People work more productively and efficiently in the right workspace. Some thrive better in the comfort of their homes. Others require the collaborative atmosphere of shared workspaces, like coworking spaces.
So, what workspace suits your work style?
In this blog, we’ll learn the benefits and features of coworking spaces and home offices. We’ll also share the factors to consider when choosing between working at home and coworking in Manila.
What is a Coworking Space?
Coworking spaces are shared workspaces under one roof. They accommodate people from different companies and industries and have been popular for businesses shifting to a hybrid work setup.
Features of a Coworking Space
The main feature of coworking spaces is their shared spaces. This workspace type allows different professionals to collaborate on new ideas and expand their networks. Other key features of coworking spaces are:
- Shared amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and meeting rooms
- Common spaces like lounges and pantries
- Short-term, flexible lease options
- Flexible workspaces
Benefits of a Coworking Space
Many professionals favor coworking spaces because of their collaborative atmosphere. Here are other benefits of coworking spaces.
Professional Environment
Coworking spaces offer a structured, professional setting separating your work and personal life. Some have designated quiet areas for more focused work, unlike coffices and home offices.
Moreover, some coworking spaces have reception services, so there are staff to greet clients and visitors. This gives your business a professional image and attracts potential clients when coworking in Manila.
Networking Opportunities
Coworking spaces are hubs for diverse professionals from different industries. Hence, they are great places to expand your professional network and meet potential partners and clients.
Moreover, coworking spaces foster a collaborative environment. Members are encouraged to share knowledge and exchange skills. Also, you can attend networking events to discover potential partnerships with other professionals when coworking in Manila.
Amenities and Facilities
Coworking space costs cover basic office infrastructure, including ergonomic furniture, reliable high-speed connection, and printing facilities. Hence, coworking spaces are great alternatives to traditional office setups.
Moreover, they offer access to meeting spaces, which is great for client meetings and team collaborations. Coworking spaces usually have common areas like kitchens and pantries where you can relax during work hours or network with others.
Access to business and administrative support is one of the benefits of coworking spaces that help you run your business smoothly.
Increased Productivity
Many workers experience increased productivity in coworking spaces. According to Stanford research, working with others improves our intrinsic motivation, which is also why coworking spaces improve productivity.
Moreover, the professional atmosphere in coworking spaces helps improve focus, which also affects work efficiency. Also, having dedicated workspaces helps individuals mentally shift into work mode in coworking spaces.
What is a Home Office?
Home offices are essentially designated workspaces at home. They are commonly used by self-employed individuals and remote workers.
Features of a Home Office
While coworking spaces are structured workspaces, home offices can be structured or unstructured, depending on the available facilities at home. Some professionals working at home may have a dedicated office at home. Others may only have a small nook in shared living areas.
Hence, key features of home offices vary. However, some common features include:
- Personalized workspaces
- Familiar and private environment
- Easy access and control over personal amenities like natural lighting and storage solutions
Benefits of a Home Office
Home offices have been around for a long time. However, they have become more popular during the pandemic as people were required to work from home. They became a welcome change for workers who used to spend longer work hours because they got to spend more time with their families at home.
Besides having more family time, there are other benefits to working in home offices.
Personalized Work Environment
Home offices are highly customizable. Hence, it is ideal for professionals requiring a specific setup to work efficiently. For example, you can buy ergonomic furniture that best fits your body. You can also change the design of the space and add personal touches that can inspire you to work.
You can also adjust lighting and temperature in your home office to ensure comfort during work hours. Finally, you can control the noise in the space. You can blast music as loudly as possible or use a noise machine whenever you want.
Convenience and Flexibility
Another great benefit of home offices is convenience. You can go to your workspace anytime without spending time and money on commuting. Thus, you go to work without the additional stress of daily travel to an office. This is also an ideal workspace for individuals who work in different time zones.
Next, you don’t have to dress up to work. You can wear any comfortable attire during your workday, and you can take breaks whenever you need. Since you’re at home, you can take a power nap anywhere to recharge during work hours.
Lastly, you can easily transition from work and home duties when necessary.
Cost savings
Home offices also have financial benefits. They reduce commuting costs and food expenses. They can also have tax benefits, depending on tax regulations in your country.
Small business owners will also have reduced rental costs. Setting up the business at home may have a few upfront costs, but it will be cheaper over time.
Lastly, home offices save time. So, you potentially earn more as you can work longer hours at home without much additional cost.
Coworking Spaces vs Home Offices: Common Challenges
Coworking spaces and home offices benefit different types of workers and businesses. However, they also have disadvantages.
The primary challenge in home offices is work-life balance. Hence, there is a higher risk of burnout. Coworking spaces are better alternative office solutions because they create and maintain a healthier work-life balance. They also have fewer distractions than home offices.
Next, home offices increase feelings of isolation and loneliness, which negatively affects mental health and motivation. In contrast, coworking spaces provide social interactions that combat work isolation. You can meet diverse individuals when coworking in Manila and further expand your social circle.
Another challenge is flexibility. Working at home is more flexible as you don’t have to commute. In contrast, you must commute when coworking in Manila and are limited to the open hours of coworking spaces near you. You also have to check the availability of a coworking space while you can use your home office anytime.
Lastly, there are some cost considerations for both workspace types. Home offices have higher upfront costs because you must buy office furniture for a home office setup. However, the price lowers over time. In contrast, coworking spaces don’t have high capital. However, you will need to pay for your workspace consistently.
Ultimately, both workspace types have their drawbacks. So, you need to know your work needs to find the workspace that suits you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Understanding the disadvantages and advantages of coworking spaces and home offices will help you decide which workspace works better. Moreover, you must consider the factors below to ensure alignment with your work preferences and goals.
- Nature of Work. First, consider your work. Home offices may be better for you if your job involves handling confidential information. Likewise, creating work may benefit more from home offices since they can be personalized to foster creativity and imagination.In contrast, work that requires more collaboration and networking would benefit from coworking spaces. Coworking spaces can save you some costs if you need specialized equipment like large-format printers or recording equipment.
- Personal Preferences and Work Style. Consider your work style. Do you thrive more in quiet and personal spaces? Then, home offices are better suited for you.Coworking spaces will benefit you if you work more efficiently with others. They are also great for digital nomads to have a better work-life balance wherever they are.
- Financial Considerations. Also, consider your current financial situation. Do you have an extra budget to invest in the necessary amenities for work? Then, choose a home office setup if you like the privacy of your home.However, if you have a limited budget, investing in membership in coworking spaces would be better for you. You can find flexible lease options when coworking in Manila, so you can find the workspace that will fit your budget and needs.
- Long-term Career Goals. Home offices are best for self-employed individuals and freelancers as these spaces offer more flexibility in work hours.In contrast, coworking spaces are great for people looking to expand their network and collaborate with others for personal and professional growth. They are also great for small business owners looking to scale up or downsize, as these spaces are available in different sizes, depending on your business needs. Hence, business owners aiming to expand their market will benefit from coworking in Manila.
Finding the Right Workspace Type for Your Needs
The right work environment significantly improves your work efficiency and productivity. You will work better in a space that caters to your goals and comforts. However, if you still cannot decide which space works for you, try both to find what fits your needs better. Find a dedicated space at home for your work setup and try a coworking space for a short time.
If you want to experience coworking in Manila, check out M Spaces, the go-to coworking space in the heart of Ortigas. We have flexible leasing options and affordable private office space in three different sizes:
- Micro – 8 to 11 sqm. or 4 to 5 seats
- Medium – 12 to 14 sqm. or 6 to 7 seats
- Mega – 15 to 23 sqm. or 8 to 12 seats
You can check out these spaces on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Or contact M Spaces by emailing mspacesph@gmail.com to learn more about our serviced spaces and business solutions.
