The Power of Coworking Spaces
With the threat of COVI-19 still looming, more and more businesses are offering their staff the option of working remotely and many employees eagerly jumping on board. In addition to staying safe during the pandemic, working remotely has many advantages. Reduced commutes, flexible hours, and control over where you work are just a few of the aspects that make remote work desirable.
Studies have found that 80% of the working population would like the option of working from home at least some of the time, with 35% willing to change jobs if it meant full-time remote work. Before the Covid-19 pandemic began, many companies were starting to offer their employees this perk, however many remained hesitant. At the start of the pandemic, businesses deemed non-essential had no choice but to adapt to remote work or shut down for an unknown period of time. Some, such as Twitter, have found that the ‘work-from-home’ model worked well and are now allowing employees to continue doing so indefinitely. It is estimated that 25-30% of the workforce will continue to work from home multiple days a week well after the pandemic has eased and offices have re-opened.
Although the benefits are numerous, there is one major disadvantage to working from home – loneliness. When you are no longer in an office surrounded by coworkers and a team, the isolation and loneliness may become very apparent. Loneliness has become a major problem across the globe. Nearly half the American population feels alone, a third of Britons often feel lonely, and more than half a million people in Japan under the age of 40 report not having interacted with anyone in at least 6 months. In Canada, 28% of households are occupied by singles.
Although scientists have known for a long time that loneliness is damaging to our mental health, they are now learning that the effects go far beyond that. A study conducted in 2015 found that those who are socially isolated are more at risk for a variety of serious physical conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
This is where coworking spaces can be a major benefit to remote workers. Coworking spaces, at their most basic level, are shared workspaces. For those looking to fight the isolation of working at home, coworking spaces offer affordable, office-like amenities. Depending on where you go, different packages are available for people looking for short-term or long-term rental options. Coworking spaces have been gaining popularity for the last few years and a large range of spaces have been popping up throughout Toronto. Each location has a unique set of amenities and set-ups to suit a variety of needs.
Coworking spaces provide more than just an alternative office to work in. Studies have found that 89% of coworking space members report feeling happier since joining the community and 83% say they are less lonely. Although many members claim the social aspects were the most valuable, there have been numerous other noted benefits. From developing new professional relationships to being more productive and less distracted, research shows that coworking spaces allow remote workers to thrive – both personally and professionally. With the pandemic pushing more employees towards remote work, these spaces are a fantastic way to stay positive, stay productive, and work alone, together.
If you’re interested in trying out a coworking space, take a look at some of the options that Trident Banquet Hall offers!