Coworking Growth // Debunking 5 Popular Myths about Coworking

Coworking Growth // Debunking 5 Popular Myths about Coworking

In recent years coworking spaces, have surged in popularity. In fact, many people are now choosing flex space precisely for the benefits it brings their employees and businesses — including flexible growth options, an innovative and creative atmosphere, and the chance to be part of a vibrant professional community.

The term ‘coworking’ has become a global buzzword when not long ago, it was considered a fad by many. Studies surrounding shared workspaces worldwide have shown the number of spaces is projected to reach 25,968 by 2022 – an increase of 42 percent from 2019. 

Considering those numbers, the shared workspace movement has surpassed trend status and landed in the mainstream.

Yet, some people still think coworking offices are just for certain types of people or businesses. If you’re thinking about new office space and you think flex offices are not for you, it’s definitely worth considering what’s quickly becoming the first option of choice for all different types of businesses.

Here are the top myths about coworking, debunked, so you can have the full picture of flexible space and make the right decision about the office space that’s best for you.

Myth #1: All Coworking Spaces are pretty much the Same

While it may appear that all coworking spaces look the same and offer the same service, in fact, there are definite differences. 

These include differences in location, the level of service, the level of health and safety standards, and the overall feel delivered by different providers. All flex spaces are not created equal.

Coworking spaces vary widely from place to place. So, if you find that one isn’t to your taste, just try another. The “vibes”, levels of social interaction, and levels of community vary quite a bit from place to place.

It’s always important to research before you make a commitment. If you value flexibility, there’s a shared workspace just for you.

If you want more space for the growth of your company, you’ll be able to find somewhere to accommodate you. 

And, if you’re interested in a space that is environmentally conscious, it’s out there too!

Check out also the Top 10 Best Coworking Spaces to see how even with the same concept, the architectural designs are still vastly different.

Myth #2: It’s just for freelancers and startups

Although the coworking movement does have its roots in the early ‘hacker collectives’ of the 1990’s and was initially popular with tech folks, startups, and freelancers, today, many of the world’s largest corporations are quickly moving into the coworking offices spaces. 

Find out why these top 7 new ventures should opt for a coworking

Some of the companies globally that can be found in the flex space include giants such as Microsoft, Samsung, McDonald’s, and Barclays Bank. In a space like Nairobi Garage, some Global Brands like Abbot, Mastercard Foundation, and Weber Shandwick also operate from coworking spaces. Why are they there? Because they’re drawn to some of the clear benefits of being in a flex space that include:

People: Employees love the atmosphere and cool vibe of coworking, and are happier and therefore work better as a result. 

Flexibility: Businesses can enjoy more flexibility with their real estate needs and realize some fantastic cost savings. They avoid all the associated costs of being locked into a space that is too big or too small for their changing needs and benefits from the ability to grow (or shrink) in their space as they need.

Innovation: Flex spaces are known for their innovative and creative environments. There are definite business pluses to being surrounded by other creative, energetic people, and the networking and serendipitous business opportunities that can occur can’t be underestimated — even when taking a quick coffee break.

Many enterprise companies are relocating some of their teams to flex spaces so they can enjoy the benefit of being surrounded by startups and innovative tech companies, instead of remaining in their regular, ‘grey’ corporate office environment.

To be sure, many flex spaces still do retain the energetic startup culture of the early years — but for many, this is just another benefit to add to the list.

Myth #3: It’s expensive and unexpandable

This is simply untrue! At a coworking space, you can rent based on daily, weekly, or monthly rates instead of an annual lease. 

Flexibility is a strong suit, so, this way, if your company hires more over the next few months, you don’t have to go find a new office to sit in, but just rent an extra desk in the same space.

Coworking spaces also offer a range of office space packages that enable choose that which fits your business. If you are unsure of what to pick, you can check out some of the packages Nairobi Garage has to offer here. For as low as Kshs 2000, you can access the space and work for a day.

In most cases, you’ll be paying based on factors like the location of your desk, the number of employees, and as mentioned on rates of your choice.

Some big companies embrace the coworking culture as they are able to outsource certain business functions and spaces because they lack the human resources to do it in-house.

You also have the added opportunity of networking within the shared office space, perhaps even find your next employee or investor. Oh, and did we mention weekly events, yet? With the option of using a larger space, you can hold seminars and networking sessions as well.

Myth #4: Coworking spaces lack privacy and could be unsafe

In a shared space with many other companies working alongside yours, it’s understandable that confidentiality may be an issue. This could also pose a threat to your company culture as well.

However, there is the option of getting a designated workspace for your employees. This means that having your own space, in the midst of the collaborative network just outside your door, is still a possible option.

Though a valid concern, it is a factor that you still can be in complete control of, and just like a typical office building, coworking spaces also have surveillance cameras scattered around to ensure the safety of belongings and your employees. 

Some coworking spaces might also require some sort of identification before allowing access. In fact, Nairobi Garage has biometrics and access cards given to all its members for their spaces. They also have highly-trained security guards that help in ensuring the safety of the members. Rest assured that these spaces are safe and secure.

Today, in 2021, you may be asking how coworking spaces and companies that use them survive especially in the era of COVID19.

Nairobi Garage has been at the forefront of enforcing that the COVID-19 Precautions are still followed. including wearing masks. We also recently introduced a new product the FlexiOffice Space that allows the use of a hybrid office in order to keep their employees safe. 

This ensures adequate social distancing and allows those who need to be in the office to come back safely.

Myth #5: Coworking spaces are too noisy and disruptive

Coworking spaces are populated by professional individuals with an awareness that everyone is there to do their job.

In an environment full of like-minded people focused on completing their tasks or projects, consideration is taken to keep noise at the appropriate level for conducting business. 

Plus, with community memberships that allow workers to connect with each other, you can get to know the people you’re working around, building meaningful relationships and fostering a respectful working environment free of distraction. 

For those who find it difficult to concentrate from a home office rife with personal distractions, you may be pleasantly surprised to see your productivity increase in a shared workspace.

Placing yourself in a new environment with boundaries between your work and personal life is more conducive to professional focus and creativity.

In conclusion, compared to a number of trends, coworking is a relatively young idea & is frequently misunderstood, but identifying and debunking these popular myths illustrates the broader value of a shared workspace. 

At Nairobi Garage, our modern coworking facilities provide flexible workspace solutions. Whether your company is established or just beginning, medium-sized, or a solo operation, we offer membership plans that provide high quality and excellent value. 

Call us today or schedule a tour here and learn more about coworking.