August 2018 – Coworking is a style of work that involves sharing a workspace, office equipment and a working environment with a number of people who are usually self-employed or employed by a number of different companies
Co-working business centres, such as The Business Exchange, are growing in popularity with small business owners, freelancers and remote office workers. This can largely be attributed to; lower operating business costs – thanks to a number of shared office resources, as well as extensive business networking opportunities that co-workers enjoy.
Although co-working or shared office space may be great for business, some employees, especially those with a more introverted personality-type, may at first experience apprehension about this new working style.
In order to alleviate some of this initial stress, it is necessary to professionally personalise your allocated workspace as much as you possibly can. We’ve put together a few suggestions for you.
1) Get Comfortable
We’ve mentioned that you need to personalise your allocated workspace, and this is where adding a few of your personal effects makes all the difference. A special hand cream, photo frame or small plant will add a little of your own personality to your surroundings. Since air-conditioning is centrally controlled in business centres, a wrap or jacket could be left at your desk for colder days. If you don’t occupy the same workspace every day, then keep your desk paraphernalia in a small, stylish tote bag which you take home with you at the end of each day.
2) Shut Out the Noise
Open office spaces may tend to be a bit noisy from time to time, so it’s worth investing in a set of high-quality noise-cancelling headphones, or even earphones with your own playlist to help you better focus.
3) Take a Break
Well-equipped business centres offering shared office spaces should have a number of options in which to work, other than open office spaces. A quiet place to work is vital from time to time, as is a suitable place for a bite to eat or a coffee break.
David Seinker, CEO of The Business Exchange says, “A successful coworking office environment should be able to meet a variety of business needs during the day.” The Business Exchange business centres have a variety of small, private meeting areas, lounges, boardrooms, on-site coffee shops, restaurants and even gyms where tenants can take a well-deserved break or relieve their stress.
This popular business centre, which has offices in Sandton, Rosebank and Morningside, also offers private offices for companies who prefer an alternative to co-working, or virtual office space for entrepreneurs who are not yet ready to take on a formal office space, but who require a professional business address and call-answering and directing service.
