The History Of Coworking
The coworking concept, which became popular in the early 2000s, was driven by the idea of bringing like-minded individuals together to share ideas in a flexible environment without the commitments of a traditional office lease. One of the earliest coworking spaces was established in 2005 in San Francisco by Brad Neuberg. His vision was to create a space where independent workers could share office resources while maintaining the flexibility of freelancing.
This innovative idea stopped freelancers from feeling isolated when working at home, as well as avoiding the steep costs associated with traditional office setups.
Bryan Murphy, CEO of Breather, a flexible office space provider notes;
“Coworking really started with freelancers and entrepreneurs who needed more social interaction than they could get at the kitchen table or the coffee shop.”
‘Coworking spaces have become more and more popular over the last few years. In fact, globally coworking spaces are projected to double by 2025!’
Mason, T. The History of Coworking: How Flexible Office Space Became a Force in the Working World. https://cobaltworkspace.com/the-history-of-coworking/
In the early days, coworking spaces were closely associated with startup businesses, tech companies, and creative industries. Coworking spaces offered something that had never been offered before! They became more than just a place of work. They were (and still are) hubs of collaboration and innovation, bringing like-minded professionals together in a shared environment. This concept has not only stuck, but it has accelerated!
Successful coworking spaces offer a casual yet professional vibe, which appeal to a variety of individuals, including:
- Those who are remotely employed and want to ‘go to an office’ to work, for some or all of the time.
- Freelancers who want a professional space to work outside of their home.
- Those seeking to expand their businesses without committing to long-term leases or incurring significant overhead costs.
The Benefits Of Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces have transformed the way we work, providing flexibility, networking opportunities, and access to amenities that traditional offices, or more commonly these days, home offices, often lack. Features like high-speed Wi-Fi and modern, distraction-free environments are among the many reasons people are drawn to coworking spaces, as these elements are rarely found in more traditional office setups.
Community events are often an integral part of coworking spaces, offering a sense of connection for remote workers who want to feel part of a wider group. Coworking spaces also allow for collaboration among like-minded professionals from diverse industries, enabling skill-sharing and creating organic opportunities for business growth.
Although one benefit of a coworking space is the community aspect, this can also come with the challenge of staying focused amidst potential distractions! Background noise, social interactions, and a bustling environment can sometimes impact focus on work. Here are our tips on the best way to maximise the community aspect of a coworking space while achieving your business goals.
Key Strategies to Stay Focused in a Coworking Space
Creating a Personal Workspace
- In a shared work environment, carving out a personal workspace can significantly boost your focus. For example, establishing a consistent desk or working space and personalising your setup with familiar items like a laptop stand or notebook can help create a sense of routine.
- Position yourself strategically – choose areas with good lighting, minimal foot traffic, if this is likely to distract you, and proximity to essential resources like power outlets. At Bloxham Mill, we have numerous spaces to work, including shared open spaces for collaboration, and secluded booths for focused work.
Time Management Techniques
- Effective time management is crucial in a coworking office. Utilise techniques like time blocking, where you allocate specific time slots for tasks, or the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused 25-minute bursts with 5-minute breaks. These methods can really help to improve focus time.
- Planning your day in advance can also help you tackle your most urgent tasks when you are most focused.
Noise Control Solutions
- Noise is one of the most common challenges in a coworking office. A great way to avoid noise distraction is by investing in high-quality, noise-cancelling headphones, which allow you to work in silence or play background music to help with concentration.
- Alternatively, if you have a really focused piece of work, it’s worth locating quieter zones within the coworking office or booking a meeting room for undisturbed work.
Managing Social Interactions
While networking is a valuable aspect of coworking, excessive socialising can obviously disrupt your productivity! By setting clear boundaries both for yourself and for your colleagues, you can increase your productivity. A good way to enjoy socialising while maintaining productivity is by networking during your dedicated break times. This allows you to build relationships with others without compromising productivity. Just remember, it’s okay to say no to non-work-related interruptions when you’re close to a deadline! Everyone is in the same boat!
Optimising Productivity in a Shared Workspace
Shared workspaces offer numerous resources that can enhance productivity when used strategically.
- Use Meeting Rooms
Take advantage of meeting rooms for brainstorming sessions or presentations that require privacy. - Take Appropriate Breaks
Many coworking offices also provide kitchen spaces, perfect for recharging during the day. Try to take a proper break to eat your lunch and refresh your brain. - Tidy Space, Tidy Mind
Make the most of the clear desk policy in a coworking office! Keep your workspace tidy and organised, which will reduce clutter-induced distractions. - Join in with Relevant Events
Finally, tap into the community by joining events or workshops that align with your professional goals.
Conclusion
If you’re choosing to use a coworking space, you’re likely doing so to increase your productivity by avoiding distractions at home and to spend time with like-minded individuals. Staying focused in a coworking space is about finding the right balance between productivity and engagement. By creating a personalised workspace, managing your time effectively, and addressing common distractions, you can use a shared workspace efficiently and really maximise your time there.
With careful planning, coworking spaces like Bloxham Mill can become more than just a place to work – they can be the foundation of your professional success.
Adapt these strategies to suit your working style and discover how coworking spaces can help you thrive both personally and professionally. Ready to stay focused and maximise your potential? Dive into the dynamic world of coworking today!