Co-working isn’t a new concept, as painters, sculptors, architects, engineers and scientists worked together in the Renaissance “Bottega” workshops in 15th-century Italy.
Bottega workshops brought together different types of talent to compete, collaborate, learn and improve, most often under a master teacher. These Bottega encouraged environments that increased the level of discussion among diverse groups and helped these individuals to turn their ideas into actions. The interactions led to higher levels of innovation for all.
So, what’s new? Technology, of course. In a time where communication, speed and efficiency are crucial, we are once again embracing the co-working concept, but with the added benefits of technology. Businesses have had to adapt and, without a doubt, those that have the ability to be flexible and adaptable will have an edge in an ever more competitive landscape.
Businesses that have the ability to be flexible and adaptable will have an edge in an ever more competitive landscape.
Whilst the human element is essential, technology is clearly a defining factor. If you’re still growing your team and using freelancers or contractors, the same business phone number when out of the office, for example, gives the appearance of a larger, more unified team. With flexibility becoming ever more important from both a business owner and employee perspective, more growing companies need to begin exploring all the available technology and the doors it can open for an adaptable and progressive future.
South Africa is breeding a new age of entrepreneurs, for various reasons, whether it be the best alternative to unemployment or whether the gaps in the market are being snapped up by smart, innovative individuals. It truly is a positive outlook for the country in general, the question being, how to stand out and rise above the competition.
Starting up a business is not for “sissies” and the concept of flexibility in business has become the subject of much debate in recent years. Whether it’s flexible working hours, remote working or different approaches to traditional processes, flexibility and responsiveness is becoming increasingly important, especially for small businesses and start-ups.
Attracting and retaining talent
Start-ups and new businesses don’t have the luxury of a full staff complement, so every resource counts and time and money spent on training is worth its weight in gold. The question is, are you guaranteed to hang onto that talent? Why then, do we continually see businesses putting their talented at the bottom of the priority list?
The concept of flexible working has gained a lot of traction recently. Millennials, in particular, put a lot of importance on flexible hours and work-life balance when searching for new jobs. Some recent research shows that they would even sacrifice some of their salaries for this perk, showing just how crucial it is for many.
This means that start-ups and small businesses that offer flexible working as an employment benefit will have the edge over other companies when it comes to winning over the best new talent, as well as keeping them motivated and willing to stay with the company in the long-run.
Start-ups and small businesses that offer flexible working as an employment benefit will have the edge when it comes to winning over the best new talent and keeping them motivated.
Technology is doing away with the 9-5 working hours
20 years ago the traditional nine-to-five, in-office working culture was the norm, as no suitable and reliable alternatives were available to make any other working formats viable.
Fast-forward to 2018, however, and technology has created endless options for businesses to break out of the rigidity of standard business practices and to create their own rules.
Remaining contactable as a small business
Start-ups inevitably run a business from an unconventional office – perhaps a kitchen table or even a local coffee shop. Having reputable contact details and a landline business number, therefore, may initially seem unfeasible.
With the rise of serviced office specialists like Regus, these options have become a reality. For example, front desk staff will answer your phone using your company’s identity and even take messages, whether you are using it as a virtual office or if you prefer the co-working set up. Regus membership allows you these options as well as the ability to grab a meeting room should you need your peace or privacy. The ways of working are endless.
Why the emphasis on co-working spaces?
Co-working spaces have grown in popularity over the last few years, and it is no surprise that many companies are now exploring the option of moving their business into the hub of a dynamic co-working environment.
But what exactly is co-working, how does it differ from a typical office environment, and could it be a good choice for your business?
Typically, co-working allows entrepreneurial-spirited teams the freedom to work in a collaborative environment. Whereas most staff are employed by the same organisation in a traditional office environment, those in a co-working space work for various companies, spanning a variety of verticals and sizes.
Co-working spaces are available in many cities worldwide and, in these ecosystems, workers are exposed to a range of new people and can benefit from mingling, mentorships, and even partnering with other firms.
Co-working allows entrepreneurial-spirited teams the freedom to work in a collaborative environment.
4-point co-working checklist
- Creativity and innovation
The vibrant interior designs of modern-day co-working spaces and the variety of individuals and companies they attract ensures that co-working spaces perfectly foster an environment of creativity, inspiration, and innovation, thereby helping to stimulate new ideas and approaches.
In this environment, employees can build relationships with a range of individuals working in creative or technology-based start-ups. Many businesses seat their innovation teams away from the company’s traditional office environment in co-working spaces in order to promote out-of-the-box thinking..
While co-working helps individuals thrive in a collaborative working environment, some may feel that co-working spaces can be slightly noisier than a traditional office. That’s not necessarily the case. Co-working spaces that provide private offices, meeting rooms and phone booths can empower you to focus, noise-free and without any distractions.
Many businesses seat their innovation teams away from the company’s traditional office environment in co-working spaces in order to promote out-of-the-box thinking.
- Co-working as the new networking
Co-working communities play host to a wealth of networking events that not only equip your employees with new skills and insights, but also provide them with a platform to meet other like-minded individuals.
In some cases, many businesses working in these environments build commercial relationships with other companies, ultimately benefiting the bottom line of both enterprises.
Another thing that differs between co-working spaces is the sense of community and the helpfulness of the Community Managers.
The Regus concept not only assures by chance interventions but also fosters an environment of community and openness, where Community Managers facilitate interactions and where long-lasting friendships are made at events.
- Cost and up-keep
By taking an office at a co-working space, you could save your business up to 40 percent in costs compared to a traditional office space.
Businesses are not required to deal with purchasing furniture, cleaning, maintenance, internet connectivity, or the more mundane tasks such as checking how much ink is left in the printer. It’s all taken care of by the centre management.
Instead of you taking care of the maintenance of your office, the co-working provider will ensure it remains in tip-top shape. You can then focus on your business’s growth, without the hassle or headaches.
You could save your business up to 40 percent in costs compared to a traditional office space.
- Flexibility by design
Co-working spaces allow you to quickly scale up or down office space based on the business’ requirements and levels of maturity.
Regus office spaces offer a variety of membership options, allowing you to consider your office needs on a monthly – rather than annual – basis. You don’t need to know exactly how many people your team will have in half a year or an entire year, as at any given month you only pay for the offices and seats you actually use.
Co-working spaces allow you to quickly scale up or down office space based on the business’ requirements and levels of maturity.
In co-working spaces, different workplace environments are typically customised to support different working styles, dependent on whether you need to head down on a task that requires solitary thought and attention, or in a large meeting space that needs all hand on deck.
Regus has spent countless hours asking these questions, testing these theories and coming up with a holistic solution that will work for a variety of workers. Looking at our entrepreneurs all the way up to our corporates, the agility and flexibility that this gives to every type of business, large or small, is becoming a necessity, rather than just a preference.