The way we work has changed dramatically over the past decade. The standard office-based nine to five is no longer quite so standard. In fact, in 2014 a government study revealed that 4.9 million people in the UK work from home. This accounts for 13.9% of the total workforce.
These record figures are due to a number of factors. Changes in technology, business aims, societal expectations and career paths have meant that:
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It’s increasingly common for employees to work remotely at least some of the time
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More and more professionals are choosing to work freelance
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Self-employment and micro business is booming
Working from home can be fantastic, for some. Others find it difficult to adjust to, especially if they’re used to the social aspects of working in an office.
In the past, freelancers, remote workers and micro business owners were often limited in their workspace options by finances. Taking on an office of their own was a financial investment many weren’t ready for and they were often stuck in the home office until their enterprise became significantly bigger.
The good news is that this is no longer the case. The growth of co-working has created a very real alternative to home working, and many have found it’s revolutionised their working lives. And why wouldn’t it? Co-working offers all the freedom and flexibility of working independently with all the benefits of working in an office.
If you’re thinking about taking your business out of the house and into a co-working space, consider the many advantages of coworking.
Here are some of the reasons co-working might be the right choice for you:
1. It'll give you a dedicated work space with fewer distractions
If you find it difficult to ignore the call of last night’s washing up, the TV or family members, you’ll probably find that you’ll be much more productive within a dedicated work environment.
2. You'll feel more professional
There’s a lot to be said for going out to work each day. Not only will it be much more conducive to a good routine, it may also help you feel more business like. This may be very welcome if you struggle to feel ‘legit’ in the face of corporate clients: a professional business address and meeting space could make all the difference.
3. It'll be easier to create separation between life and work
When you work from home, the lines between ‘life’ and ‘work’ tend to get blurred. Investing in a dedicated coworking space will make it much easier to leave work behind at the end of the day.
4. You'll benefit from networking opportunities
One of the best things about utilising a co-working space is the variety of other business owners and freelancers that will be based there. You’re likely to have a plethora of networking opportunities and may even come across a new client or two. Working closely with other professionals is a great opportunity to swap skills, share knowledge and pass on recommendations.
5. It's totally flexible
Just because you sign up for a co-working space doesn’t mean you have to use it every day. One of the major benefits of being freelance or self-employed is the freedom to work where you choose. If you decide you’d rather spend the day at home, in your favourite coffee shop or even on the road: that’s still very much an option.
Co-working is generally an affordable option which means you're unlikely to feel you need to be tied to it five days a week in order to get enough value.
Could co-working be the change you need? Why not arrange a viewing at our thriving co working office, Leeds?
