Although the concept of coworking is rapidly growing in popularity, there are still so many misconceptions surrounding this way of working. Today, Circle Hub is going to clear some of those up! Read on as we debunk 10 common coworking myths.
1) Coworking Spaces Don’t Allow for Privacy
One of the biggest coworking myths around is that working in a coworking space means that you’ll never have any privacy. To be fair, it’s easy to understand why this myth is so perpetuated. Many adverts for coworking spaces feature vast rooms filled with desks and hardworking people, all of them working in relatively close proximity.
While this is true of very basic coworking spaces, the better ones out there will offer a variety of workspaces. At Circle Hub, we have private offices that our members can hire as and when needed. These vary in size, so whether you need a secluded space just for yourself or a larger office suite to host a confidential team meeting, we’ll be able to meet those needs! Either way, being able to choose where you work at different times of the day has been shown to increase job satisfaction and productivity.
2) Coworking Spaces Aren’t Suitable for Businesses
Many people believe that coworking spaces are only suitable for freelancers, remote workers, and, sometimes, a very small startup. However, this isn’t the case at all. Sure, this may have been true of the very first coworking spaces that opened back in the 90s but, today, there are so many coworking spaces out there that are geared toward businesses both small and large. The fact that everyone from Microsoft and IBM to Verizon and HSBC is now making use of coworking spaces too.
The key is to find a coworking space that caters to businesses, such as Circle Hub. In addition to the private office suites that we mentioned above, businesses will also benefit from our Designated Desk service. It enables you to book specific desks in advance, ensuring that your entire team can be seated together.
Our Virtual Office service is also ideal for businesses. With this, you’ll be able to use our high-end street address as your business mailing address. We’ll even receive and hold your mail for you, or forward it on digitally.
3) Coworking Spaces Reduce Productivity
Everyone wants to be as productive as possible. However, many believe that this won’t be possible in a coworking space. With so many potential distractions around, it’s easy to assume that productivity would end up hindered.
The good news is that, for most people, this isn’t the case. In fact, 74% of people who work from a coworking space find that this type of environment has led to them being more productive than ever.
This boost in productivity is largely down to the freedom and flexibility provided by a coworking space. Being able to choose a different working environment each day, or even throughout the day, leaves people feeling motivated and inspired. The same can be said of being able to choose your own working hours. Some coworking spaces, like Circle Hub, are open 24/7. This enables you to work at your most productive hours.
Of course, being surrounded by other productive people helps too. Soak up that ambience and it won’t be long before you’re doing your best work!
4) Coworking Spaces Don’t Allow for Client Meetings
If your line of work involves regularly meeting with clients, it’s easy to understand why you believe that leasing a private office of your own is the only way forward. After all, you can’t host client meetings in a shared workspace!
While that may be the case, let’s not forget that, as mentioned earlier, many coworking spaces now have a variety of different workspaces on offer. Sure, you may not want to host a client meeting in any of the communal areas but a private office suite would be ideal for an intimate one-on-one meeting.
At Circle Hub, we also have meeting rooms available to hire by the hour. These are larger spaces that can accommodate anywhere between 4-12 people. They’re glass-enclosed but soundproof and are equipped with everything that you might need to host a successful and productive meeting.
5) Coworking Spaces Are Noisy
With so many different people all around you, doesn’t this mean that coworking spaces tend to be noisy?
In some cases, yes. Every coworking space is different, meaning that they all have their own noise tolerance levels. Plus, some are simply poorly managed. There’s no one around to regulate noise levels, causing them to often soar out of control.
However, this isn’t true of all coworking spaces. At Circle Hub, our members adhere to certain rules, and this includes keeping a cap on noise. We also have an on-site community manager who ensures that workspaces are quiet and non-distracting. It also helps that we have so many other common areas where members can mingle and chat, meaning that people are usually happy to knuckle down and get to work in the actual workspaces.
6) Coworking Spaces Are More Expensive When You’re Paying for a Team
There’s no denying the fact that coworking spaces are definitely the most cost-effective workspace option for an individual. Even when compared to working from home, coworking spaces, with their many inclusive facilities and amenities, can still end up saving you money.
However, what about when it comes to paying for your entire team to work from a coworking space? You’ll need to pay a separate fee for each member, which may, at first, seem unaffordable.
This is when you need to take into account all of the costs involved with the alternative option of hiring a private office for your business. Not only will you have a pricey monthly lease to pay if you want a coworking space in a prestigious area, but you’ll then have to fork out for so many extras on top of that. Electricity, water, furnishings, air conditioning, a cleaning service, office equipment…the list goes on and on!
At a coworking space, you’ll have access to all of this, plus so much more. As a result, even when you’re paying for a large team, coworking spaces will still most likely be kinder on your budget.
7) Coworking Spaces Are Only Suitable for Extroverts
If you’re an introvert, then there’s a good chance that the thought of a coworking space will initially seem very off-putting. Why would you want to surround yourself with so many people when you could, instead, work on your own from home?
The reason is that isolation isn’t good for you. All human beings need socialization, even if this only involves sitting in a room with other people around. Sure, you may hate the thought of having to speak to lots of people but pick a desk in a quiet corner of a coworking space and it’s unlikely that you’ll be approached.
When you happen to be in the mood for some socializing, a coworking space makes this easy. At Circle Hub, you could go for a workout in our on-site gym or kick back in our gaming room for a while and you’ll quickly meet other like-minded people. We also host casual events where we encourage our members to get to know each other. You could end up making some amazing contacts!
8) Coworking Spaces Aren’t Worth the Commute
We’re not here to argue with this myth – if it takes you two hours to get to your chosen coworking space then sure, it probably isn’t worth the commute!
However, this is based on the assumption that all coworking spaces require a long commute. This simply isn’t true. In fact, the lack of a long commute is why so many professionals make the move to a coworking space! These spaces are now more popular than ever, meaning that there are more coworking spaces to choose from than ever before. Sure, some may be located in big cities but plenty of others are in smaller towns and neighborhoods.
The key is to find a coworking space that’s easy and convenient for you to access. Once that happens, it definitely will be worth the very short commute!
9) A Coworking Space Will Make You Seem Unprofessional
Back in the day, coworking spaces were looked down upon. However, today, they’re something to be admired. With sleek and vibrant interiors, world-class amenities, and seats that are filled with a diverse network of skilled professionals, a coworking space is the place to be!
In many cases, this can actually help to boost your sense of professionalism. You’ll be mingling with business owners and entrepreneurs on a daily basis while offering clients a highly professional space for meetings. This isn’t going to have a negative impact on their perception of you whatsoever. In fact, it will likely impress them, so much so that they may make the move to a coworking space themselves!
10) Coworking Spaces Restrict Growth
Some people believe that a coworking space will restrict the growth of a business, but this isn’t true in the slightest. As we’ve discussed earlier, many coworking spaces, including Circle Hub, are targeted toward businesses. Sure, some may only be able to accommodate a small business but pick a coworking space that has the facilities needed by a larger corporation and this will only help to accelerate growth.
Plus, the fact that you can add in as many employees as needed is a huge boon. Rent your own office space and you’ll be restricted in terms of physical confines. If your business grows faster than expected, you’ll need a bigger space yet will be tied into a rental agreement. With a coworking space, you won’t have these limitations. You’ll be able to grow your business quickly and efficiently!
Summary
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing some of the many coworking myths out there and, as a result, dismissing coworking spaces as a viable option for yourself. However, don’t fall into this trap. Instead, if you’re on the hunt for a new workspace, find out more about what your local coworking spaces have to offer and there’s a good chance that you’ll be impressed and inspired.
Click here to book a tour of Circle Hub’s coworking space today!