Deliberating between a conventional office and a flexible office (aka coworking space)? This is a must-read for you. In recent years, flexible offices have surged in popularity. However, there are still commonly held misconceptions around the concept of coworking. I’m here to shed some light on coworking myths, so you can make a better decision about the office space that’s best for you.
Here are the 6 biggest coworking myths debunked:
1. Coworking spaces are not private
Some people still hold on to the belief that coworking is about sitting at a desk in an open café-type environment, but this isn’t true at all. More and more companies are choosing to have their own private offices within a larger coworking space, complete with their own branding and identity.
Large companies can even have an entire purpose-built private floor just for them in coworking spaces, a.k.a enterprise suites. In my work as a flex workspace specialist, we’ve helped put MNCs in spaces like that for up to numbers of 500 staff.
On the other end of the spectrum, even if you’re self-employed or run a small company, you can get a 1 – 2 pax private coworking office as an anchor space to be productive and present a corporate image. Yet, you retain access to an array of common facilities like lounges, meeting rooms, game rooms, phone booths, kitchens, libraries, events etc. This equals the best of both worlds – privacy while still reaping the many benefits of coworking.
2. Coworking spaces are only for freelancers
Years ago, it was often the case that freelancers and digital nomads in the gig economy made up most of those using coworking spaces, This demographic has shifted radically. As I’ve mentioned, these days many corporations of all sizes are recognizing the value of flexibility and moving into coworking spaces.
The inclusive and diverse nature of coworking is one of its attractive plus points – presenting opportunities to meet professionals from varied industries and skills under one roof.
3. Coworking spaces are unprofessional
Think that coworking is for those who can’t afford a ‘real office’? Well think again. Do companies like Amazon and Microsoft seem poor to you?
Many coworking spaces come with professional perks such as:
- Being located in a central, highly desirable building
- Welcome reception with in-house staff
- Premium office fit-outs and ergonomic chairs
- Well-designed interiors and workspaces
- Mail handling services
- Daily housekeeping
- Large meeting rooms and event spaces
Furthermore, in today’s world, being in a flex space has become a flex…pun intended 🙂 It positions a company as a modern, forward-looking, and innovative place of business.
I often hear visitors to coworking spaces exclaim, “this place is so cool! I want to work here!” It also helps in attracting and retaining top talent – research shows millennials overwhelmingly favour fun and dynamic coworking offices over stiff and traditional ones.
4. Coworking spaces are more expensive
Contrary to popular belief, flex office space can actually save as much as 26% per employee over five years. Consider that when you rent your own office space and set it up, you have to account for a seemingly endless list of expenses — furniture, design, office equipment, internet, utilities, management fees, cleaning, insurance, taxes and a myriad of other headaches.
At a flex space, all amenities and benefits are defined upfront and included in the price — you know exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost. Plus, you don’t have to designate the staff or the time to manage all the details involved with running an office every day. At a flex space, it’s all taken care of for you, even the weekly happy hours 😉
5. Coworking spaces are all the same
Not every coworking space is like a WeWork alright? Welcome to a whole new world. There are as many types of coworking spaces as there are 1 to 5 star hotels.
They vary in design and ambiance, their range of amenities, and the level of investment made in their member community. There are local providers, there are those with a regional, or global presence. Whether you’re looking for a premium level of service, a creative vibe or something basic and functional, there is surely one that will meet your needs.
See my guide to 50 best coworking spaces in Singapore.
6. Coworking spaces can only be found in the CBD
Nope, coworking is in fact a flourishing industry – there are actually tons of hidden gems out there in other areas too. And let’s face it, post-pandemic, many people want the flexibility to work closer to home. Check out my guide to coworking spaces in the East, West and Orchard Road of Singapore.
These coworking myths are quickly falling away as the industry grows at a phenomenal rate.
Are you now more convinced about how coworking could be a viable option? If you want to explore finding your own flexible office space, I’m the best person to help! Send me an enquiry here.
What do you think?