6 Misconceptions About Coworking Spaces

It’s seems as though people either love or loath the concept of a coworking space. Those who are passionate about these shared environments are the ones who use them to great effect. Those who are against the concept are, for the most part, people who have never given them a try. Like so many things in life, it’s easy to let the opinions of others influence decisions. A lot of us allow this to happen, even though we may not always be aware of it. There are also a lot of misconceptions about coworking spaces. It is the purpose of this piece to put these false impressions to rest once and for all.

The top six misconceptions of the modern co-working space include:

The clientele are all penny-pinching hipster wannabes
The shared spaces are one-dimensional
You have to commit to long-term contracts
They are boring, cookie-cutter style office spaces
It’s far too noisy and way too distracting
Coffee shops are as good as co-working spaces only cheaper

There are many more misconceptions about the coworking space and shared office environments. Those listed above are the most common, so these are the one’s we’ll address here.

#1: Dominated by Penny-Pinching Hipster Wannabes

Some people, in their ignorance, think of coworking as a kind of ultra laidback space. They see them as hang-outs, catering for penny-pinching entrepreneurial wannabes. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Yes some of the places enjoy a laidback atmosphere but in a serious way. People who occupy these spaces are from a new and dynamic independent workforce. They include solopreneurs, freelancers and small businesses, but the clientele is not restricted to only these types.

Today, larger companies are now exploiting coworking environments, and why? Because they offer technologies and flexibility they themselves might not have in geographical locations where they don’t need their own office. These are things which suit the needs of many twenty-first century outfits. Think “Mozilla Firefox” as just one of many examples. The shared office also helps the bottom line of bigger businesses. As for the employees of these companies, well, less commuting and a trendy environment results in more productivity.

This wider demand is fuelling the need for even more coworking space in the future. In fact, the forecast for coworking in 2016 and beyond looks set. This is according to a Global Coworking Survey conducted by Deskmag (online magazine about coworking).

#2: Shared Spaces Are One-Dimensional

If there’s one thing the shared offices are not, it’s one-dimensional. Think hip, trendy, functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. That’s your space. Not to mention the latest in computer and communications technologies. One dimensional means that people either share a desk or they rent their own office within the building. That’s it! But this is not true. The vast majority of modern coworking spaces have a wide and varied range of services and features. At Office Evolution Hackensack, NJ, we have a plethora of services to meet the specific needs of our clients. Some of these include:

Shared working spaces
Private office space
Meeting and conference rooms
High-speed internet
Complementary drinks bar (also for your visiting clients)
Community kitchen
Front desk with receptionist
Live receptionist who can manage your phone calls
Private, secure mailboxes for a professional business address
Ample parking for clients and visitors
Cafeteria
Much more besides

#3: You Have to Commit to Long-Term Contracts

One of the most appealing things about coworking spaces is that you DO NOT HAVE TO COMMIT TO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS. If you needed to lease an office in say New York, you would be lucky to find anything for less than a five year commitment. That’s a huge obligation right there. There are also capital improvement costs to consider and high security deposits. These can be anywhere from six months to one year with younger companies. The last thing in the world an independent worker or new start-up venture needs is a long-term office lease. There are no such commitments with the co-working office. Most will only ask for a single month’s security deposit for a private office. Other places don’t even require any deposit for membership to services like the coworking lounge. You also only pay for space and services you need. The shared office concept really is a no-brainer for solo, small, or developing businesses.

#4: Coworking Spaces Are Cookie-Cutter Designs

No they are not! These are spaces which the providers design with their client’s in mind. They need repeat business and they’re not going to achieve that with a dull, drab office atmosphere. Most of these spaces are way cooler than your conventional office. Design aside; these are buzzing environments that have plenty of character. There is a lot of thought and research that goes into the contemporary coworking space. The aim is to offer comfortable, yet fully-functional areas for clients to work from. The designs depend on location and the demographic they’re trying to attract. One thing is for sure, and that is these are not cookie-cutter office spaces in any way.

#5: Too Noisy and Way Too Distracting

It’s not true. In a lot of places you can hear a pin drop. If anyone tells you they’re as noisy as an unruly high school classroom they’re wrong. It shows that they’ve never stepped foot inside a modern coworking space. You will find designated quiet areas, namely the working spaces. And there are also places where people can chill out, chat and relax, like the beverage bar or the communal kitchen. There seems to be an unwritten rule which respects a peaceful working environment. Peace and respect is exactly what you get in a modern-day coworking space.

#6: Coffee Shops Are as Good as Coworking Spaces

This too is utter claptrap. To suggest otherwise is to say a local coffee shop also offers onsite community-style management. It also implies there’s access to an entire network of collaborators and creative types. Then there’s the meeting and conference rooms, printers, fast internet, and staffed reception. You also have complimentary drinks throughout the day. We haven’t even gotten onto private mail boxes for a professional business address with Google searches or the virtual receptionists yet. Don’t forget a peaceful working environment too. If coffee shops offer all these things then yes, they are just as good as a coworking space. But they don’t, not even close. Coffee shops are short term venues for grabbing a drink and a quick snack. They’re businesses for diners, a place people go to get away from work, not start it.

How about you, do you need to move on from the coffee shops? If yes, then get in touch with Office Evolution Hackensack, NJ today. We would love to show you a way to reach your goals in a more stable, energized and business-friendly environment.

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At Office Evolution Hackensack, we provide virtual office and private office solutions. We offer meeting rooms, offices, a coworking lounge, a shared reception, a business address, and virtual receptionist services. We have many options and price points, and all terms are flexible. Plus, you become part of a community of like-minded professionals.

Whether you live in Teaneck, Bergenfield, Maywood, Teterboro, Hasbrouck Heights, Moonachie, Little Ferry, Rochelle Park, Dumont, Bogota, River Edge, New Milford, Hackensack, Englewood, Paramus, Tenafly and other communities nearby, choosing Office Evolution Hackensack in New Jersey will help you be more professional, productive, and profitable.