The concept of coworking goes way back; and although the ideas around what it really means to
cowork have changed and developed over the years, the core principles have remained the same.
To those who have never experienced working in a collaborative workspace, it can
seem like just another rented desk, but for those individuals who are well versed in coworking
communities, there is an understanding that there is so much more to it than that.
Over the past 2-3 years, there has been a massive influx of coworking spaces around the world,
and we can see why. Most coworking and collaborative spaces are a veritable
hive of inspiration, productivity and togetherness that is unmatched in the traditional office space.
Not only that, but with a notable rise in self-employment, the demand for such spaces has naturally
risen along with it.
Community Is Key
If you ask anybody that has worked in a coworking office space before, whether they are entrepreneurs,
freelancers, kick-starters or even corporate companies, they will all tell you the same thing;
it’s all about the community!
In what other situation could you expect an average working day to consist of meeting and working
alongside industry professionals from a diverse range of industries? Coworking spaces are so much
more than hiring a desk or an office for a few days of the week, they are a unique chance to bounce
ideas around a group of experienced, talented industry specialists, all whilst growing your own business.
For us at Areaworks, we are all about our members. That means putting our community first to ensure
that we remain one big happy family. So, new and existing members can expect value and collaboration
from the moment they step through the door to the moment they clock out. If you want to know
what else to expect from one of our spaces then check out our blog post about
how to choose the right collaborative workspace to find out
everything you need to know about different coworking spaces.
Is Coworking Really
Anything More Than Hiring
A Desk?
The majority of members who work from one of our spaces have come from a self-employed background
and are looking for a change of scenery from their home office, or a new source of inspiration.
However, amongst all of our Areaworks members, the vast majority have at some point in their lives,
worked in a traditional office setting.
We understand that for those who haven’t experienced desk coworking, that there appears
to be absolutely no difference between this and your traditional office. However, this couldn’t be
further from the truth. In fact not only does operating from a coworking office space mean you have
more autonomy and independence, but it also means you are gaining access to a wealth of knowledge
that you simply wouldn’t come across in a traditional work setting.
There is no direct competition with other members, no boss looming over your shoulder, and the
environment allows you to really find your own voice. When you meet others in a coworking
space, you get the opportunity to explain what YOU do, what sets you apart from everybody else;
that sense of identity is a powerful tool to building up your business.
Nowadays offering a desk at a small fee simply isn’t enough to attract professionals, especially
when they can get the same experience for a lot less at home! That’s why many shared spaces will
offer so much more than merely a space to work in. They will often throw in other mod cons from
high tech equipment to discounted offers at local food and drink venues, and even in-house fun and
games that is certainly a far cry away from the ‘normal’ work environment!
Areaworks have created a community based on a shared goal, which is to progress and develop whilst
helping those around us to do the same. We offer a desk, sure, but people don’t sign up with us just
to make use of the desk space. They come because we provide a range of attractive discounts,
a top-class community, super-speed Wi-Fi all wrapped up in a spacious, lean aesthetic that lends
itself to increased productivity.
What’s more is that unlike your 9-5 office, most coworking spaces operate 24/7, meaning you can
choose whether you want to burn the midnight oil or take that early start!
Internal Vs. External
Community Building
If you haven’t guessed already, we are extremely passionate about the community we have built
across our two workspaces. What started off as three guys and one empty space has developed
into two amazing work areas that are home to some of the most innovative people we have ever
met (and watch this space, there are more to come!) We have also been blessed to collaborate
with so many other business (big and small) and local charities – our community extends far beyond
our coworking spaces.
But, do we believe this community success is directly linked to us being a coworking office space?
Some might want to argue that if a business is good, it will have as much a chance at creating a
fabulous community as anybody else. Whilst we can’t argue against that, we can speak from
experience and say that the years of working to help each other succeed is something that is rare to
find in any business. We consider Areaworks to be more than a business or company, we consider
ourselves to be a community of people working together, and that is an appealing concept, which
brings outsiders in.
Coworking Spaces Aren’t
Just For Freelancers!
In the past, remote working was usually for those who worked for themselves. It was much less
common than it is today to see people from corporate businesses logging in from home or the local
café. However, times have changed and with everything now being online, we are seeing a huge
influx of ‘corporate’ individuals becoming members of coworking spaces.
Whilst many coworking spots are designed to encourage artistic thought and creativity, this doesn’t
mean that employers from bigger organisations can’t benefit from the environment too. The idea
of detaching from the norm for a couple of days a week to thrive in a fresh and creative environment
can work wonders for not only staff morale but also for the business in general.
Is 2018 A Good Year For
Coworking?
Even though coworking has been around for a while now, it hasn’t always been so popular. In fact,
it has only been over the past few years that coworking spaces have become sought after locations
for the self-employed, the average Joe start-up and more recently, even corporate giants!
So what can we expect for 2018, and the future of coworking? In this day and age, spaces like these
can only really be a good thing. With so much negativity in the world, it seems that any excuse to
get together and produce incredible things should be grasped with both hands! And it appears that
others agree with us, with statistics revealing that in 2018, the number of members using a coworking
office space will hit 1.7 million. Check out our previous blog post which highlights some other
We are lucky enough to be located in what is known as the Global Capital for Coworking spaces,
even beating New York. Yes, that’s right, London is home to hundreds of coworking spaces now, and
we love being a part of it! But why bother choosing such a diverse and unusual environment to work from?
With more people working remotely in keeping with the digital age we live in, and even more of us
choosing to go freelance – it seems like a no brainer that a communal work space like ours should be
the future of business.
Why Consider Areaworks?
As we have mentioned, London is heavily populated with coworking spaces, which begs the question
– why should you consider Areaworks as your workplace home from home?
Other than the fact that we consider ourselves to be one of the best communities around (biased opinion,
we know), we also offer so many other fantastic reasons to consider us as your go-to place of work.
We run regular meet-ups across both our Manor House and Hoxton spaces, which give
you a chance to mingle with other innovators, creators and overall good eggs. We open up the floor
for you to build on your skills with workshops centering on improving your business, engaging your
imagination and opening yourself up to new opportunities. We invite inspirational movers and shakers
to deliver talks that will encourage you to think outside the box and shake things up.
If this sounds all a little too formal, we aren’t always talking shop – we also host a number of social
activities from board game nights, to wine and cheese for all!
We offer super-strength Wi-Fi, isolated areas as well as collaborative workspaces and both of our
locations are situated in ideal lunchtime spots with cafes and coffee shops within walking distance!
Sounding Good?
If you think that one of our coworking spaces could be for you, why not get in touch and
arrange a look around. We offer no obligation tours so you can really get a feel for the
place before making any commitments. Come down and have a brew with us, we would love to find
out more about what you do!
About Areaworks
Areaworks is a provider of open supportive coworking office spaces in accessible
areas throughout London. We don’t believe in stuffy central locations, long commutes, impersonal
and uptight environments. We believe there’s a better way of working, and we’re here to make it
happen: in our areas, with our areas. We believe in opening up communities that inspire progress
and open up opportunities. We offer complete turnkey work place solutions for start-ups, creatives,
freelancers, and entrepreneurs. We design our desk coworking to feel open, to encourage
collaboration and productivity, to inspire you to think differently. Areaworks currently has two
coworking spaces in prime London locations. The first resides in Manor House, an area
very close to our hearts (and where it all began). Our second space recently opened in Hoxton,
one of the fastest growing areas for all things innovation, in London. If you are looking for a
coworking space in London, which provides you with the environment and opportunity
to collaborate with like-minded individuals, then we have the perfect place for you.
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