Technology has changed not just the kind of work we do, but how and where we do it. More and more people with computer- or client-based work now do their jobs outside of a traditional office setting. This new flexibility offers many benefits — cutting or eliminating daily commutes, a casual and comfortable work environment, and flexibility for family. While many people opt to work from home, it can also mean a new set of challenges.
Blurring the line between work space and personal space often translates into blurring the line between work life and personal life. At home, it’s all too easy for the mind to wander from a work project to the dishes in the sink, or the stack of mail on the table. For many people, kids, partners and pets are also there, vying for attention.
In a similar way, the work day can also creep into down time. When you sit down to read a book or flip through a magazine, it’s often hard to escape the feeling that you should really be working. The proximity to tasks left undone or unanswered emails piling up can easily drive people back to their computer to quickly shoot off “just one more email.” Before too long, your eight-hour work day becomes 10 hours, and winding down becomes both more necessary and more challenging.
And it’s not just about distractions. For many, isolation proves even worse. Most of us aren’t prepared for the reality of a job where there is no regular interaction with coworkers, or where — if you’re not careful — you can easily go days without even leaving the house. While some people relish the solo time, for many others such isolation can lead to burnout, depression or even the deterioration of social skills.
And the problem is even harder to fix in rural areas, where simply visiting a neighbor or stopping by a cafe often means getting in the car and driving 25 minutes or more.
That said, working from a coffee shop can offer some respite from the challenges of a home office. But all too often, people find they’re simply trading one distraction for another, purchasing coffee every hour in an attempt to justify their prolonged presence in a space meant for the swift consumption of caffeine and oversized blueberry muffins.
For an increasing number of people, coworking has become the solution to such challenges. The concept is pretty simple: people who are not employed by the same company or organization, working independently yet in a shared space.
Most coworking spaces offer monthly memberships with varying levels of access and types of workstations. Memberships typically include use of basic office amenities such as wifi and printing, and many offer extras like free coffee and tea, events, access to conference rooms, lending libraries and resources for professional development.
In addition to the the valuable asset that is a well-equipped productive space, one of the benefits of coworking is the co-workers themselves. It’s amazing what an occasional break and casual chat can do for productivity.
There are people to turn to when you’re stuck on a problem, need help with a particular excel formula, or can’t remember the proper use of the word “whom.” Being surrounded by smart, interesting, driven people who are trying to do their own best work helps put fuel in your mental tank.
The coworking space is an environment in which collaborations evolve, and networking occurs almost without effort.
Pretty much anyone who can work remotely can benefit from a coworking space. Coworking spaces are frequently used by startups and people in the tech industry, as well as writers, artists, freelancers, consultants and small business owners. Coworking also holds great potential for people who are in the trades, farm or produce a product by hand, as a space for the management of their business.
And while right now coworking is most common in cities and places with a high population density, coworking may have even greater value for people in more rural areas, like many parts of Maine.
With members of a community spread out over a greater area, having a central hub provides a place for people to gather is vital, and the connections made between coworkers and the sense of camaraderie can help set the framework for a more cohesive community on the whole.
When looking for a coworking space, each person has a particular set of needs and wants. While the spaces and memberships are typically set up to appeal to the widest variety of workers, each is unique. Some point you might consider:
Location
Having to drive 45 minutes to your coworking space eliminates the convenience of working remotely and increases the likelihood that you won’t use the space. Think about the location of a potential coworking space relative to where you live or run your errands.
Access
You’ll find that there are various levels of access available for most coworking spaces. The degree of access is often driven by membership type. Access may be unlimited 24/7, a fixed number of days or hours per month, or even as a drop-in day pass. The right membership type will depend on your personal work habits and the hours you intend to keep.
Layout
Most coworking spaces offer a couple different kinds of workstations. They can vary from communal banquet style tables, to library style carrels, to armchairs and sofas, to semi and fully private offices. Look for a coworking space that has a workstation to suit your needs.
Amenities
The most basic amenity in any coworking space is wifi; most places will also offer access to a printer/scanner/fax/copier, with free printing or pay per page. Beyond those basics, you can also find coworking spaces that offer free coffee and tea, private phone booths, ping pong tables, lending libraries, and many other amenities. Figure out which amenities are most useful to you.
Atmosphere
Decor and noise level will contribute to the feel of a space, but more than anything, it’s often the co-workers themselves that set the tone. Take note of how the environment looks in general and how it feels — and see if you can picture yourself being happy working there.
For all the reasons above, it’s key to visit in person. You may even be able to try out working there before you make a commitment, since many spaces will offer one or two days as a free trial.
Not every coworking space is going to appeal every individual — but if you’re an independent worker, it’s likely that there’s a coworking space out there that fits your needs.
Rachel Murphy is founder of The Alcove, a coworking space in Bowdoinham. She has nearly a decade of experience helping small Maine businesses become more productive and sustainable.