Coworking Myths – Busted!

There are many misconceptions out there, so let's dispel some coworking myths!

Coworking may seem like a common term in some areas, but others are still learning the benefits. Recently, a company booked the event space at Focal Point Coworking for a leadership retreat. Although Asheville has a few coworking spaces, the visitors were unfamiliar with the concept and had different ideas of what it entailed. When the out-of-state professionals saw the mix of private, semi-private and shared workspaces, the amenities, events held, and the meeting room space, they learned coworking is much more that what they had imagined.

When coworking first began, it was a simple way for startups to share space and cut costs. Over time, it has evolved in many directions to suit more and more business professionals. Misconceptions do exist around the coworking concept. What was true ten or even five years ago no longer applies to the dynamic and varied coworking spaces today.

This is one of the most common coworking myths, since tech startups certainly use coworking spaces. However, more and more types of companies, freelancers and remote workers have realized the benefits. The diversity of company sizes within coworking spaces is increasing rapidly as their marketplace expands. The company can have branches in multiple locations without excessive overhead but with all the tools and professional benefits already in place. 

Although you may see big box coworking skyscrapers in large cities (and in the news), the true growth of the coworking movement is in smaller cities and communities. Contrary to this coworking myth, more niche and boutique-style spaces are opening with the exact needs of the local community in mind. Those smaller spaces can adapt more easily and provide better benefits to the residents, working with community members to become the ideal space. 

Envisioning people around a ping-pong table, laughing from beanbag chairs, or crowded around a table? Time to visit a couple of spaces and see what’s new. Some areas may have people collaborating or even relaxing, music may be playing, but the majority of coworking members report high levels of productivity. For the worker who needs quiet, private offices are available within coworking spaces. You’ll also see small meeting rooms, phone booths and other spaces ideal for taking conference calls without distraction.

If you have lots of employees, it may be best. But for a small business, the overhead costs of your office rental could break the bank. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a rental that includes Wi-fi, coffee, printing, cleaning services and a built-in community of talented professionals! The networking perks are surprising. Until you join a coworking space, you won’t realize the value of having writers, coders, nonprofit project managers, businesses coaches, accountants… so many minds right there to help you or guide you in your business pursuits.

Consider the alternatives – working in a busy coffee shop, where space is lacking. You need to buy a $4 coffee every couple of hours. Wi-fi isn’t consistent or particularly fast. And when you get up to use the restroom, you worry about the safety of your belongings. To top it all off, you never know what will happen or who will walk in. For the price of a coffee a day, you can join a coworking space and instantly solve all those issues.