When it comes to business trends in Charlotte, breweries might be at the top of the list, but coworking spaces are close behind. It makes sense. Charlotte is experiencing major growth, and with that comes the need for office rentals. Coworking spaces have jumped in to fill that need.
Coworking is perfect for small businesses. Lower costs, the ability to scale, and networking opportunities are a few of the benefits of choosing a shared office space in Charlotte over a traditional one. As for the other option, working from home or from a coffee shop, well…where can we start?
Coworking > Coffee Shops
Many independent workers are enticed by the idea: making money from the couch, lounging around in a robe, and playing Netflix (The Office, obviously) in the background as you work. It sounds too good to be true, right? For most people, it is. Distractions, boredom, and the ever-present lure of snacks derail many who try the home-based lifestyle. This will be even more difficult if you manage a team of remotes. You’ll either have to host meetings in your personal space, or try to commandeer a table at a noisy, unpredictable coffee shop. Coworking spaces provide a neutral ground for your small business team and an environment that encourages productivity.
On the flip side, coworking has also begun to attract larger corporations. The benefits above certainly apply, and there are some less quantifiable benefits for corporations as well. Corporate “campuses” might be all the rage if you’re Apple, Google, or another giant. Those offices are more like small cities…or theme parks. Most corporations have a little less cash to spend on flashy offices. Cubicle farms are the more likely scenario. The corporate building can leave your employees uninspired, uncomfortable, and lacking opportunities to meet professionals outside of your organization. Shared office spaces are a great remedy for this issue.
Whether you are a small business or a larger group, your company can benefit in numerous ways from joining a coworking space. Once the transition is complete, you should have no problem operating smoothly as an organization. Below are some tips for managers and owners to make sure your team starts off on the right foot.
Comfort, Choice, Communication.
If you can, get your employees’ input on the setup of your new private office or dedicated desk configuration. Coworking spaces are built to feel more personal and engaging. Giving your employees options on how and where they work within the space will make them more comfortable, and studies show that comfort pays when it comes to productivity.
In this same vein, choice also plays a role in employee happiness and productivity. This Harvard Business Review article found that there is a significant improvement in employee satisfaction and productivity when they “[Have] a say in when and where they work — which includes both in- and out-of-office mobility.” In-office mobility means having the chance to work in different zones throughout the day, depending on your needs and mood. When you move into a shared office space, let your employees know they aren’t tethered to their desks or your private office.
Some businesses claim multiple dedicated desks or hot desk memberships in lieu of a private office. In a traditional office space, where everyone is a part of the same company, the information sharing process could just be a shout across cubicles. In your new coworking space, your employees might be scattered among dedicated desks and collaborative areas. It will be helpful to establish daily or weekly meetings with your team to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Having an intentional plan for clear communication in a new environment will aid the transition.
Last but not least, have fun with it! Take advantage of your new community, and encourage your team to do the same. Your organization is probably excited to be a part of Charlotte’s energetic coworking scene. Make new connections and socialize with fellow members. Take advantage of being around other business owners and managers as well. You never know who has a solution to one of your problems, or where your next lead will come from.
At The Launch Factory we provide a unique, technology-optimized coworking space that’s ready for entrepreneurs and teams of all shapes and sizes. If you have any questions about our space or would like to schedule a private tour, please contact us here.
