Should You Move from Your Home Office into a Shared Workspace?

One of the biggest benefits of being in business today is the technology at our disposal. New platforms and tools have made it easier to reach people, and you can see, talk, and engage with coworkers across geographic barriers better than ever before. It’s this lack of boundary restrictions that has opened the door to owning and working in a geographically dispersed business.

One way for people who work in different locations than their peers to get out of the home office and operate more efficiently is to work in a shared workspace. If you’ve ever considered working in a shared office space, here are a few pros and cons to consider before moving in.

Pro: You have people holding you accountable

One of the hardest things about working from home is a lack of accountability. No one will know if you sleep in or sneak away for a long break, right? Suddenly, you’re folding laundry instead of doing your work, causing you to fall behind fast.

If that scenario sounds all too familiar, moving into a place where people will know if you’re slacking off and will hold you accountable can help. You can publicize your schedule, so people know when to expect you in the office, which can give you the added incentive you need to show up and get work done.

Con: A lack of flexibility

Although it’s beneficial to have others hold you accountable, that general lack of flexibility can be a turn off for many entrepreneurs. You may be forced to fit into a mold of working traditional office hours, which could stunt your creative growth. The feeling of having to clock in or out may not be the best fit for you and your work style.

If you need more flexibility in your schedule, working in a space that’s open 24 hours a day is a must. Having around-the-clock access allows you to work when you’re most productive, without forcing you to work during hours when you’re not. And if you publicize your schedule, taking your flexible hours into consideration, you can still hold yourself accountable without losing the freedom to work when it’s most conducive to you.

Pro: Working with others

Working out of your home can make you feel isolated and lonely. Even the most introverted people need social interaction beyond a Skype call or Slack conversation. Having a coworking spot where you can rub elbows with others at a similar stage in their careers or business can help get your creative juices flowing.

Con: Personality clashes

Although it’s nice to have people working close by, you cannot choose who will surround you in a coworking space. You might have personality conflicts and clashes with people who think and act differently than you. If that happens, you might be able to change offices, but that’s not always feasible. Also, a move could come at a higher price tag.

Pro: You get to tap into office perks

There’s something alluring about office technology and gadgets. The use of smart devices to make your work life more productive is not only enticing on a functional level, but also on a personal interest level. It’s fun to try out the latest gizmos and devices.

However, there is one problem with this. As fun as it is to try new things out, there’s a hefty price tag associated with their usage—unless you’re splitting the cost with others around you. In a shared workspace, you can tap into some unique amenities that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you in your home office.

Con: You might not always get what you want

As alluring as it might be to share costs with others when it comes to office supplies, you might be limited in your selection. Many shared workspaces have rules about design and internet usage that could limit what you can bring with you into your own office space. You’ll find yourself forced to conform to others’ opinions and styles, which can leave you feeling like you’re missing out, rather than having access to exciting new things.

Pro: Access to new collaborations

If you’re in a shared workspace, your office may be located next to people who can either use and/or complement your services. This natural pairing can be a big bonus as it leads to new ideas, new income streams, and even new investors.

Con: Closer competition

On the other hand, if your office is located next to a competitor, you could face a steeper climb up the ladder of growth. You might also get distracted by looking sideways to see what they’re doing compared to what you’re doing, tweaking your offerings unnecessarily to try to conform to their mold rather than being creative on your own. Before signing a lease, find out if there’s a policy about competing businesses working in the same space.

Is shared workspace right for you?

A shared workspace offers tremendous benefits, but it also comes with some downsides. If you’re not sure whether share workspace is right for you, consider these pros and cons before signing a membership agreement.

At Office Evolution Columbus, we understand the unique challenges of being a solopreneur, and we have designed our services with the modern day, flexible, entrepreneur in mind. Our Virtual Office or Entry Level Services ranges from a private mailbox, to meeting space, to phone answering service providing the support you need in your entrepreneurial journey.

We also offer the ideal combination of a Coworking Community and Private Offices. We serve the Columbus metropolitan area with 4 locations, so when you start looking at office space near me or a conference room near me or a meeting space near me, we are close to Powell, Dublin, Hilliard, Grove City, Worthington, New Albany, Westerville, Bexley, Blacklick, Clintonville, Upper Arlington, Downtown Columbus or Reynoldsburg, choosing Office Evolution Columbus in Dublin, Worthington, Easton Town Center, Downtown Columbus will help your budget remain flexible, with more money to spend on the things that matter most to your business.

Dublin – Dublin.oh@officeevolution.com (614) 495-9274

Easton – Easton.oh@officevolution.com (614) 944-5191

Worthington – Worthington.oh@officeevolution.com (614) 985-3605

Downtown – Columbus.oh@officeevolution.com (614) 427-1999