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It’s fair to say that Covid-19 restrictions have turned our working culture upside-down. Lockdown has proven that employees can be just as productive remotely as they can in the office. However, working from home can lead to isolation and loneliness, as many of us are deprived of the human contact we crave and the comradery of the office environment.
Many of us remain nervous about returning to big cities, and in particular, using packed commuter trains, tubes and buses. In fact, estate agents across the country are reporting a surge in numbers of potential homebuyers looking to escape to the country. So what’s the solution?
Co-working – a Covid-safe compromise
Over the last 20 years, our working culture has steadily evolved, with flexible working on the increase. This has also led to a rise in the trend of co-working, as workers look for innovative ways to avoid boredom and loneliness, while increasing productivity. In 2018, it was estimated that 1.7 million people would be working in around 19,000 co-working spaces globally.
Co-working generally refers to working spaces used by individuals who are self-employed, or each working for different employers, while sharing costs, equipment, skills and knowledge. It’s not a new concept – with the first internet cafes opening in the 1990s.
The benefits of co-working
The benefits of co-working are many. Working from home can lead to frequent distractions, such as putting a wash on or fixing the toaster, and although the local coffee shop might be a tempting alternative, will the wi-fi let you down, or will it be too noisy to make a phone call? A co-working space provides everything from hyper-fast Wi-Fi and refreshments, to printing and presentation facilities. It also gives members a professional edge when meeting clients. In most cases, co-working is totally flexible, which makes it ideal for start-ups looking to avoid expensive long-term rental commitments. However, the biggest draw is often the social interaction and the opportunity to engage with likeminded business people.
Research has shown that workers thrive in a co-working environment and, without the internal politics that can come from working in a traditional office environment, they often drop their work persona and are more willing to share their knowledge and skills with others. Some co-working spaces also offer a range of professional services such as on-site training and workshops, business advice, or even access to funding.
Networking and events: The community and culture that co-working spaces nurture can be invaluable to small business owners and should not be underestimated. Many co-working spaces have become focal points for networking and socialising in the local community. For instance, The Hive – with hospitality hubs in Cranbrook, Kent, and Flimwell Park, East Sussex – hosts a number activities throughout the calendar year; including popular networking groups such as Mums in Business, Ladies Who Sparkle and Big Buzz Networking, as well as relaxing social events such as Music & Meze, Open Art Viewing and Supper Clubs. Currently, many of these events are running virtually, but we remain hopeful that come Spring 2021, many of these events will be back up and running for us to enjoy in person.
Research has shown that workers thrive in a co-working environment and, without the internal politics that can come from working in a traditional office environment, they often drop their work persona and are more willing to share their knowledge and skills with others. Some co-working spaces also offer a range of professional services such as on-site training and workshops, business advice, or even access to funding.
Co-working spaces in Kent and Sussex
Across the South East, we’re extremely lucky to have a number of co-working spaces. As mentioned, we have The Hive, which offers a range of state-of-the-art services suitable for all organisations. Facilities include flexible co-working desks, meeting and presentation spaces, social areas, networking and training sessions, and access to specialist financial advice. Not to mention the delicious range of food and drink available from the Greek kitchen and licensed bar.
Other local co-working spaces in Kent include Dragon Coworking, Chatham, The House, Tunbridge Wells, Fruitworks, Canterbury and WonderHub, Maidstone.
Meanwhile, Locate East Sussex offers a number of flexible coworking spaces across the county, including Uckfield, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Lewes, Hastings and Rye.
So if you’re self-employed, a home-worker, or simply looking for an innovative way of working, socialising or hosting an event, why not explore the co-working opportunities in your local area?
