The term “coffice” never quite caught on in the same way as the trend it describes (the practice of taking a laptop to a cafe as an alternative to working from home or the office).
As wireless internet, from wifi dongles to mobile personal hotspots, made it possible to connect to the internet on the move, working outside the office quickly became a functional reality. Many companies, such as Starbucks, actively encourage remote and freelance workers by providing free wifi and increasing the number of power outlets in their premises.
Creatives and freelance workers, as well as employees of small and startup businesses, were the most frequent “coffice” users. They enjoyed the ‘easy access to caffeine’, the sense of community and the opportunities for gaining inspiration from their surroundings.
Now, this practice may be under threat from coworking spaces that are popping up all over Europe. Deliberately created to replicate the atmosphere of a cafe, while eliminating the downsides and enhancing the positive aspects, coworking spaces have to potential to turn “coffices” back into plain old coffee shops.
Coworking spaces can help users feel less self-conscious
Working in a coffee shop can often be a delicate balancing act. While many cafes do encourage independent workers to use their facilities, there is ambiguity over how long a single cup of coffee entitles a visitor to stay before it begins to appear rude.
The fear of being labelled inconsiderate may be a factor in the gradual migration from the cafe to the coworking space, where the transactional nature of the relationship is much clearer.
For those used to holding cafe-based meetings, the lure of the coworking space might seem irresistible.These offices offer a quiet, private space where sensitive information won’t be overheard by members of the public.
From WeWork of crowdfunding fame to I2 Office, a UK-based coworking space provider, the growth of flexible working spaces proves their popularity.
It can be easier to keep track of expenses
Working from a cafe can be an expensive pursuit with daily eating-out costs contributing to regular financial outgoings.
By contrast, coworking spaces are providing a viable alternative by charging a fixed monthly rate. Not only are you buying into a temporary office space, you have ready and affordable catering options.
In addition, paying a predetermined amount each month can be invaluable in calculating ingoing and outgoing expenses for tax purposes, as many freelancers will attest.
Keeping track of expenses while maintaining lower outgoings, is simpler in a coworking office. Some spaces provide access to a kitchen, others will give users access to complimentary refreshments. Often this includes the all-important coffee which helped popularise “coffices” in the first place.
There are valuable opportunities for networking
Users of coworking spaces in London have a plethora of choices available, meaning that it is often possible to seek out spaces populated by like-minded professionals.
This isn’t just a fantastic opportunity for networking, it can also create a positive, supportive and mutually-beneficial work environment for users. Some spaces even work to encourage networking amongst its users. As The Upcoming recently commented on the topic of the growth of the coworking space, numerous companies are now looking to use workspace models that allow for enhanced networking opportunities.
For solo entrepreneurs in particular, it can be extremely valuable to connect with the wider professional community. They have opportunity to spread word of the service they provide amongst potential clients and other business owners who can provide help and guidance.
Access to a greater variety of technology
Most coffee shops now provide complimentary wifi for customers, many freelance workers in tech and creative industries have more specific technological needs. These can include access to printers, scanners, projectors and faster internet connections.
While coworking spaces will struggle to attract the casual freelancer or part-time worker from their favorite “coffice” location, small businesses and other professionals may well find themselves making use of these specially created spaces.
In London especially the skyrocketing prices of permanent rental may create even more remote workers and startup businesses seeking convenient short term office space in the future.
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