Bright colors, inviting design, and cold brew coffee in the kitchen, this is what comes to mind when we think of a shared workspace.
It’s no surprise that the concept of shared workspaces is becoming increasingly popular. High rents and a changing economy make running a business expensive. With the rise of the boutique business, people are finding new and creative ways to save on cost. But, is a shared workspace right for your company? What does it entail? Olympia Office Movers spoke with Dave McLaughlin, WeWork‘s East Coast General Manager, to get the real deal on using a shared workspace. 
I must admit, based on how nice the offices are, we figured a shared workspace at a place like WeWork would be a bit pricey.
The truth? A shared workspace in the WeWork common area can range from $45 to $350 per person per month, based on your needs. Sounds good, right? It gets better.
All Commons packages include amenities such as high speed internet, discounts and benefits from over 250 partner companies such as AT&T, Hubspot and Uber, access to an online professional network of over 40k members worldwide, guest reception & community managers, and not least of all, kitchens with free coffee. When asked whether they had collaborated with another WeWork member on something, 70% of members said yes.
“I would say my favorite thing is the opportunity to network regularly with people within the community and other event goers. I meet at least 1 new person every event who I can connect with a friend in need of their service or collaborate with myself,” says Nike John, of Vibe Residential, on her company’s shared workspace at WeWork
WeWork builds their spaces around their shared kitchens, creating a place where people can interact and share ideas. Their mission is to build communities, not offices, and with locations worldwide they show no sign of slowing down. Focused on building a larger community, WeWork has created a place where members can connect with potential clients and business partners from around the world to build better businesses. With the use of a digital app to address frictions, WeWork seems to have found a way to make business solutions easier for the community as a whole, mapping what members need and delivering accordingly.
Shared workspace communities often offer events benefiting personal and business development, from exercise boot camp to business advice forums, the events offered are bound to catch your interest. WeWork’s members are even welcomed and encouraged to host events in their spaces.
It’s a common misconception that shared workspaces only work for small startups. WeWork’s Boston location is home to a financial company of 100 employees, which is by no means a small start-up! Rest assured that whether you’re a company of 1 or 100, they can make it work.
Inc.com reported in 2014 that according to a report from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, the number of shared workspaces in America had gone from one to 781 since 2005. The shared workspace trend is only growing more popular as that number increased 83 percent from 2012 to 2013, while and memberships at facilities increased by 117 percent in that time. With over 50 shared workspace options in the Boston and D.C. areas with attractive amenity offerings, month to month leasing, and a visually appealing space outside of the 9-5 cubicle norm, it’s easy to see why companies are drawn towards using a less traditional workspace to build their teams and attract young talent.
If an open office concept isn’t right for your office you can still take advantage of collaborative office shares with private office options. It’s important to keep in mind that the space you’re inviting employees into directly affects their mindset and productivity.
Interested in a shared workspace? Check out WeWork and request an estimate to move into your new workspace!
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