If your business
is expanding, or you’re going stir-crazy, but don’t want the expense of a
permanent office lease – a shared space may be just what you are looking for.
Co-working has
taken off over the last few years, giving growing business owners the chance to
work with others in an office environment for a fraction of the cost. Prices
vary significantly so do your homework first.
Most shared
spaces involve a large open office layout, with desks available for hire. These
can be hired on a full-time, part-time or casual basis, depending on
individuals’ needs. Each office has several meeting rooms of various sizes that
can be booked in advance. Internet access is standard, as is access to a
printer. Kitchen and bathroom facilities complete the package. Some offices also
offer a receptionist and secretarial work.
One of the big
advantages to co-working is that there are other people. You can chat at the water cooler, form
friendships, do a spot of networking – talk to actual humans and not the cat.
One of the
main disadvantages to co-working is that there are other people. Speaking in
loud voices on the phone, clicking pens, overhearing your phone calls, eating
smelly food and belching.
Production
levels do increase – businesses are paying for themselves to be there, so heads
are down and noses pressed to the grindstone.
Switching off
at the end of the day is easier. Leaving the office is the end of the workday,
no sloping off to ‘just finish something off, dear’ when your computer is
locked in an office across town.
But there is a
commute…
Like
everything, it’s up to the individual. It pays to try out a shared space for a
couple of weeks before signing up.
Sharedspace
is a website that specialises in co-working spaces, throughout New Zealand.
They will also list your space, if you have some spare room that you’d like to
rent out.
If you’d like
to expand your horizons and try a shared space on for size, talk to your BUSINESS
buddy about the transition, we’d be
pleased to help you out and will happily attend any office opening parties.