A simple guide to coworking
Coworking has been part of Irelands business landscape for quite a while, in fact we wrote an explainer post about it ourselves back in 2017 and its popularity is growing year by year. Despite this, many people struggle to understand the concept and practicalities of what it really means so we’re going to take some time today to go through the various ways that people avail of coworking here at Glandore.
1. What is coworking?
The Oxford dictionary states that coworking is “The use of an office or other working environment by people who are self-employed or working for different employers, typically so as to share equipment, ideas, and knowledge.” While that may seem like a broad statement it doesn’t begin to cover the reality of a contemporary coworking offering. Spaces range from custom designed layouts like ours to restaurants who rent out their spaces during off-peak times so coworking is still an evolving concept.
2. Who is coworking for?
When people picture a coworking space they often imagine a very specific type of space, and clientele. What was previously seen as a way of working that catered more towards creative or tech driven companies has now become much more widespread in the corporate world. It’s not unusual to see larger multinationals take on temporary overflow space in a coworking set up to manage stand-alone projects, or for small companies of any industry to be swayed by the benefits of basing themselves in a coworking space instead of in an isolated office. Having said that, coworking spaces are still a hive of activity for entrepreneurs and provide the perfect platform to try out a new business idea with minimal risks. We’ve written about the positives of coworking for entrepreneurs before and the points made are just as relevant today.
3. Coworking at Glandore
In order to better understand coworking we’ll take a look at some coworking packages on offer here at Glandore and who they most benefit. Starting with our lightest package, the community desk option is our entry level opportunity to see if coworking at Glandore is the right fit for you. A community desk is ideal for someone who needs a workspace on an occasional basis but isn’t at a point where they need daily access to a desk yet.
Following on from a community desk, the next step up is a coworking hot-desk. When you take this option, you’ll have freedom to come and go knowing that there will always be a space for you to work from. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who enjoy the flexibility that coworking brings, as well as being able to avail of the perks of being part of the Glandore network. If your work means that you need to work in more regular hours, or you just prefer to know that you’ll always have the same desk to work at (some of us are creatures of habit), then a dedicated desk is a great option for you. You’ll have your set spot, with access to lockable storage, and you can be sure that your desk will be just as you left it when you come back each day.
4. Coworking for entrepreneurs
Making the leap into starting your own business and going out on your own entrepreneurial journey is an exciting prospect; the more prepared you are the more likely you are to make a success of your idea. It can be overwhelming to try and find an office space that works for you so opting for coworking can help to ease some of the pressure of getting your startup off the ground. We put together a list of some important things to know about taking a coworking space with us to help you understand your options. If you have a colleague or two but your company isn’t ready to take on a private office yet, this option could be just what you need. If you’d like to learn more about any of our coworking options, you can find lots of information about them right here.
5. What you need to know about choosing your coworking space
Regardless of which type of coworking package you’re looking for, some considerations will always come into play. From finding a location that works for you, to finding a space with the kinds of amenities you need for your business, to networking opportunities where you have the chance to meet like-minded people, we’ve chatted with our coworkers to find out what they rate as the most important factors to consider before committing to a space. We’ve gathered some of the most relevant things to keep in mind before you pick your perfect place here. We’re always open to feedback from our members and truly value their insights, especially when they can help us deliver an even better service than expected.