00:31
Faizan
More and more centres are setting up co-working spaces, an idea that is very popular in the USA, but what does it mean and how does it help?
Who is it aimed at?
Primarily, co-working spaces are aimed at start-ups, freelancers and micro businesses (up to 10 staff).
However, they can be used by any mobile or home worker who needs touch-down space on an ad-hoc or regular basis. Many large companies are placing increasing emphasis on flexible or 'agile' working practices, which means some of their staff are often in need of these types of services.
Why would you use them?
Salesmen might use them to work and/or meet clients or prospects - being constantly on the move, they may have no fixed abode. Indeed, any mobile staff can use the space to touch-down with head office and colleagues.
Working from home can be isolating and - we all need physical interaction at least some of the time. Discipline and distractions may also be a problem, so it can be good to get out and work in a more formal way from time to time and meet others in a similar situation.
Teams and colleagues can get together and brainstorm or work on a project; ancillary or temporary staff might use space for specific periods.
Start-ups will find space like this useful to explore their ideas, develop their business and get the help and advice they need without investing money they don't have in office space and professional services.
How does it work?
You simply drop in as and when you need. You can work on your own or with a team. If you need to make calls, you can work in a more private space or a booth.
There will be hot-desks, perhaps more private desks and more communal desk spaces for collaborative work as well as informal meeting areas and at least a shared kitchen, if not a canteen or cafeteria.
Who is it aimed at?
Primarily, co-working spaces are aimed at start-ups, freelancers and micro businesses (up to 10 staff).
However, they can be used by any mobile or home worker who needs touch-down space on an ad-hoc or regular basis. Many large companies are placing increasing emphasis on flexible or 'agile' working practices, which means some of their staff are often in need of these types of services.
Why would you use them?
Salesmen might use them to work and/or meet clients or prospects - being constantly on the move, they may have no fixed abode. Indeed, any mobile staff can use the space to touch-down with head office and colleagues.
Working from home can be isolating and - we all need physical interaction at least some of the time. Discipline and distractions may also be a problem, so it can be good to get out and work in a more formal way from time to time and meet others in a similar situation.
Teams and colleagues can get together and brainstorm or work on a project; ancillary or temporary staff might use space for specific periods.
Start-ups will find space like this useful to explore their ideas, develop their business and get the help and advice they need without investing money they don't have in office space and professional services.
How does it work?
You simply drop in as and when you need. You can work on your own or with a team. If you need to make calls, you can work in a more private space or a booth.
There will be hot-desks, perhaps more private desks and more communal desk spaces for collaborative work as well as informal meeting areas and at least a shared kitchen, if not a canteen or cafeteria.
Posted in: business
