Increasingly sophisticated technology plus a global pandemic has equaled to fewer people working in a traditional office environment than ever before. And for those who don’t work in a traditional office anymore, the big question has come down to coworking space vs. work from home.
Lately, coworking and flexible office space are becoming much more prevalent for small business owners, solopreneurs, employees, and remote workers.
But ultimately, each person or employer has to consider their needs to decide which is best for their situation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering a coworking space vs. working from home.
Work from Home Pros and Cons
By now, most people have experienced working from home in some capacity. But is it sustainable in the long term?
It ultimately boils down to what you want.
Pros:
- No commute means increased personal or flex time and decreased transportation costs.
- Comfortable, familiar environment.
- Increased autonomy over time, tasks, and schedule.
- Fewer interruptions and wasted time with meetings or casual chit-chat.
- Ability to take care of personal tasks such as laundry or cooking during the day.
Cons:
- Little to no socialization or interpersonal connection.
- Difficult to separate home and work life. It’s easy to get caught up in personal tasks or chores—if you struggle with this, check out our 13 ways to keep work-life balance while working from home.
- Poor tech or office services—i.e., spotty internet, no printer, lack of meeting space.
Coworking Space Pros and Cons
Coworking spaces are new to many professionals, though they’re increasing in popularity due to their flexible options, including dedicated desks, private offices, or open coworking areas.
In addition to workspace, coworking memberships can give you access to virtual office services, office amenities, and events.
Like working from home, there are both pros and cons to coworking spaces.
Pros:
- Opportunity for socialization and professional networking.
- Access to office services—printing, stable internet, meeting space, presentation A/V equipment, etc. Let’s face it, coffee shops don’t cut it for professional meetings—you need access to a professional space!
- Physical separation from home and office, making it easier to establish a work-life balance.
- Benefit from the power of having a routine by getting out of the house, changing out of your sweatpants, and going to a physical workspace.
- Increased motivation working alongside other professionals.
- Better concentration and focus in a space designed for productivity.
Cons:
- Distractions from working in a shared space with other people.
- Need to commute to the coworking space.
Coworking Space vs. Work From Home: What’s Best?
Coworking spaces and home offices are both great options. It just depends on what you’re looking for. In general, though, choose a coworking space if:
- You’re looking for socialization and networking opportunities.
- You find it hard to separate your work life from your home life.
- You need professional services like meeting rooms, printing, or virtual office services.
- You enjoy collaborating with other like-minded professionals.
- You thrive off of routine and getting out of the house.
- You are easily distracted by tasks and chores around the house.
- You are looking for a creativity boost that comes from a change of scenery.
- You’re any of these 11 types of people who would thrive at a coworking space!
Alternately, you might choose to work from home if:
- You don’t want to commute.
- You prefer to be close and available to your family and children.
- You enjoy being in your own space and find it better for productivity and focus.
The debate between a coworking space vs. work from home has no right or wrong answer—it’s about what works for you and helps you be productive, creative, and motivated at work.
For some people, it might not be coworking space vs. work from home, but a hybrid arrangement of the two. There are some big benefits to escaping your home office each week, even if just for a day or two. Coworking spaces are designed to be flexible to suit your needs. So, if you just want to check it out or work just one or two days a week, you could try a coworking day pass.
If you’re looking to get out of your home office and into a coworking space where your business will thrive, book a tour of The Post and come see what we have to offer.