When coworking spaces were first founded about a decade ago, the intent was to support independent workers within an organized set-up. However, over the years, this idea has progressed into a community space that encourages collaborative working for learning and growth.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a crucial component of the economy, vital for its survival. And like a caped crusader to the rescue, coworking spaces have ensured an equal footing for SMEs in the face of competition from large businesses. Here are three important advantages that coworking spaces offer SMEs:
Scalability and agility
Coworking spaces facilitate quick changes in infrastructure scale to match business volatility. A majority of coworking spaces offer monthly rental plans rather than the long-term leases as offered by traditional office spaces. This monthly plan can be modified according to the performance of your business. You have the flexible option to upgrade or downgrade, i.e., increase or decrease the number of workstations you hire based on your needs.
Long-term leases are binding, cumbersome and not the ideal option for start-ups or SMEs. Without having to worry about such commitments, SMEs can focus on short-term rental expenses, on a month-to-month basis. When the monthly cash flow is not a fixed number, coworking spaces offer office space arrangements that can be adjusted as per your cash flow.
Hiring young talent
For most SMEs, hiring is a huge challenge given that they are not known brands, nor do they have the appeal of start-ups. However, coworking spaces help increase their accessibility, visibility and brand value for job aspirants.
The strategic location of most coworking spaces – often in Commercial Business Districts (CBDs) – help attract young talent who, typically, prefer the brand value of a big company or the exposure of a startup. That apart, coworking spaces with their cross-section of professionals also offer young job aspirants the opportunity to network. This unlocks the promise of endless possibilities for young professionals, who are inspired by the agile and collaborative environment at coworking spaces.
Cost-effectiveness
In an age where renting out furniture, household appliances and even clothes is commonplace, no one wants to pay through their noses for amenities. As far as coworking spaces are concerned, the most value comes from the provision of access to the amenities. The easy functionality of coworking spaces eliminate the need for SMEs to make large capital investments in terms of rentals, housekeeping and the like.
Included into the cost of many coworking space are the advantages of refreshments like coffee, tea, snacks, and office supplies. Additionally, the rental also covers use of costlier items such as printers, online platforms, and other utilities, which need to be upgraded quite often owing to technology changes. Therefore, when it comes to expanding your business operations to other cities and markets, you can simply hire professionals that operate out of a coworking space. This is far easier on the pockets than setting up a new office in a traditional commercial space.
Conclusion
The evolving workplace, in the form of coworking spaces, aid in providing the right resources and infrastructure for SMEs that account for nearly 40% of India’s workforce. With their philosophy of collaborative learning and work that nurtures productivity and creativity, coworking spaces create the perfect environment for business growth.
