by Sudeep Singh
A style of work that involves a shared workspace and an upbeat, collaborative atmosphere is how people have defined coworking spaces in the past. Not only has the segment seen a boom in recent times, but it is also set for an aggressive transformation as it builds its strategy to attract todays millennial generation.
From solopreneurs to startups, to multinationals, coworking has been opted by almost every sector. As a result, each section of coworkers come with their own set of demands which can be fulfilled only with tailored offerings. As the industry revamps itself, here are a few reasons for you to cowork.
Cut costs to save for the expenses that matter
Opting for coworking spaces is at least 15-20% cheaper than leasing an office. One can easily cut down on infrastructural and tech expenses, which saves big moolah for startups and small and medium businesses (SMBs) in a long-run. Besides good quality infrastructure, hyper connectivity solutions, cloud credits and VC rooms, businesses can also avail other benefits like logistic maintenance and concierge services, which help them reduce administrative manpower, cost and downtime.
Built-to-suit workspace
Coworking campuses have emerged as a preferred choice of MNCs for setting up their satellite and regional offices. Given the specific requirement of Corporates, many coworking players are today offering Build-to-suit spaces which are customized as per the need of MNCs and their millennial employees. As a result, the corporate giants save a lot of money while operating in a good infrastructure that matches up to their global standards. Many MNCs are also eyeing these spaces to host their large events as these spaces have an amalgamation of the new age workforce.
Holistic wellness for new-age entrepreneurs
Modern coworking spaces have taken it upon themselves to nurture the emerging entrepreneurs who are known to be suffering from work stress. These spaces offer amenities like fancy cafeteria, brewery, gaming courts, gyms, frustration zones, meditation zones, spas etc. Coworking space providers are also taking care of holistic wellness of the employees and have introduced an array of services like wellness sessions, personal counselling sessions and innovative sleeping pods with a bed chamber and TV where one can de-stress beside the resident pets of these campuses.
Ease of working for women entrepreneurs
Coworking spaces are helping women entrepreneurs work freely without having to worry about their kids. Facilities like crèche, pet care and women oriented counselling sessions make women work more efficiently. Not only has this been helpful for women entrepreneurs, but also helps single fathers to maintain a work life balance. The assurance of strong network connectivity and safe environment in office at all hours of the day is another leading factor that attracts the female talent from small cities and makes them feel secure at work as these spaces are present at prime locations.
Increase in growth opportunites
Being startup incubators, coworking spaces attract a number of investors and industry experts and accelerators who add potential to the businesses that operate in the campuses. They help startups to keep up with modern disruptions through workshops and hackathons. Many industry experts and mentors come to these spaces to provide financial and legal guidance to entrepreneurs. This helps these entrepreneurs to collaborate on a global level, while seeking new business opportunities.
Given these reasons, it is no wonder that the coworking movement is taking shape in a big way across the country. These are exciting times to be a part of it, and it is only a matter of time before it shapes the future of work itself.
Sudeep Singh is the Chief Evangelist and CEO at GoWork, worlds largest coworking campus.