Coworking Spaces vs Shared Workspaces: What’s the Difference?

There has been a lot of talk lately about coworking spaces and shared workspaces. Coworking spaces prioritize social connections and collaborations, providing communal workspaces where professionals can work together. In contrast, shared workspaces are typically more secluded, with designated desks or offices available for rent. But are there any other differences between coworking spaces vs shared workspaces? And which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s a Coworking Space?
Coworking spaces are a popular way for groups of independent professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to share office space. These shared workspaces provide the following:
- An attractive alternative to traditional office spaces.
- Offering members access to professional amenities such as high-speed internet.
- Meeting rooms.
- Printing services.
Coworking spaces also allow networking with other professionals and collaborating or discussing projects in an informal setting. They are often flexible in terms of membership and hourly rental periods allowing members flexibility regarding their working hours and location.
Overall, it provides an attractive option for those who don’t want the commitment of a long-term leased office space but are looking for more than just a coffee shop or homework environment.
What’s a Shared Workspace?
Shared workspaces are very similar to coworking spaces. They allow you to rent office space for a certain amount of time, and offer many if not all of the same amenities as coworking spaces. However, there are some slight differences, which we will get into below.
Coworking Spaces vs Shared Workspaces
Though they are probably more alike than not, there are some differences between coworking spaces and shared workspaces, such as:
- Target market. Coworking spaces typically target entrepreneurs, freelancers and startups, while shared workspaces are more for larger businesses who require a little extra space every now and then
- Privacy. Due to their emphasis on collaboration, you’ll typically have less privacy in a coworking space than a shared workspace. However, there are usually still some quieter spots while coworking.
- Flexibility. Coworking spaces are typically more flexible when it comes to both contracts and working hours. You can often rent a coworking space month-to-month, and may even have access 24/7. Shared workspaces may require a longer commitment, and may not have such open office hours.
Tips For Choosing The Right Workspace For You
Whether you are a freelancer, small business owner, or just looking to break away from the buzz of your home office, finding the right workspace can be tricky. There are several things to consider to ensure you find the best spot that meets your needs:
- You should consider how often you will use it and whether or not it is worth investing in one month-to-month.
- Research what amenities each space offers, such as internet connection, access times, and event spaces.
- Familiarize yourself with the culture of the space since different spots offer different vibes. Consider if this is critical to your workspace environment, and ensure it’s a good fit before signing up.
- Confirm rates and read customer reviews before taking the plunge.
The right choice can completely change your work environment!
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are several factors to weigh when deciding between a coworking space and a shared workspace. If you want to create an entrepreneurial career and need flexible office hours that won’t break the bank, then coworking spaces can provide the solution you want.
Still looking for the right workspace? We’d be happy to help! Click here to see what La Collective Cowork has to offer, and inquire about a space today.