Co-working spaces are becoming ever more popular, and we obviously understand why!
When given the option, more and more professionals are turning to co-working spaces or the shared office concept. It’s a great alternative to the barren cubicles, distracting office spaces, or hearing the constant yell of “Mommmmmmmmm!” from your home office.
But how do you convince your employer that it is in their best interest to PAY for you to work there? Let’s break it down, by giving you some talking points to pitch your boss on paying your way to a better work experience.
First things first. Business people want business facts. You are going to have to come prepared with the details ready and worked out on why a co-working space is right for you. How is the membership going to increase your productivity? We love a good pros and cons list of the drawbacks of working where you are now vs. the benefits of working in a shared space. Depending on your situation, things can look a little different, but these are some of the most common that we see:
You are part of a Virtual team with no office space.
There is a real benefit of working side by side a few days a week with your teammates to be face to face for problem solving and collaboration. It’s proven that teams will work through challenges more quickly in real time.
Not only will you get face to face time with other coworkers, you will also have the opportunity for networking and connections with other coworkers in the space.
Using a co-working space can also provide you with a dedicated business address/ phone line and a professional space to meet future clients, vendors or new talent for your team. You shouldn’t have to hold a meeting or interview in your kitchen… common now!
Overall, a dedicated co-working space allows you as a virtual worker to avoid the distractions of home or coffee shops & never stress that you will have a reliable high speed wi-fi connection, leaving you more focused = more efficient.
Desk Mag says that the biggest benefits experienced by employees transitioning to a co-working space is increased productivity (23% more than office workers) and an increase in income generation (32% more).
Top talking points for you:
- Face to face real time interaction with coworkers
- Work through challenges more quickly
- Dedicated space to avoid distractions
- Professional space to meet new clients/talent
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Increased productivity = increased income generation
You are a remote worker for a company with a headquarters in a different Province/State/Country.
Many firms are unlikely to want to commit time and resources to an office space or office manager to set up something brick and mortar for a short period of time, or a test project. At the same time, corporate companies are still not super on board with the idea of you taking calls from your couch in your nightgown.
Co-working spaces are the perfect fit for these situations, allowing a short term solution that is both professional and practical. They allow the flexibility and freedom for companies to test out new markets and avoid the staggering costs associated with setting up an office space right now. Co-working spaces allow you to take advantage of a no commitment, lease free co-working option until you figure out the market's sustainability. You can always transition to traditional office space later on… but we know you won't want to!
Some co-working spaces also offer a 24 hour service with their memberships, making time zones differences or late night projects possible.
Top talking points for you:
- Budget friendly professional space with no commitment costs
- Professional & practical space
- Flexibility to test out new markets
- 24hr access = timezone friendly
You are a consultant or freelancer who has a large corporate client on your roster.
When you are not considered an “employee” for a company, it is unlikely that you have your own space/ dedicated desk in your clients office building. If you are in and out of their offices on consulting sessions or meetings, sometimes you can find yourself working from the lunch room, or taking calls in the hallway. Getting yourself a proper desk at a co-working space nearby is the perfect solution to still be able to easily get to meetings but having a secure/private space to do your day to day work. You’ll do better work, and your client will be happier all around.
Top talking points for you:
- Dedicated space near by
- Distraction free area to get projects done more efficiently
- Professional setting for conference calls / group meetings off site
No matter what kind of mobile/remote worker you are, you have some pretty convincing reasons to ask your employer to pay for your co-working space! Just make sure you are prepared with the right information to show value and benefit to the one writing the check!
Co-working isn’t a trend anymore, it’s the future of remote work. Check out laplacenb.ca to see what options are available for you. Hello, new office!