Shared office spaces, or coworking spaces, are an increasingly popular option for freelancers, small businesses, and remote workers who do not have access to a centralized office space. These rented workspaces can give individuals and small businesses access to a high-end, high-function office space without a major investment.
For CPAs, accounting firms, and other businesses these shared spaces may offer a host of solutions and conveniences to cut costs and boost productivity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, coworking spaces may be a gamechanger for many firms.
Benefits of Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular. Some companies see coworking solutions as offering a full spectrum of benefits offered by coworking solutions.
- Going Green – Shared workspaces often consume fewer resources, minimize building sprawl, and reduce companies’ carbon footprints. Operating in a coworking space can be an effective, socially responsible solution for small businesses looking to expand sustainably.
- Recouping Pandemic Losses – As businesses return to onsite work, leadership may expect to make changes and reforms in an effort to recover from pandemic-related losses. Rethinking the company’s workspace may be a solution.
- Better Locations – Moving some personnel to a coworking space closer to essential services may cut delivery and receiving costs, improve access to clients, and reduce travel needs.
- Maintenance-free – Opting to rent shared office spaces can eliminate additional costs such as utilities, internet, building maintenance, and support staff. In a coworking space, your business may only need to pay for a desk, room, and chair—some of which can be shared between multiple employees.
- Opportunities for Collaboration – With multiple businesses and freelancers sharing the same space, partnerships and collaboration can grow naturally. For example, a CPA might build an otherwise unexpected business relationship with a freelance advertising consultant down the hall.
While the traditional route of renting a building or office space may suit some businesses, a coworking space may help others boost efficiency and cut costs. For fledgling women and minority-owned businesses, a coworking space may help such businesses to grow.