With The Rise of Remote Work, Is Co-Working Right For Me?

By Moon Harper

Apr 22, 2024 12:57 AM EDT

Coworking spaces, modern alternatives to traditional offices, help professionals work collaboratively or independently amid the rising trend of remote work, freelancing, and entrepreneurship.

How to Find a Coworking Space?

The easiest way to locate a coworking space is to enter the keyword into Google Maps and search for a nearby location.

An alternative and creative approach to finding a coworking space is through Facebook groups. Unlike review sites, where paid reviews are common, Facebook groups tend to feature more authentic opinions. Join a digital nomad or remote worker community in your desired city, and post a query asking for recommendations on the best coworking spaces to join.

Coworking Space Benefits

Here are some reasons why working from a coworking space could be beneficial:

Networking opportunities. Sampada Chaudhari, a business and career transition coach, shared that while coworking, she met fellow business owners from diverse fields, age groups, and educational backgrounds with whom she exchanged business experiences, challenges, and helpful tech tools, which broadened her worldview and proved incredibly enriching. Even for those with limited time for socializing during work hours, many coworking spaces host networking events outside regular hours, providing opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who may become project collaborators or business partners.
Startups need flexibility to scale. Eva Chan, a senior career expert at Resume Genius who owns a coworking location named Spaces in Taiwan, highlighted the flexibility of coworking spaces. These spaces are particularly beneficial for growing startups and small businesses, allowing you to adjust your space according to your team's growth without being tied to a conventional lease.
Amenities and perks. Coworking spaces provide a shift from a home office monotony that fosters a creative environment. In popular digital nomad destinations like Bali, Indonesia, or Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, some coworking spaces offer amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, yoga rooms, and on-site accommodations to enhance work-life balance.
Reduced feelings of loneliness. Working from home can become isolating, particularly for self-employed people who lack coworkers. According to a recent survey by Harvard Business Review, 64% of respondents found working from a third space, like a coworking site, to be more socially fulfilling than working in an office. Additionally, 67% said it was more fulfilling than working from home.

Coworking Space Drawbacks

Noise and distractions. Due to their dynamic open-plan layout, coworking spaces often foster social interactions that may disrupt focus, especially for those easily distracted by others. Unless you opt for a private office, coworking spaces may not be ideal if you prioritize uninterrupted work.
Lack of privacy. Another drawback of coworking spaces is the limited privacy they offer. While some spaces provide amenities like phone booths or conference rooms that can be reserved by the hour, the competition for access to these facilities can be stressful. Kathy Robinson, a career coach and president of CXO Directions, an executive branding and career strategy agency, highlighted the challenges of conducting long Zoom calls in cramped phone booths, leading to poor posture and frustration.
Safety concerns. When working from home, you typically trust that your laptop and phone will remain in place when you step away, like to the bathroom. However, in a coworking space, due to the transient nature of many individuals, you may need to secure your belongings by finding a locker, asking someone to keep an eye on them, or simply hoping they will not be disturbed. Kathy Robinson advises checking for security cameras in communal areas before committing to a coworking space. If you must leave your belongings at your desk, ask someone you trust to watch over them.
It can be expensive. If you are on a tight budget, working from a cafe or public library might be a more financially viable option.