Why does this work for the professional?
Professionals need a space that will work around their schedules. Professionals often work at varying times throughout the day so a space that closes at 5pm doesn't provide an option for professionals to see clients at night. Some professionals also prefer to work on the weekend. When looking for a coworking space, it is important to look for options that will work for your business.
Case Study 3: The Remote Worker
The remote worker is someone who works for a large company but doesn't need to be in the same physical building as the company. Many businesses are starting to employ a larger remote worker workforce and while this trend provides an opportunity for many to work from home, it also creates the need for some to find home office alternatives.
How does a remote worker use a coworking space?
A remote worker tends to pick one of two different options. The first option is to work in an open workspace with a few hours a month available in a private office. The second option is full time office. It will depend on the specifications of the company. Some companies provide a coworking stipend of $200/mo for coworking space, others require that someone use a full time office that is locked.
Why does this work for the remote worker?
A remote worker might still work from home from time to time, but working from home can be isolating. By working from a coworking space, a remote worker can benefit from being part of a community, can enjoy less distractions, and increases in productivity.
Is there any other ways a remote worker my use a coworking space?
Yes, a remote worker may choose to also subscribe to a flexible office plan if they know they will be on a lot of confidential conference calls. Depending on the type of coworking space you use some of these calls can happen in a phone room, but if the coworking space is big enough you should be able to book a private room with a desk for your call.
Case Study 4: The Small Business
A small business is more than one person using the space at the same time. Most coworking spaces will have plans that allow for use of more than one person giving volume discounts. A small business that may choose to work in a coworking space could be a start up, a small service based business, or even a small non-profit organization.
How does a small business use a coworking space?
Typically a small business will choose either full time hot desks, a shared private office for their team, or they'll request an area be built out for their team.
Why does this work for a small business?
A small business will always be concerned with overhead. One of the highest cost associated with overhead is rent and payroll. Working in a coworking space allows a small business to save money and share architecture with other businesses so they don't have to pay for the full price themselves. When looking at a commercial lease, the cost is much higher than just the lease amount, a business needs to factor in utilities, cleaning supplies, labor to upkeep the space, water, furniture, and internet. When a business uses a coworking space they just worry about one price the use of the space.
Is there any other ways small businesses use coworking spaces?
Yes, small businesses can utilize coworking spaces for networking, holding workshops, marketing events, as well as hosting client meetings.
If you'd like to learn more about how we can help you with your workspace needs, reach out to schedule a call.