When COVID-19 first overwhelmed all of us, offices, factories, and all other workplaces had to think about adapting to what would henceforth be known as the “New Normal”. While a few coworking spaces did exist in different countries before this time, it seemed that within a few short months, many smaller and medium-sized businesses overhauled their working model to minimize operating costs and maximize productivity. However, in the Bangladeshi corporate sector, coworking spaces are still seen by some traditionalists as an idea that is quite negative. Like many newer concepts, there are several myths surrounding them. Here is a list of myths people often have about coworking spaces, and how they are not always true.
1. Coworking spaces function just like regular offices
This is a massive myth that has no basis in reality whatsoever. Typical offices follow a rigid structure of rules and regulations, and often there is little to no scope for individuals to try to add to the system or remove from it. There is also less harmony between individuals and the corporate giants at the top. However, coworking spaces are different as they nurture a sense of community, collaboration, as well as innovation. Through a variety of events for networking, skill-sharing, and even encouraging interactions, coworking spaces go above and beyond and help develop cross-workplace bonds that can often last for years.
2. Coworking spaces are distracting and noisy
It is not correct to assume that just because there is an energetic vibe in a coworking space it will also always be full of distracting noise. Usually, most offices operate with the knowledge of others’ projects and are respectful towards others’ needs as well as deadlines. Even then if anybody or a team feels the need to concentrate on their work, they can work in designated quiet zones or meeting rooms to have private discussions in.
3. The expenses of a coworking space are tremendous
With coworking spaces, many of us do not realize that there is flexibility that can be availed depending on individual requirements. Building a business has many fixed costs that go into it, including renting a permanent location, buying office supplies from computers to chairs and tables to basic kitchen appliances like a microwave oven and an electronic kettle. In a coworking space, you get all of these, and you also get to rent a space depending on your need- from a day to a week to months if necessary. You can also add bigger rooms if you hire more people, so it should not be a problem even if you decide to expand.
4. Only startups and freelancers can use coworking spaces
While this might very well be how coworking spaces originally came about, it is not limited to this concept any longer. With hybrid and remote working becoming more common, many offices also offer flextime working options, especially when there is a personal or family emergency that needs to be attended to immediately. Even a business that is looking to downsize might look into coworking spaces for easy, hassle-free rental.
5. Coworking spaces are only available for full-day rentals
Most coworking spaces are very flexible in terms of renting out for different periods of time. Whether you have a few employees and just need to hold a conference, or a skill-sharing workshop over several days, coworking spaces will be able to organize your requirements, even if it is for a shorter period.
6. There is no privacy or security in a coworking space
These days, since more startups and MNCs are choosing coworking spaces to work out of, they now offer many facilities that allow for privacy and security. For example, coworking spaces will often allow you to rent separate storage space (often lockers), or conference rooms for private meetings or interviews to be held in. Whatever your requirements may be, it will be easier to find a coworking space where privacy and security are readily available.
7. All coworking and flexible spaces are the same
No, they are not. Depending on who owns the coworking space and where it is based, there will be more lucrative facilities for the offices looking for a rental space in that area. Coworking spaces in Dhanmondi offer cheaper spaces allowing for more collaborative workshops and events, while spaces in Gulshan are pricier, but also more high-end and classy.
8. Working from home is better than coworking
While allowing for remote or hybrid work is an option that local corporate offices need to start considering; working from home at all times is not the most feasible of options. Also, when you keep working alone, it could lead to depression and an absence of innovative ideas and creative thinking that could come about from brainstorming with or working around a group of like-minded individuals. It also keeps us challenged.
9. Only metropolitan cities have coworking spaces
Typical coworking spaces might be more common in cities like Chattogram, Sylhet, and Dhaka–at least that is what our minds have seemed to convince us over the years. Smaller towns may not be able to offer in terms of facilities, but they make up for it by trying to provide as many customizable options as their client might end up needing regularly.
10. Coworking spaces hinder personal and professional growth
On the contrary! With multiple offerings of workshops for skill-sharing, brainstorming sessions, occasions for collaboration, and even training facilities. Not only does it shape people into becoming better public speakers, negotiators, and overall better-trained employees.
So there you go, 10 myths about coworking spaces, debunked. While at first thought, most coworking spaces might seem a little obnoxious; it is meant to give sufficient knowledge so that you are later able to make a better, more well-informed decision about whether a coworking space better suits your company than a traditional office rental.
10. Coworking spaces hinder personal and professional growth
On the contrary! With multiple offerings of workshops for skill-sharing, brainstorming sessions, occasions for collaboration, and even training facilities. Not only does it shape people into becoming better public speakers, negotiators, and overall better-trained employees.
So there you go, 10 myths about coworking spaces, debunked. While at first thought, most coworking spaces might seem a little obnoxious; it is meant to give sufficient knowledge so that you are later able to make a better, more well-informed decision about whether a coworking space better suits your company than a traditional office rental.
