There are now numerous options available that cater to all types of businesses. Regarding the duration of facility usage, it can range from annual (or longer) rentals to monthly, weekly, or even daily access. Access may be limited in terms of hours or available 24/7, depending on the coworking space.
These are not the only differentiating criteria you can consider before choosing your coworking space because, even if you find all the options in terms of pricing, it's the included services that can make the difference. Most spaces offer access to adaptable meeting rooms, coffee machines, or a restaurant/cafeteria, printers/scanners, internet connection, and even fitness/relaxation areas or access to a rooftop.
Reasons for coworking
Coworking primarily provides a workspace, avoids isolation at home all the time, separates professional and personal life, and offers a friendly working atmosphere. This is particularly sought after by freelancers/independents/entrepreneurs who can quickly lose motivation from working at home or be distracted by various temptations. Some places organize events so that entrepreneurs can meet partners/clients or simply maintain their network through other businesses in the coworking space. The synergy at the heart of coworking is a real boon for those who work there.
It has the advantage of often having flexible terms. Traditional leases can be very restrictive, whether because your company can quickly grow and the premises become too small, or conversely, your company experiences cash flow difficulties and you need to either downsize your team or cut costs.
Services and their maintenance often don't have to be managed (or paid for) by the manager and are therefore included in the price, which is also a strong argument for joining a coworking space. Some places offer access to multiple networks (which saves you from managing breakdowns, for example) or, as we mentioned, a range of rooms/equipment.
It also proves to be cheaper than another solution, particularly because some want to promote telecommuting or other reasons related to your profession that mean your in-office team may vary. Coworking often offers daily packages for certain positions, which is a significant budget advantage.
Access to multiple coworking spaces located throughout France is sometimes possible, which is very convenient when your teams are spread across the country or frequently traveling. They can have a space near their home or near a location where they have appointments.
What are the reservations?
Overall, coworking is generally more expensive than having your own premises since it doesn't tie you down in terms of time. However, you should take into account all the parameters, especially the services, before making your decision on this criterion because the solution can sometimes be more cost-effective, particularly when considering consumables. Coworking benefits from collective purchasing, which is generally not the case for an isolated business.
The difficulty in personalizing the space can also make some hesitant to use coworking. For example, you may not be able to change the decoration or even be prohibited from personalizing your space. Some aficionados of customizing spaces may not find it suitable.
Mixing with other teams may also not appeal to you. Some managers prefer that the company culture is constantly instilled and that their employees stay among themselves rather than mixing with other teams.
The advantages of coworking make it a very popular solution today but depend heavily on your management style and sometimes your desire to see your employees in your premises every day.
