When it comes to choosing the right space in a coworking space, it isn’t going to be as easy as choosing the one closest to the gramworthy lounge or with the sleek coffee machine. It all comes down to how you work best: if you thrive in a buzzing, energetic work dynamic or need a quiet den for that laser focus? If you’ve found yourself in this dilemma too, we’ve got your back. In this blog, we take a closer look at things you need to keep in mind before you decide to rent a coworking space.
The Open Design: Energy, Buzzing Ideas & a Bit of Chaos
Picture this. Every time you walk into your coworking space, and you’re greeted by buzzing conversations, soft taps of keyboards, background of Spotify playlist that you vibe with. That’s what open-plans in a coworking space look like in its full-swing.
Resembling the heart of the office — such open spaces are full of life, people and spontaneous ‘Eureka’ moments. Even when you’re sitting in a shared workspace, chances are you may even work next to an unicorn founder — including passionate freelancers, marketers, designers, and more.
Open Plan Coworking Pros:
- Community: You’re not alone. Chances are high that you’ll be surrounded by people who might just become your next collaborators or friends.
- Networking: Every casual coffee break may turn into a full-blown business partnership.
- Flexibility: Most open desk spaces offer hot-desking, so you can choose a new spot with a new scenery, everyday without any fuss.
Challenges:
- Distractions: From chatter, loud phone calls, to lots of noise – things can get chaotic.
- No Privacy: If you’re working on something that needs confidentiality, it may not be an ideal place.
- First Come, First Serve: With hot-desking, there’s no guarantee to getting your preferred seat everytime.
Private Desk: Focus, Privacy, and Personal Zen
Now picture this: You walk into the coworking space, get to your desk. Everything is at where you left them. No one has touched your things, including your post-its and quiet. Private desks in a shared workspace are exactly like that. It’s like having a personal office, but minus the hassle and costs of a rented office space on contract.
Pros of Private Spaces:
- Your Personal Zone: You have all the liberty to set up the space the way you like — adding a plant, your favorite desk lamp, or polaroids.
- Better Focus, Lower Noise: Now it is easier to get in the zone without any interruptions.
- Security & Stability: You don’t have to worry about safekeeping your belongings, and neither do you have to worry about your seat the next day.
Challenges:
- Less Socializing Opportunities: You may have lesser chances of spontaneous chats, creative energy of open spaces.
- More Expensive: Generally private spaces/dedicated desks are pricier than open desk plans.
- Less Flexibility: If you’d like to switch up your work vibe regularly, this might feel too ‘fixed’.
So, Which One Defines You Better?
When it comes to work, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all comes down to your personality. You can ask simple questions to yourself to make the selection:
Q1. Do you mind background noise while working?
If yes, then you can work it out in an open space. Especially if you work with a team that is full of new ideas. The buzz of an open space would only add onto your overall team spirit and vibe.
Q2. Do you need to take a lot of calls throughout the day?
If you have to take calls all the time, then it might be a better option for a private space in a coworking space, for more seamless conversations.
And if you’re someone who’s a mix of both, with occasional all-day work calls, opting for something like a pod works best for such event. If you’re a solopreneur with a team that works hybrid, getting a multi-seat office+cabin can work great for you. At Zioks, there are many more such cool workspace designs that fits right into your needs without any second thoughts.
Final Takeaway
There’s no ‘better’ when it comes to open space vs private desks. Instead, what matters is what works better for you. If you’re someone who loves to keep things fun, interesting everyday but with some set boundaries, there are coworking spaces out there that provide just the right hybrid setup. All you need to do is find them.
So before you rush to rent a coworking space, take a moment to reflect on understanding what work means to you, and it doesn’t have to be confined within this or that. After all, workspace isn’t about furniture, but the environment.
