The prospect of sharing office space goes against every corporate custom and tradition. It seems to defy the very concept of productivity itself. How can anybody be expected to put in a top performance when sharing an environment with strangers? Surely, any form of coworking is primarily defined by interruption and distraction.
It’s a valid concern. Fortunately, it’s one that the business world has explored extensively over the last five years. As the popularity of coworking has soared in Australia, researchers have put its claims to the test. The majority have found that, when operating from a coworking space, freelancers and other flexible workers are actually twice as productive.
Keep reading to find out why this is the case and what coworking spaces can do to strengthen your sole proprietorship.
The Freedom to Thrive
One of the most interesting benefits of coworking, as reported by researchers, is an increased sense of self. For freelancers, in particular, sharing office space with a diverse range of people leads to less conflict. There is a reduced need for internal rivalry and competition because there’s no singular goal. It is a collective, an organic community of creators and thinkers.
These benefits are felt even when tenants are moving from a home-based operation, as opposed to a more traditional company. For instance, freelancers in coworking spaces frequently discuss their work with those who are unfamiliar with it. These opportunities to articulate and self-represent can end up boosting confidence and providing clarity.
The Freedom to Choose
The best coworking facilities in Australia are accessible 24/7. It means freelancers get to structure their routines in whatever way they like. If you feel sluggish during the day but come alive in the evening, you can shape your day to reflect this. If you’ve got a major deadline to meet, there’s no worry the office will shut up shop before you’re finished.
This sense of freedom is very valuable, as the old traditions don’t make room for personal variation. Not everybody is going to feel inspired at 9 am after a busy commute. Similarly, not everybody wants to take a long lunch break in the middle of the day, especially if it’s a prime time for creativity. With coworking, the tenant is always in control.
The Freedom to Collaborate
Sharing office space and resources is also a great way to meet new people. When you’re a freelancer, connections are everything. You depend upon a network of clients, contacts, and referrers to keep the jobs coming. When you co-work, plugging into new networks is easy. There are writers, designers, marketers, developers, coders, and more, all in one environment.
In fact, it’s common for coworking tenants to offer an exchange of skills. For instance, you might be able to write an excellent piece of SEO copy. If another tenant needs this, they could give you a valuable skill in exchange, such as web building or financial advice. It’s entirely possible that the next person you meet is your ticket to success.
How to Find a Great Coworking Space in Australia
If you want to find the best coworking facilities, consider a move to one of the major Australian cities. These regions are very popular with prime providers, as they put tenants right at the heart of the action. This is where you’ll get the most interest from sponsors and investors.
It will also put you close to consumers, as most coworking spaces are located in or around retail districts. Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane are all home to some fantastic facilities, so you’ve got a lot of options. Make sure to choose a lively, thriving neighbourhood.
