If you manage remote employees, you might be wondering if it’s worth sending them to a coworking space. After all, coworking spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they offer a number of benefits for workers.
On the other hand, there are some potential downsides to consider as well. Here’s a look at both the pros and cons of coworking spaces to help you decide whether or not sending your remote employees to a coworking space is right for your business.
Pros of Sending Remote Employees to a Coworking Space
Coworking spaces offer many benefits. For one thing, it can help them feel more connected to their work and to other people. Working from home can be isolating, and going to a coworking space can help alleviate that feeling and provide face-to-face interactions and a healthy work-life balance that is good for their mental health.
In addition, coworking spaces tend to have a lot of amenities that can make working more enjoyable. For example, many coworking spaces have coffee bars, comfortable seating areas, conference rooms, dedicated desks or hot desks, and other perks that can make the workday more pleasant. And some coworking spaces even offer events and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for employees.
Another big advantage of coworking spaces is that they can help employees focus and be more productive. With remote work, there are often distractions like family members, pets, phone calls, and household chores that can get in the way of work. But in a coworking space, employees can benefit from a quiet, professional environment that’s conducive to getting work done and increases productivity. The ability to work at their own time with no office hours, office politics, and doors that are open 24 7 can also be an added benefit.
Cons of Sending Remote Employees to a Coworking Space
There are a few potential downsides to sending your remote employees to a coworking space as well. For one thing, it can be more expensive than having them work from home. Coworking spaces typically charge monthly membership fees, and those fees can add up if you have multiple employees working from a coworking space.
Another potential downside is that coworking spaces might not be available in all areas. So if you have remote employees spread out across the country, it might not be practical or possible to send them all to a coworking space.
Finally, there’s the issue of security. While it is possible for security breaches to occur in shared spaces, the likelihood of this happening is very low. So if you’re concerned about keeping your business data safe, you can rest assured that your remote employees working from a coworking space will be just as safe as if they were working from their home office.
What to consider before allowing employees to work in a co-working space
When considering a proposal for employees to work from a remote location, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First, make sure that the rationale for the request is well-thought-out and backed by data. This includes considering factors such as cost, productivity, and company culture.
Next, think about how this change might impact your company policies, specifically in regard to confidential information and the use of company equipment.
Additionally, it is important to establish clear performance standards and expectations for remote workers.
Lastly, take into account the employees’ previous work history and responsibilities when making a decision about this request. Doing so will help ensure that the employees are set up for success if they are allowed to work from a remote location.
Visit the co-working space
When considering a co-working space for your company, it’s important to visit the space in person and assess the atmosphere. Things to keep in mind include:
-The safety and security of the space
-The cleanliness of the bathrooms and communal areas
-The overall noise level
-The space’s policies on sexual harassment and discrimination
If you manage workers who are located in different buildings or cities, a coworking plan may help them feel more connected to each other without the long-term expense of renting traditional office space. You may need to implement new policies to protect confidential information or provide additional training for leaders if your company is not used to managing employees in a shared space.
Research shows that 97.6 percent of remote workers would like to work remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers. Therefore, it may be time for companies to get comfortable with co-working offices.
Making the Decision to Allow Your Remote Workers to Cowork
As you can see, there are pros and cons to sending your remote employees to a coworking space. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what’s best for your business. If you think it would be beneficial for your employees, then it’s worth considering. But if you have concerns about cost or have a lot of people to consider, then you might want to keep them working from home.
If you’re searching for a more collaborative, affordable, and flexible way to work, a coworking space may be the right solution for you. With so many benefits and attractive amenities, it’s no wonder that coworking spaces have become increasingly popular all over the world. If you’re interested in learning more about coworking near Chicago or coworking in Wilmette, be sure to reach out to A Space 2 Work. We can help you find the perfect space for your needs and budget, and ensure that your business thrives regardless of your industry.
