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The Latest Trend in Working Environments Sweeping the Globe: Co-working
Freelancers and entrepreneurs often have a difficult time being motivated to work in their apartments and homes, so they typically venture to local coffee shops for a more social environment. This may seem like an ideal way to work, but the espresso machine becomes too loud, and a typical computer battery doesn’t last more than an hour. These downfalls of working offsite have catapulted the invention of what is termed “co-working”.
Many co-workers find the “stranger” sitting at the desk next to them is one advantage that working from home cannot provide.
Statistics show that by the year 2020, 40% of the workforce will consist of independent contractors and new business owners, forcing the traditional office space to become obsolete. For this reason, co-working spaces are popping up across the globe. Since 2013, the number of these spaces has increased 83% and are predicted to dominate in the next decade.
Co-working spaces are collaborative and affordable office environments for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other independent workers. They instill a creative work environment full of collaboration and networking. They now have a gamut of people they can bounce ideas off of, as well as gain an understanding of business challenges others face. Financially, the co-working space is the ideal situation offering Most offer low monthly membership fees.
The amenities of these spaces are endless. Modern co-working offices provide access to printers, coffee machines, workstations, conference rooms, and libraries. For instance, a co-working space in Kazakhstan was recently compared to Google Offices offering varying types of workstations, themed meeting rooms, amphitheater, cigar lounge, coffee shop, relaxation areas, and even a reception area with a concierge service.
Another example is in Menlo Park, near Stanford University, named Cubes & Crayons. This unique space has a lounge, kitchen, library, conference rooms, and a child care area on site for those with daycare needs.
To learn more about the co-working movement, there are many blogs to inform creative communities and co-working members around the world about upcoming events, design, and support. The benefits are immeasurable and the creative atmosphere is inviting. Co-working will be the work environment of the future.
