Home office or coworking? The new era of office work

In the wake of recent events, office work as we traditionally know it will be displaced by a new era of “working from home” opening up before us…

The current picture has changed. The work style we’ve always known (home–office/coworking–home) may have the chance to evolve into just: working from home.

Unfortunately for some and fortunately for others, working from home, or the home office, will be a reality we’ll have to take on together.

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The world has discovered the enormous personal and environmental advantages of working from home, which it won’t overlook again.

Also, if it’s shown that productivity isn’t linked to the space where it happens and that, on the contrary, doing tasks at home increases that productivity, we’d be facing a new era of capitalism.

First of all, let’s review both work styles to get a picture of their advantages and, above all, disadvantages.

Coworking

Coworking spaces offer many benefits, but they also have some drawbacks.

Coworking isn’t free. Even though you’ll save money if you compare what it costs to rent a space in a coworking versus renting a whole building, coworking still isn’t free.

By contrast, if you work from home you’re not paying for another space, so it’s “free”. Bear in mind that coworking prices can vary by location, but you still have to decide whether it’s worth paying that price.

In general, the idea of renting a coworking space or not comes down to: do you need space to grow? Are you willing to share your workspace with another company?

Home office

Working from home, or the home office, may also have the odd downside. For example, a home office allows distractions.

While a coworking space may cost you a bit of money per month, they’re designed to make you more productive, since a coworking spatial environment gives you the chance to have control over your work.

In a home office, many freelancers get distracted by household chores, children or their pets.

In a coworking space, by contrast, you’re there to work and there are far fewer distractions.

Advantages of the home office

No commuting. People who work from home usually don’t have to get up early, travel and deal with traffic. If you rent a coworking space, you’ll have to do that and leave home.

The good thing is you can find a coworking space near your home and walk or cycle there.

Networking and meeting spaces

Networking is easier when you work in a coworking space.

Are you an extrovert? Do you run a service-based business? If you answer yes to either of these questions, a coworking space may be the most suitable choice.

Working from home certainly has its advantages, but networking isn’t one of them. In fact, many experts say working from home increases the feeling of isolation and loneliness.

The advantage is that in a coworking space you can attend events for entrepreneurs and make contacts.

On the other hand, if you have a business that regularly requires meetings with clients, it’s best to rent a coworking space. While cafés are pleasant for meetings, they can be crowded and noisy.

Instead, a coworking space lets you have a space for client meetings and offers free coffee for you and your guests.

Another benefit of renting a coworking space is that you have more tools available, since most of them offer whiteboards, projectors and even printing services.

Finally, there’s no single answer as to what suits you best. Don’t forget: if you’re going to choose your workplace, you can alternate between the comfortable desk at home and one of the new coworking spaces you can find around the city.

However, while the current pandemic continues its global conquest, there won’t be much choice but the comfort of home to generate income and keep our lives as normal as possible.

Read:

16 most in-demand home-office jobs in Mérida.

The Mexican government sets criteria for working from home.