Can Coworking Spaces Be Conducive for Remote Meetings and Collaborative Projects?
Coworking spaces are a great tool for collaboration and productivity among coworkers and freelancers! Find out why below:
As the world of work continues to evolve and adapt to changing needs across industries, this includes the spaces where employees collaborate and thrive. A notable example is the rise of coworking spaces in recent years, as organizations sought new working environments outside of traditional offices. Space management software provider Yardi Kube reports that flexible workspaces remain in demand, as 39% of the tenants surveyed are interested in coworking options primarily due to cost savings and optimized office footprint.
But besides lower operating costs compared to private office spaces, organizations may also be wondering whether coworking spaces can be conducive to remote meetings and collaborative projects. With remote and hybrid arrangements also on the rise, this article looks at how coworking options can be maximized for productivity and collaboration.
Unique benefits of coworking spaces for remote teams
Remote work provides employees freedom and flexibility with their hours, but it can also increase the risk of burnout due to the lack of clear boundaries between work and home. Employee burnout can affect not only workplace productivity and performance but also compromise personal health and wellness.
However, coworking spaces serve as an opportunity to reinforce work-life boundaries without feeling obligated to go to the office or stay at home. This also feeds into the benefit of customized schedules, as coworking spaces are open 24/7 and allow workers to show up and accomplish their tasks without sticking to the traditional 9-5 work hours.
Additionally, a Forbes article highlights shared workplaces as a hub for innovation and collaboration. Instead of remote work being confined to one-sided video calls and lectures, employees can have a spontaneous, free-flowing exchange of ideas while widening their perspectives by being in the same space as professionals and creatives from other industries.
This inspiring, stimulating nature of coworking spaces can only be realized, however, when employers and employees consider the key factors in the next section.
Key factors of a collaborative coworking space
A shared workplace becomes conducive for meetings and collaborations when it has a wide variety of spaces designed with different purposes in mind, as opposed to traditional office buildings mainly consisting of individual cubicles. For example, a coworking space will have communal lounge areas ideal for networking and brainstorming, private meeting rooms for conferences and check-ins, and individual workstations for more focused workflows. These must create a stimulating and inspiring atmosphere through comfortable seating, vibrant decor, and ample natural light.
Now that organizations are tapping into virtual and augmented reality for more visually engaging meetings, employees can leverage smart glasses to be more hands-on with projects and content creation while actively communicating with coworkers for real-time updates and feedback. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can particularly benefit creative and management teams who need hands-free access to social media and live streaming, thanks to its built-in microphone, speakers, and wireless connectivity. So, coworking spaces must have adequate tech infrastructure to provide high-speed internet and support advanced digital tools.
Lastly, the ideal coworking space must also include 24/7 amenities that promote employee productivity and well-being, such as an on-site gym, a well-stocked pantry, printing facilities, and rest areas.
Challenges and considerations
Despite all these benefits of coworking spaces, some organizations may have concerns regarding the need for more privacy and the increased risk of disruptions in a shared space. Thus, a previous post highlights coworking etiquette to ensure a harmonious, collaborative experience for all employees. This starts with respecting shared areas and meeting rooms by keeping them tidy and following an organized schedule.
Noise management is also a priority in open-plan offices, making noise-canceling earphones an essential part of employees’ work equipment. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, for instance, enable workers to listen to music and participate in conference calls without disrupting others. As they also reduce external noise over a wide bandwidth and range of frequencies, they can increase focus and attention no matter the type of working environment.
Overall, the success of coworking spaces for remote and hybrid teams relies on factors like flexibility, technology, accessibility, and etiquette. Facility owners and employees alike must work together to create a stress-free, productive environment for all.