7 Reasons HR Should Embrace Co-working Space

HR professionals have to deal with many responsibilities, including organizational change. For the business to thrive, they have to be flexible and adapt to the necessary adjustments of this digital era, such as co-working spaces.

The concept of co-working spaces revolves around the idea of workers from different companies sharing office space. This first official co-working space was set up in the early 2000s and has grown very popular ever since.

HR should embrace and encourage the idea of co-working spaces because they represent a sustainable working model that promotes collaboration. These spaces are not only great for well-established companies but also newly-formed ones because it helps them save and grow. Although the global co-working spaces market suffered a decline because of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is expected to recover and improve by 2023.

Read on to find seven reasons why human resources managers should embrace co-working spaces.

1. It’s affordable

One of the main perks of co-working spaces is that it’s affordable. In co-working spaces, multiple businesses work side by side, allowing them to share their resources, cost of the space, and down payments. Companies save by paying the plan option that fits their needs, such as only one desk, a few desks, or an entire office suite, not worrying about facilities and utilities.

They also save on equipment and furniture since co-working spaces already are prepped with desks, chairs, cabinets, and other necessary equipment to ensure functionality and comfort.

This is why HR should embrace co-working spaces, so the company can cut down on expenses while still working in a space that caters to every professional’s needs.

2. Employees have more job control

Because co-working spaces usually are accessible all day, workers get the chance to decide when they want to work, as well as how they want to work, alone or with other people around.

Unlike traditional offices where employees usually have a designated desk and a scheduled working time, co-working spaces offer more flexible working with less routine and structure.

Workers can decide whether they prefer to work during the day or at night. The sense of job control is further enhanced because people can choose to work from home some days, without any repercussions. The overall atmosphere in co-working spaces is more relaxed, and some pressure is taken off the workers.

3. Productivity will increase

One of HR’s crucial jobs is making sure that the employees are happy and productive in their workplace. Since co-working spaces are different from traditional offices, they tend to make the employees more interactive. According to research done by Deskmag and Deskwanted, 74% of their employees were more productive after they started working in a co-working space.

The enhanced freedom and job control these spaces give to the workers help individuals feel more engaged and content with their surroundings. In addition, being around a larger community of people working will promote a sense of discipline and further motivate the employees to continue with their work.

4. More networking opportunities

One of the top priorities of HR managers is nurturing diverse leadership talent through networking, and co-working spaces are an easy way to do that. Because of their setup, co-working spaces offer the chance for workers to be in proximity with other workers from different sectors with whom they can engage and learn.

HR managers are constantly working to encourage cooperation across different departments, and co-working spaces help facilitate their attempts. Combining people with different backgrounds and skills in one space is very valuable for workers. They get insight into other industries, get new business contacts and create a valuable network of connections that they can use to drive their own business forward.

5. Employees become part of a community

Community is a crucial part of any co-working space. These spaces offer employees a chance to become part of a greater working community with whom they can socialize and network.

Being part of a community can be a crucial factor for a person to thrive. It can have a positive effect on the employees’ mental health since it offers them a sense of belonging. Since the wellbeing of the workers is an important matter that HR deals with, promoting the importance of community while working through co-working space is an ideal solution.

6. Support won’t lack

According to studies done by the Department of Psychology at the University of Vienna, co-working spaces are social environments that provide possibilities for social support between workers. Workers constantly interact with each other, even if to say “hello”, which can be considered a precondition of social support.

The shared happiness over a worker’s success, the help provided when one of them is struggling, the network developed are all part of the support workers give to each other in a co-working space.

7. Work-life balance

Last but not least, co-working spaces help employees to find a work-life balance. Many workers struggle to deal with the two aspects simultaneously and tend to neglect one for the other. Many co-working spaces go above and beyond to pressure off the employees by combining work and wellness features into the building.

Some co-working studios have in-house fitness studios and yoga studios. They organize yoga and meditation classes to promote healthy habits and help the workers socialize. Some other spaces include childcare services, living quarters, and so on.

Co-working spaces are an excellent choice to increase the workers’ productivity through community belonging and enhancement of job control by giving them more opportunities for networking and lower the costs of working space.

Because HR cares about the workers’ wellbeing and productivity, they should give their employees the space they need to be their authentic best selves.

When people are content with their work conditions, they will be more committed and enthusiastic to work. Therefore, HR needs to take advantage and embrace this work setting which ultimately benefits everyone.

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Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have time to spare why not check out these related posts and dive deeper down the rabbit hole that is co-working.

• Where To Find Co-Working Spaces In Durban
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• How Co-working Office Spaces Are Beneficial For Startups
• How to Compare and Consider Different Co-working Spaces

Tags: Co-working , Human Resources, Recruitment , Guest Post