Why Coworking Is The Future of Work

A Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate tells us that by the year 2020, up to 40% of the American labor force will be earning a living through freelancing, temporary work, solo careers and independent contracting. This is a far cry compared with traditional work environment where people are confined into cubicles throughout the day, working for the same institution. These days, individuals are becoming more creative and flexible with how they make money.

Coworking is the future. It was initially thought that coworking spaces only benefited homebased businesses. However, trends indicate a significant increase in the use of coworking spaces these past years. Looking closer, it is worth-noting that customers are coming from different fields of industry.

Freelancers, entrepreneurs, startup owners, large corporation employees, and remote workers are moving to coworking spaces in record numbers. Comfy vibe and fast WiFi are definitely among the most obvious perks but as you will read here, there's more to coworking than that.

Here are some of the reasons why a lot of professionals are convinced that coworking is the future:

#1. Opportunity for growth

Case in point, working in your own personal space means you'll be working in solitude the entire time. Of course, this can lead to the problem of social isolation.

You can expect a different experience when you use coworking spaces.

Besides, these locations offer a motivational and supportive environment. Even without having to speak to each other about personal projects, members can draw energy from one another.

Without in-office competition among coworkers engaged in the same task, coworking members can thrive in a pressure-free setting. You get to meet new friends and expand your professional network at the same time. This can lead to meaningful connections and may even open doors of opportunities for your career.

#2. Strong sense of work identity

The nature of coworking spaces is that they contain a blend of individuals working on various business functions under companies involved in various sectors. By getting to know what everyone is doing, individuals cultivate a sense of worth and relevance in the work they do.

As a hot desk user, for example, you could be sitting beside a graphic designer one day and a medical professional the next. Simply put, the coworking workplace can be unpredictable and exciting each day.

In a 2015 Harvard Business Review article, we read:

"Because there is little direct competition or internal politics, (coworking space customers) don’t feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in. Working amidst people doing different kinds of work can also make one’s own work identity stronger."

#3. Better work and life balance

The flexibility of coworking spaces allow individuals to choose their own working hours, something that might not be possible in a traditional office setting. Instead of taking work home or maintaining a strict work routine, it's possible to schedule your working hours depending on when you feel most productive. As a result, you end up finishing your tasks faster and you get to spend more quality time with your family later on.

Coworking not only benefits employees; employers have also realized that with less control of what an individual does with their time, they get better results. Hiring workers without the need to provide office space is not only cost effective but liberating. As both employees and employers warm up to this new way of getting work done, it is only a matter of time before the office as we know it loses its general appeal. 

Truly, coworking is the future of work.

If you're in New York City, The Farm SoHo is the place to go for affordable coworking spaces. Our packages are flexible enough to match your budget range. You can check out our Day Pass, Hot Desk, or Dedicated Desk offers. For groups, we also have Private Office and Enterprise Office options. We even have Virtual Mailbox services for those interested to get some help in terms of mail and parcel management.

Work has never felt better at The Farm Soho so please don't hesitate to drop by for a visit. We'd gladly show you around and explain how our services can benefit you. Whether you're looking for a coworking space for a day or a month, we're ready to accommodate you. Call us up at (917) 722-5027 or send us an email via [email protected] for your inquiries.

Meanwhile, enjoy our infographic below and please feel free to share.