Coworking spaces have become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Open-plan spaces look modern, encourage collaboration and offer businesses the flexibility to rent a desk without committing to a traditional office. But while coworking can work well for some businesses, it isn’t necessarily the right solution for everyone.
At Affordable Workspace Partnership, we work with small businesses, start-ups and creatives every day, and we’ve seen a growing demand for something different: smaller, private offices and studios that give businesses their own space without the cost or commitment of a large traditional office.
Coworking spaces: flexible, but not always practical
For freelancers and businesses that mainly need somewhere to work, a shared coworking desk can be a convenient and flexible option. There is often access to meeting rooms, communal areas and opportunities to meet and collaborate with other businesses.
The downside is that you’re working in a shared environment. Noise, distractions and a lack of privacy can become an issue, particularly when you need to concentrate, have confidential conversations or meet clients.
Storage can also be a challenge. For creatives and businesses with equipment, materials, stock or physical files, having somewhere secure to keep everything isn’t always straightforward when you’re renting a desk.
The case for a private office or studio
A small private office or studio offers many of the benefits of a larger workspace, but on a much more manageable scale. You have your own door, your own space and somewhere to leave equipment, materials and files. You can take calls without worrying about who’s listening, meet clients in a professional environment and create a workspace that suits the way you work. For creatives in particular, having space for specialist equipment and materials can make a significant difference.
That doesn’t mean private spaces have to be isolated. We believe the best affordable workspaces combine private studios and offices with shared breakout areas, meeting spaces and opportunities for businesses to connect. It’s about giving people the choice to collaborate when they want to, while still having somewhere private to focus when they need to.
Are businesses getting the workspace they actually need?
One of the things we see regularly is workspace being designed around assumptions about what businesses want, rather than what they actually need. Open-plan coworking can look fantastic in architectural plans and marketing photography, but the reality of working in that environment can be very different. Today’s small businesses need practical considerations such as privacy, storage, flexibility and somewhere they can make their own.
This is particularly important when developing affordable workspace. Getting the balance right from the outset can make better use of an asset and create a space that businesses actually want to use.
As one of London’s leading affordable workspace providers, with hundreds of five-star reviews, Affordable Workspace Partnership brings practical experience of what works for small businesses and creatives. We also work with asset owners, helping them develop workspace around the needs of the market and, where possible, avoid unnecessary costs.
Coworking or private office: which is right for you?
There isn’t one answer that works for every business. Coworking can be a good fit if you want maximum flexibility, enjoy working around other people and mainly need a desk and somewhere to work. A private office or studio may be more suitable if you need privacy, storage, client meeting space, specialist equipment or somewhere you can make your own.
For many small businesses and creatives, the ideal solution may actually be a combination of the two: a private workspace when you need to focus, alongside shared spaces when you want to collaborate, meet people or take a break.
Ultimately, good affordable workspace should reflect how businesses actually work, rather than expecting businesses to adapt to the workspace.
