Posts in category: Tips

4 Creative Office Solutions for Remote Workers

Working from home can be great, especially if it means you get to avoid a long commute into the office. But, sometimes you just need to get out of the house if you want to have a focused and productive workday.

Luckily, there are plenty of creative workplace solutions when you need a break from the home office. Coffee shops aren’t your only option, either. The next time you want a change of scenery in your workday, consider one of the following spaces.

The local library

Public libraries are a wonderful resource. It’s not uncommon for a library to have meeting rooms, comfortable chairs and tables, technology and tools, and plenty of places to hunker down. Not to mention free WiFi.

Pros to working from the library: 

• No cost and no time limits — stay from open to close if you wish.
• In general, libraries are very quiet.
• Access to private meeting spaces.
• In some libraries, you’ll have access to a wide range of technology (ranging from basic equipment like printers and scanners, to 3D printers and advanced software).

Cons to working from the library:

• You can’t take calls or have lengthy conversations inside, and a meeting room may not always be available.
• Peace and quiet is never guaranteed in public spaces.
• At the time of writing, many libraries remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other officing options are open for business.
• Libraries are also closed for public holidays.

Virtual office spaces

When you need a professional, well-equipped, and comfortable office space that doesn’t break the bank, virtual offices are an ideal solution. They’re becoming increasingly popular amongst small business owners, entrepreneurs, and other remote professionals.

Pros to virtual office spaces:

• Very affordable, especially compared to traditional commercial office space.
• They’re fully-equipped, which means you only need to bring your computer and other essentials.
• Rental terms are flexible, whether you need a few hours, a few days, or something longer.
• Some virtual office space providers have an extensive network of locations, which means you can easily grab an office while traveling.
• There’s peace of mind in knowing you’ll always have a quiet place to get work done.

Cons to virtual office spaces:

• If you have little budget for office space, a virtual office may be too expensive.
• Every virtual office space is different, so finding your preferred type of environment may require careful research.

Hotel lobbies

Working from a pleasant hotel lobby is easier than you might think: Buy something from the on-site bar or cafe, grab a seat, connect to the WiFi, and get to work.

Pros to working from hotel lobbies:

• While you should buy something, it’s still an affordable remote work location.
• You’ll have plenty of options in most cities.

Cons to working from hotel lobbies:

• Some people may find the hustle and bustle of a hotel distracting.
• It can feel a bit awkward working from a hotel when you aren’t a guest.

Coworking spaces

Like virtual office space, coworking spaces have exploded in popularity over the last several years. They bring a diverse array of professionals together in one big, open space, which makes it easy to meet new people.

Pros to coworking spaces: 

• Often the most affordable option for a dedicated office space.
• Most coworking spaces have printers, scanners, coffee machines, and other standard office amenities.
• Many coworking spaces have meeting rooms and phone booths you can book.
• If you’re looking for freelancers and contractors to help grow your business, you’ll almost certainly make connections in coworking spaces.

Cons to working spaces: 

• Little privacy, since people generally work from shared desks out in the open.
• Coworking spaces can feel cramped and busy, which can make it even more difficult to focus.
• You need to be diligent about productivity, because it’s easy to get distracted by conversations.
• Coworking spaces aren’t the best option for people who spend a lot of their time on calls and video meetings.
• Meeting rooms book up fast, and you could find yourself without a quiet place to take a call.

It’s time to rethink the way we work

Clearly, today’s professionals have more choice than ever when it comes to where they work. 

If you’re ready to experience the flexibility and control that comes with this type of office arrangement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can contact our team here.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, traditional office spaces are no longer the only option for professionals and teams. Enter coworking spaces, a transformative concept that has taken the world of work by storm.

‍

We explore some basic questions we always get asked: what coworking spaces are, their significance, and whether they are worth your precious coin (quick answer to this one is YES, and they’re affordable!).

‍

1. What is a co working space? What are co working spaces?

‍

‍
Co working spaces are shared work environments where individuals from various professions, companies, and backgrounds can work side by side in a collaborative and flexible setting. These spaces often offer amenities such as desks, meeting rooms, high-speed internet, printing facilities, and even community events. These spaces vary in size, amenities, and style but all share the common goal of providing a productive and collaborative workspace.

‍

At SHENAI, our working spaces make it easy for any team leader to find the broadest set of workspaces that work for their team’s unique needs; whether meeting with the whole department for the whole day , onboarding new hires (a private office in a co working space is ideal), presenting weekly / monthly updates to stakeholders (a conference boardroom is key), or taking phone calls and doing solo work before meeting up with the rest in the same vicinity (best workspace is a solo desk).

‍

2. Are coworking spaces worth it?

‍

‍
The value of coworking spaces depends on your unique needs and circumstances. For $25-50 a day, you can do a full eight-hour work at a solo workstation or desk of your choice, including access to private call booth (for biz dev people out there). Meeting rooms at Flexday start at $20/hour with some partners; and private offices for day start at $99. These on-demand usage and prices are the most economical, especially if your team is fully remote (though, let’s be real, there are still types of work that require some – not all the time – in-person presence).

‍

Depending on your needset and budget too, you may want to lock-in with a specific coworking space to have your own mini-office for your own growing team for a solid year. In today’s world, short-term commitments like these work for early stage companies with a need to demonstrate more, consistent in-person commitments due to more complex builds and/or project pace. In which case, we have services at Flexday to also match your companies to a variety of coworking partners free.

‍

Co-working spaces can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

‍
1. Networking: Coworking spaces foster a sense of community, enabling you and your company to connect with like-minded professionals, potentially leading to new partnerships or opportunities.
2. Cost-Efficiency: Renting a traditional office space can be costly. Coworking spaces provide a cost-effective alternative, as you pay only for the workspaces you need. We find that this is more economical for companies requiring more than three days a week in-office.
3. Flexibility: Coworking spaces offer flexible plans, allowing you to choose how often you use the space and whether you need additional services.
4. Productivity: A change of environment can boost productivity and creativity, making coworking spaces ideal for  remote workers and freelancers.

‍

3. What does co working space mean?

‍

‍
The term “coworking space” refers to a shared workspace that is typically accessible on a membership or rental basis. These spaces promote collaboration, networking, and a flexible work environment where professionals can conduct their tasks.

‍

The difference between a co working space and a traditional office space varies greatly. For instance, not only do you get relatively more flexibility with coworking spaces (at Flexday, you can book workspaces in coworking spaces on-demand or ask us to find you a coworking space partner that suits your team’s unique needs and workstyle best) vs. traditional office space, you can also benefit from a broader set of workspace types for your team’s various collaborative and learning needs: meeting rooms and private offices come in a variety of sizes, from small spaces that can accommodate two, to large spaces that can double as a whole event space or host a team’s offsite.

‍

4. Why co working space?

‍

‍
At SHENAI, companies have the broadest set of workspace choices suited for their unique stage and needs. Co working spaces best allow for a variety of types to exist in a single location nearby, and can be booked on-demand (meaning, pay only when you need it) or for recurring / short-term use (guarantee your spot for weeks or months to a whole year).

‍

There are several reasons why professionals and tech startups opt for coworking spaces:

‍
1. Flexibility: You can choose a plan that suits your schedule and workspace needs.
2. Community: Coworking spaces offer a sense of belonging and a chance to connect with diverse professionals.
3. Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional office rentals, coworking spaces are often more budget-friendly.
4. Inspiration: The dynamic environment and interactions with others can spark creativity and motivation.

‍

‍