Coworking has become popular with both freelancers and mainstream workers. People who use a shared office setting can work on the same project together, but not in the same space. Though the workers are mainly independent of one another, they are always available to consult, inspire, and motivate one another when needed.

Why is there a sudden rise in coworking spaces?

In the last decade, coworking spaces have grown rapidly due to the rise of startup culture and the spirit of entrepreneurship. As everyone strives to start their own business and sell products and services on their own, the need for affordable and professional office space has risen significantly.

Are there any benefits to working in coworking spaces?

Leading organizations in the modern world often set the example for companies to follow. Since Japan ranks among the top 30 economies regarding ease of doing business, Americans often look to Japan for business trends.

Japan is known for its extremely hard-working culture. The country sets trends that are emulated around the world. In a short time, Japan has grown from less than 30 coworking spaces to an estimate of 300 today, with nearly half of those in Tokyo. A coworking space in Tokyo, one of the world’s largest business centers, is a very promising sign for the coworking industry worldwide.

Rather than creating a competitive work environment, these coworking spaces aim to foster collaboration. Their goal is to have a workplace that separates work and home. As a result, they can spend time with their families and friends when they are not working.

What is the impact of this on productivity?

The following are seven proven ways to boost productivity through coworking.

1. Workers feel a sense of belonging to the community

By bringing people together in a communal space, coworking spaces are able to create a more enjoyable work environment than an office or working from home. Managers of each coworking space devote themselves to extensive lengths to create a bespoke experience for their members, and each place has its own personality.

Coffee Shops, for example, is a growing network of coworking spaces in Tokyo that offers a platform to like-minded clientele. Many people don’t start their morning without having a cup of coffee first. Entrepreneurs saw that as an opportunity and introduced a platform that became the epitome of productivity for like-minded people.  

2. There’s an uninterrupted flow of ideas

You can tap into the knowledge of others when you encounter difficulty when you surround yourself with like-minded professionals, some of whom have unique skills and talents. You will be able to consult enough people within the coworking space to get professional advice, empowerment, and inspiration without having to step outside of the office. The result is less downtime.

It also involves brainstorming and learning from the different skills of your coworkers every day. The end result is knowledge, creativity, and eventually becoming an industry leader. Using the skills you’re learning today, you’ll be able to complete tasks more quickly later in your career.

As ideas flow seamlessly among professionals working on the same project, we can focus on the areas in which we have expertise. So, there is less time wasted on fixing errors and addressing problems because it is less likely that errors will be committed.

3. People are happier

Millennials make up about 30% of the United States’ workforce. Workers like these value close work relationships and friendships highly. Coworking makes it possible for more than 75% of employees to have personal connections, feel more motivated and engaged in their work, and feel less lonely. When all those positive effects are considered together, coworking leads to employee happiness, which results in increased productivity.

Coworkers benefit from socializing when they feel a sense of belonging. The workplace becomes more and more like a home for these professionals as their lives become intertwined uniquely. People who feel a sense of belonging arrive at work earlier and work past their operating hours because they are motivated to do so.

4. Offers a humanizing approach to employees

People who work in cubicles can sometimes forget that they are part of a team and that their teammates are also human beings. This is why a high-handed manager will set unattainable goals for junior employees and expect them to perform like software.

However, in open offices, even managers can understand the hardships and struggles employees face. On the other hand, employees understand that their bosses are also human and have the same expectations and feelings as everyone else.

Executives can thus assist their employees in developing professionally, while employees perceive the need to impress their superiors by working harder. The outcome is optimal productivity for all.

Life coaches are always available to clarify workplace misunderstandings, whether they are between colleagues or between employees and their bosses. Individuals who live or work together may have different ideologies, but professional coaches can help you overcome these challenges in the workplace.

5. Improves work-life balance

If you are a freelancer who works from home, you are probably aware of how challenging it can be to balance work and life. In some cases, you want to focus on your professional duties, but your kids or pets might have other plans. Work-life interactions are also likely distracting for people who work in small cubicles. Since they are bored and lonely, they are prone to contemplating the problems at home, thus reducing their productivity.

Coworking eliminates negative home thoughts because it involves intense brainstorming. That is an effective step towards achieving a healthy work-life balance.

6. Working together is naturally stimulating

The following isn’t scientifically proven, but it is universally acknowledged that working with others will most likely motivate you to work harder. Seeing and hearing busy people, listening to people talking to one another, and feel fulfilled when you help a fellow employee will inspire productivity.

7. Coworking spaces make work more accessible

One of the benefits of coworking spaces is that they offer more flexibility than conventional offices. You must find a workplace where people are welcome to work during non-traditional hours. If a team feels more creative at midnight, make sure you’ll have access to a meeting room at that time.

Conclusion

The benefits of coworking spaces include a well-designed working environment and curated work experiences; because of these factors, people who co-work prosper at higher levels than those who work in offices. Having substantial autonomy at work and being yourself are the most significant factors contributing to high levels of thriving.

In coworking spaces, people can be themselves as authentically as possible. Consequently, employees bring more energy and ideas to their work and feel more committed to their daily tasks.

Jane