If you don’t have a proper office, finding the right space can get confusing. You’ll probably come across two terms during the process; coworking space and shared office. Both options let you work without setting up anything, and help you save money.
A shared office space might come with more costs than a coworking area. If you’re handling a remote team, coworking might work as you don’t need too much space. But if your team is growing, a shared office might be the solution.
Now, we’ll take a clear look at what sets these two apart and which one might work better for you.
How the Space is Used
A coworking space is open to just about anyone. You sign up, pay the fee, and you’re good to go. Here’s how the space is used in such a setup.
- Freelancers can get a professional setup without paying high rent.
- Startups get a flexible space to grow without costly contracts.
- Solo professionals sign up to network and meet like-minded people.
- Remote workers book a desk for a day when they’re bored with working from one location.
A shared office works differently. It is not open to just anyone. Usually, a small group of companies or teams comes together and may split a large office space between themselves.
They share the rent, utilities, and amenities. But the space itself stays exclusive to that fixed group. Outsiders cannot simply walk in and book a desk. So, if you’ve booked an area only for your team, no one will bother you.
Paying for the Workspace
Teams where the members don’t come to the office often won’t need a fixed space daily. But if a company is slowly growing, it may need more space. You have to understand how you pay for the setup.
Coworking memberships usually include the following:
- Book seats daily, weekly, or monthly, as per your needs.
- No penalties or lock-in terms. Leave when you wish.
This can be ideal for teams whose needs are changing all the time.
Shared offices work on a different model altogether:
- The lease usually runs for a year or longer, so you’re in it for the long haul.
- Walking out early can cost you your spot, as other businesses can take it.
- The structure is stable, but with less freedom than coworking.
So, if you’re planning to grow your firm very soon, shared workzones can be suitable.
Zioks is such a brand that offers affordable spaces with flexible terms. They cover maintenance, IT support, reception services, office supplies, and everything else you need. Explore their site to learn more.
Customizing the Space
You may want to arrange the office space so it feels like it’s yours. Or, you can just adjust to a space and get to work. Shared spaces and coworking zones operate differently when it comes to customization.
Here is what you get with a coworking space:
- The setup is open and shared with many different people every day.
- Personalising your desk is limited since seating is mostly flexible and rotational.
Here is what you get with a shared office:
- You work with a fixed, known group of people, which gives you more control over your environment.
- Your dedicated desk or room can be personalised since it is yours consistently.
- The overall setup feels more private and closer to a regular office experience.
- Ideal for meeting clients/customers in person and confidential tasks.
It all depends on the nature of your work and how much privacy you actually need.
The Work Atmosphere
Where you work affects how well you work, more than most people realise. Some people get their best work done in a quiet spot with no interruptions. Others like having a few friendly faces around for a quick chat between tasks.
Coworking zones are usually very active.
- There are many distractions, as people are constantly moving in and out.
- You get to meet all kinds of professionals, from founders to business experts.
- These places may arrange events to network and build skills.
- If you feel isolated when working remotely, this can be a good change.
A shared office has a different feel altogether.
- It’s quieter and more focused since the same group of people works there daily.
- There’s less foot traffic and distractions.
It suits teams that need a calm, private setting to get serious work done.
Selecting the Best Workspace
The best option really comes down to your daily work requirements.
Opt for coworking if you:
- Work remotely or have a small team that needs a simple setup.
- Need flexible terms to add desks or cut back when needed.
- Want to get in touch with more people and expand your network.
- Don’t need a private setup and permanent desk.
A shared office is a good choice if your team needs a proper, dedicated space to work from every day. It also works well if you meet clients often or need some privacy for sensitive conversations. And, if you want more control over your setup, go for this.