Coworking and Flexible Office Space Myths

Coworking myths are growing in abundance almost as fast as the industry itself is growing. There are quite a few misconceptions about this industry and how ‘productive’ someone can be when they choose to work out of a coworking or flexible office space. To help clarify, we’ve put together an infographic that addresses some of the more common myths associated with coworking.

Popular myths about coworking and flexible office suites include:

• Only startups and tech bros use coworking / flexible office suites  

There is a lot of diversity in coworking and flexible office spaces, from ages to genders to professional industries. General coworking spaces will have diversity of all types while niche spaces can cater to women only, specific industries, and even offer amenities like free beer and artistic creative tools for modern artists. Coworking spaces have evolved to fit the new era of remote workers.

• It’s just like working at a coffee shop or at home, only more expensive. 

Remember the last time you tried to do work at a coffee shop and were constantly interrupted by a group of people having a lively conversation over lattes? Coworking spaces may have coffee, but they’re zones of productivity, not neighborhood gathering places.

• There is no privacy.  

Coworking spaces and flexible office providers actually offer more private offices and office suites for teams than seats in wide open areas. In addition to private offices and team suites, many offer segmented, secluded areas for you to work with a small team or private phone booths if you need to speak with a client or coworker. Remember, everyone is there to work, so although there can be noise, the space is also filled with professionals

• Only freelancers use coworking spaces 

Large and small companies alike use flexible spaces to bring on teams in new areas quickly. It can be cheaper for a small business or startup to use a coworking space than leasing office space.

 

• All coworking spaces are the same 

Niche spaces cater to specific needs. Large scale coworking spaces all have different office locations and amenities, so there are differences. Although coworking giants may offer a standard array of amenities, each of their locations is unique, even if they have multiple offices in a single metro. For smaller, local spaces, the range of amenities, amount of desk space, and cost will all vary widely. It’s likely you can find what works best for you.

• It’s unprofessional to meet clients in a coworking space 

Places like Industrious and WeWork have professionally planned and designed spaces that rival the aesthetics of top agencies, making it much cooler than meeting at a local coffee shop.

As it increases in popularity, the use of coworking spaces for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone needing a professional meeting environment has tapped into the potential of coworking spaces. As a neutral, professional meeting space, coworking environments are much better suited for meetings than coffee shops.

 

• Coworking is only for internet-based work 

Coworking and flexible office suites do skew towards people who can pick up and work anywhere as long as there is wifi but that doesn’t mean that is the only option. There are niche coworking spaces for artists and designers, places with amenities that cater to people who have more nontraditional work requirements.

• Only major metros have coworking spaces 

As more people work remotely and small businesses and startups are booming, coworking spaces are emerging even in smaller metros and suburban areas. Smaller, flexible office suites may have fewer amenities and smaller square footage, but most users want a short commute so it makes sense for them to be everywhere, including the suburbs.

• Getting a membership to a coworking space is expensive 

Most places have different membership tiers, dependent on how often you plan to use the coworking space. Some offer day passes if you only need to use the space infrequently or offer passes several times a month if you’re hoping to get away from the home office occasionally or meet with clients.Upsuite has hundreds of locations in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Denver and we’re adding more all the time. You can search our listings, read reviews, check pricing and availability and then, when you’re ready, let one of our expert Coworking Advisors set up your tours and help negotiate the best possible rate for you…all at no cost to you!