At its core, a shared workspace is a work environment that allows for more than one individual to share the same physical space. This can mean sharing an office or studio with another person or persons who have similar goals and interests, but it could also mean sharing access to facilities such as conference rooms, kitchens, break rooms, copy machines, etc., all depending on your situation and your needs.
Shared workspaces provide several benefits over working independently. First, they can be more cost-effective than working for yourself or with your own company because you don’t have to pay for the office space, utilities, etc., all by yourself. Second, shared workspaces allow you to interact with others in the same field as you which gives you access to information and advice that could lead to new opportunities. Finally, like any co-working environment (more on that later), one is able to mix their ideas and thinking with those of others; this exchange of knowledge can help generate innovative ideas which might not otherwise come about!
Shared workspace vs. Co-working
The term “shared workspace” refers specifically to a physical location where people interested in entrepreneurship converge so they can work together, collaborate, share experiences and advice, etc. However, any physical location where entrepreneurs can gather is referred to as a co-working space. The main difference between the two terms is that shared workspaces usually cater to specific industries (e.g., tech or creative).
The following are some common different types of shared workspace environments:
1) Co-working Spaces – Co-working spaces are designed for people who like working independently but want access to other people with similar interests throughout the day. These places also offer great networking opportunities because a lot of startup businesses tend to originate from these kinds of work environments. Some examples include WeWork , Regus , and many others .
2) Coworking Hotels – With coworking hotels, people can get a hotel room and have access to the shared workspace environment throughout the day. These come with all of the amenities of being in a hotel but also include free WiFi, refreshments, tools for work, etc., just like a co-working space would. One great example is New Work City which offers coworking spaces that rotate every month.
3) Shared Offices – As the name suggests, shared offices are physical spaces where two or more members of an organization can share their work area. This typically means having access to desks and office furniture which they can use throughout the day (usually in a community environment such as what you would find in an open office), though it could also mean having access to conference rooms and other facilities.
4) Coworking Hotel/Hostels – Similar to the coworking hotel mentioned above, these kinds of spaces provide entrepreneurs with physical places where they can work and stay overnight. Members usually have access to all of the amenities that come with shared workspaces plus they also get a place for them to sleep and eat throughout their stay.
Shared offices are one kind of space that falls under the category of shared workspace.
How Shared Workspaces Benefit Entrepreneurs:
1) Networking Opportunities – One of the most important things to make your business a success is getting it out there. That means you need to meet people who will buy your products or services, and if they like what you do, they might even recommend it to their friends! Fortunately, many of these people are likely to be found in one of the different types of shared workspace environments around town. Plus, because employees and peers at other companies often visit these places (e.g., for meetings and events), you’ll never know who you could end up running into; we’re pretty sure this increases your chances greatly when it comes to networking!
2) An Affordable Option – Let’s face it; the economy isn’t exactly great right now and money can be tight. That means entrepreneurs might try to cut costs anywhere they can, and sometimes they end up spending more than they should because of an inefficient business model or office space. Fortunately, shared workspaces offer a lot of bang for your buck! You’ll usually get access to high-quality equipment and tools at a fraction of the cost you would pay if you were trying to buy everything yourself.
3) Flexible Schedules – Shared workspaces often have different kinds of packages that members can sign up for depending on what their needs are. For example, some spaces give entrepreneurs access just during specific hours while others let them come and go as they please. So, even if you work best during different times of the day than your business partners, you should be fine!
4) Transportation Benefits – Some shared workspaces are located in places where it can get pretty difficult to commute (e.g., for reasons like traffic congestion). Fortunately, many provide transportation services for their members who might otherwise have a hard time reaching them by car or public transport. If yours doesn’t, see how much certain transport providers would charge you if they were to take you there; it’s likely that your membership fees will cover this expense!
5) Efficiency Boosts – When entrepreneurs use spaces like these correctly, it’s amazing how much more efficient they can become! For example, many shared workspaces are designed with productivity in mind, which means you can get more done without wasting time. Plus, these places often provide several facilities aimed at helping entrepreneurs stay organized (e.g., meeting rooms and stationery), so they’ll never have to worry about losing important documents or forgetting their duties!
Are You Ready to Find Your New Shared Workspace?
Victory Workspace has been serving professionals in the Walnut Creek, California area for over ten years. We offer a large variety of safe coworking spaces, short-term office rentals, meeting rooms and welcoming event space with plenty of free parking for you or your guests, all in the center of historic downtwon. All that while providing our clients with daily opportunities to network with other business-minded professionals just like you! To learn more, set up your free tour, or inquire about which one of our services might be right for you, reach out to one of our amazing Community Guides at Victory Workspace for more information.
Leave a Reply