Coworking spaces are now quite popular not only between the startups but also other giant companies after companies like Amazon have switched their way towards coworking.
Employees find it difficult to get the flexibility as coworking spaces in the traditional ones while companies find it difficult to manage other amenities and affordability at the same time, coworking then came up like a solution to everyone. Companies find it an affordable option with the flexibility and comfort involved.
Everyone of us by today have understood all the benefits of it in depth, while only some of us are aware of the challenges. The fact that every coin has two sides makes it obvious to have both pros and cons. We will have a discussion of the cons associated with the coworking spaces and possible solutions to it.
Recent survey shows the percentage of the problems faced by the employees as per the reports:
1. Noise and Distraction: Problem 1
Coworking/ shared offices is a working space where people share the same roof with employees of different organisations. It is obvious that people who share similar space will obviously connect amongst each other, and this grown friendship is the major problem amidst.
People are distracted and the workspace is made noisy. Around 48% of total people working there find this as a major challenge.
How do you cope with this?
There are a few ways that can help:
- Using a noise cancellation earphones
- Requesting them to maintain silence or continue the conversation in sitting areas as it can be distracting on the work floor.
- Adding barriers or partitions
2. No Privacy: Problem 2
Since you are a part of a space which is open to every employee who is willing to work in the coworking spaces, it makes it obvious that you might lack privacy. The percentage of people who need privacy and finds it a genuine concern is 48%,
How do you tackle this?
Privacy is something that you need while working, involvement of your chit chat friends or disturbing colleagues is not something you would appreciate, these are all you can do:
- Installing panels and partitions
- A transparent wall would rather work
- Balancing out between individual work areas and shared spaces
3. Insufficient space: Problem 3
Space is what everyone needs at a workplace, no one would ever admire space that is cluttered or messed. 39% of employees working at coworking spaces find it an issue. It should be taken into consideration as messy space is proven to decrease productivity.
How to address it?
- Organise and clean the surrounding
- Try organising the cables with cable manager maybe
- Use partition
- Keep the desk clutter free
4. Lack of proper equipment: Problem 4
A prominent 31% of employees working at coworking spaces finds it an issue, the lack of appropriate equipment. The basic equipment provided in the coworking space is: ergonomic furniture, secure internet, basic stationery, printing and scanning devices etc.
These are the basic requirements whatsoever, any company with employees is bound to provide it.
How to overcome this?
- Provide the space with supply centres where the coworkers can easily deal with the stationery.
- Acknowledge their needs and conduct a regular survey
- Ensure that they are provided with the basic necessities.
5. Not allowing them to personalise their space: Problem 5
Human race is known for its ability to express emotions and attachments. We spend half of our lives in the offices working, which makes it obvious for us to feel attached somewhere. These emotions are addressed by us by making the place where we work more personalised, this can be done by a picture, some good luck symbols or objects, an art piece or anything. 31% of the total employees find it difficult to personalise the space they work in, as this it is restricted.
How to solve this?
This part is totally the owner’s call, yet there are ways of how this challenge can be overcomed:
- We agree that it is not a traditional office, yet the employees should be allowed to adorn their space the way they like.
- Assure that the employees are provided with personal desks and lockers.
Conclusion:
There are challenges that every company faces, these challenges can surely be addressed by some basic changes and organisation. By following the mentioned tips you can certainly encourage smooth functioning of the space.
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