Co-working: what it is (in simple words), pros and cons, who it suits

A team that can change frequently, where everyone works on his project, there is no boss. All in between communicate, learn from each other, make useful connections. People work in a stylish workspace with comfortable chairs and delicious coffee with sweets. You can come and go from the office whenever you want. Where is this possible? In a co-working space. 

What is co-working

Co-working is a place where employees of different companies and freelancers work in a shared space. Such offices come for programmers, copywriters, designers, translators, artists, hairdressers and manicurists.

The co-working space has recreational, conference space. Freelancers and start-ups not only work on projects for their clients, but also get to know those who work nearby, hold joint master classes and trainings.

Pros and cons of co-working

Co-working has the following pros:

• Saving on rent. The co-working center charges a fee for its services. This is advantageous for freelancers, because it is too expensive to rent an office by yourself, but you can afford it with other professionals.
• You pay only when you use or monthly. If you pay for the time, you can combine with the work at home, come to the co-working not every day. Renting monthly, you can go on vacation and just not pay for the month.
• On a co-working you can work more actively and be more collected, because the longer you stretch out the pleasure, the more you pay. And at home it is so easy to get distracted and relax.
• The owner of the hub provides the office with everything it needs: office equipment, consumables from paper to pens, organizes cleaning, security. The users of the co-working space do not have to worry about everyday things and administration.
• There is a place to invite clients and a place to hold a workshop.
• It is easy to assemble a team for a joint project in a co-working space.

With all the advantages, co-working has such disadvantages:

• Freelancers who already earn more than they spend will be able to pay for co-working. For a newbie working for themselves, this may be a luxury.
• Co-working is suitable for those who are able to work in a noisy environment, because there is constant movement in this «anthill.« Someone is chatting, someone is working, someone has clients, and the voice of the conference host can be heard from the next door. For a person who needs silence to work, the co-working space may not be comfortable for a long time.
• When working in a shared space, you have to protect your ideas, because they can be stolen. It's best not to talk about your work in the co-working space. When going out for coffee, you should not forget to close your laptop and set the entrance only by password.
• The co-working room may provide equipment that is not needed, but its presence is included in the cost. For example, a copywriter does not need a printer, he does not drink coffee, but it is there by default and will have to pay.

Co-working is suitable for those who need to be inspired by the atmosphere, to communicate with like-minded people, to make acquaintances with people of related professions. Such places always have their own style from loft and hi-tech to classic and vintage. Some premises are cozy and dispose to communication and relaxation. Others have a work environment and everything you need at your fingertips.

Good thing San Francisco businessman Brand Neuberg came up with the idea in 2005 to create a common workspace for his employees who worked from home. There were lunches, massages, even bike tours. Now there are co-working spaces all over the world.