Why Does Coworking Work?

Why Does Coworking Work? 
by: Brian Bassett 

For many startups, self employed, and even remote workers at big businesses, the prospect of going it alone can seem daunting. Even the most focused individual can get distracted while on their own.  While no one likes having someone stare over their shoulder, the general accountability that offices provide can really help.

In a building full of turbo charged entrepreneurs, individual productivity can rise dramatically - even as individuals are networking with others.  Coffee shops, libraries, squatting at friends’ offices or at home provide respite – but no place provides the motivation to work smarter than a coworking space. Three of the biggest roadblocks for most independent workers are low productivity, less chance of networking and social isolation.  In the latest Global Coworking Survey, 80% of co-workers said their business network had grown, 75% reported an increase in productivity, while 86% said their feelings of isolation had decreased.
Here’s some reasons why coworking works:

It’s Dynamic: There’s a feeling of entrepreneurship among the participants.  With other people hard at work and focused on their own passions, it’s easy to be excited about one’s own projects and plans and work to achieve them oneself.

Fewer Distractions: Comparatively, there’s much less distraction in a coworking space than at home or in coffee shops or libraries.  While there might be a number of other individuals around talking or walking to the water cooler,overall there are far fewer distractions since everyone is focused on their own work, but providing that general sense of being “at work.”

Motivation: Seeing others hard at work on their own projects and seeking to meet their own goals, it is personally motivating to kick oneself into gear. It also allows for personal encouragement (“I can do this!”) by sharing in the successes of others along the way.

Organization: Some find it important separate work from the rest of their life and so this can improve organization and work flow.  Physically getting out of the house helps to focus the time spent at the coworking space.  It also fosters that the co-worker only bring “what they need” to the space.

Collaboration:  With many people across varied disciplines, coworkers can talk with their new friends to tell them what about their projects or get some advice. Coworkers might be chatting with the very person who can provide the right input to finish a project, or uncover a new one.

Resources: Big businesses have accounting, sales, marketing, product development and support departments because they allow them to maximize their varied talent. Coworking spaces have wide sets of skills too (graphic designers, copywriters, programmers, etc.) so there’s always ways to build new startups products from new relationships.