5 Top Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Tech Startups in India

Drawing The Fine Balance Between Coworking And Productivity

by | posted in: Coworking | 0

There are always two sides to every coin. Coworking encourages networking and collaboration but some people feel that being accessible to others hampers their productivity.  

Similarly, some people thrive with the independence they get from a coworking space while others feel the need to have managers and team leaders guide and oversee them through their tasks. 

However, no one can contradict the fact that neighbourhood coworking is more comfortable than having to commute across town to the office every day. So, how can you be your most productive self in a coworking atmosphere? Here are a few tips. 

6 Ways to Boost Productivity in Coworking Space

  1. Choose The Right Coworking Space
  2. Use The Flexibility To Your Advantage
  3. Have Daily And Weekly Targets
  4. Have Meaningful Interactions
  5. Use Headphones
  6. Bring Your Own Supplies

1. Choose The Right Coworking Space

The first step to being productive in a coworking space is to choose the right coworking unit and the right membership plan. The coworking space must be easy to reach, safe to work in and have the infrastructure you would require. 

Visit the coworking space to see who you will be working beside. Try and get an idea of how people work in the space and the overall work culture. Ensure that the coworking space has designated meeting spaces (in case you need to collaborate with coworkers and vendors etc). 

2. Use The Flexibility To Your Advantage

Irrespective of your specialty, you’ll have noticed that there are certain tasks you get done quickly when there’s no one around and certain things that you need to work in tandem with others. 

Coworking gives you the flexibility to work as you like, when you like and where you like. When you need to focus on a task and don’t want to be disturbed, pick a seat in the corner of the hall / room. When you think you would benefit from having people around, take your laptop and sit at a community desk. Everyone has a different idea of the ideal working spot.

Use Coworking Flexibility To Your Advantage

Source: Slideshare

If your organisation permits, you can go a step further and set office hours to suit your productivity. If you feel more productive in the morning, start your day early. If you feel more productive in the second half, work your schedule accordingly.

3. Have Daily And Weekly Targets

Whether your company takes up an independent office space for rent or chooses a coworking space, staying motivated can be a challenge. In a coworking space, there are always people around and it’s easy to get distracted. To fight this, give yourself a plan with daily and weekly goals. Also, plan a reward for reaching these targets.

Break large tasks down into smaller steps so that you can cross them off your to-do list at each stage. This will give you a sense of achievement and push you to do more. When you’re planning your targets and your schedule, don’t forget to add a few breaks in between the day. You need to switch off from time to time to be able to concentrate on your work. 

4. Have Meaningful Interactions

Networking and collaboration are two key benefits that draw people to coworking spaces. You must interact with the people around you but these interactions should be purposeful. Swapping gossip or reviews of the latest tv series doesn’t count as networking. 

Now, let’s say you find someone you want to collaborate with. Rather than ping them every few minutes with an idea or a query, make a note of things you want to discuss and set aside time in both your schedules to discuss this. If people approach you when you’re in the middle of a task, be polite but firm and tell them when you’re taking your next break and will have time to talk to them. 

5. Use Headphones

A pair of headphones can be a very useful tool to make coworking and productivity go hand in hand. Irrespective of whether you’re actually listening to music on it or not, it’s a natural visual barrier that will keep people from disturbing you unnecessarily. If you find the overall hum of the coworking space distracting, get yourself a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. This will eliminate the distraction and let you focus on the task at hand. 

6. Bring Your Own Supplies

When it comes to productivity in office space, not having the things you need can be a big deterrent. Sure, you could ask the people around and borrow a pen or a pencil but this could lead to a longer conversation that costs you too much time. 

So, firstly, when you look at coworking options, pick one where you have access to a locker. Find out what facilities are available and how to avail of them. Secondly, list out all the basics you may need during the day and make sure they are available to you. If you don’t want to carry them up and down every day, store them in your locker. Some of the basics you should always have include a notebook, pens and pencils, your chargers and a bottle of water.

In Conclusion

Coworking offers many benefits to individuals as well as the companies they work for. All you need is some self-discipline and the above tips to help you find the answer to how coworking increases productivity. As mentioned earlier, finding the right coworking space is critical to making all your plans work. 

The Office Pass (TOP) has multiple coworking spaces in South Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working with a growing company, you’ll find a space and membership plan that’s right for you. To know more, reach out to us at 08999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

Coworking Space in Cyber city Gurgaon

7 Checklist To Find The Best Coworking Space Near You

by | posted in: Coworking Spaces | 0

The advantages of switching from traditional office lease to a coworking space have been well documented. It’s a win-win situation for employers and employees. Today, it’s not just entrepreneurs and small businesses that are looking for coworking offices but large, successful MNCs too. Google, Deutsche Bank, and Nestle, these are just three of the many corporations that have embraced the coworking culture.

Number of Coworking Space Worldwide From 2005 to 2020

Source: RechargeGate

The number of coworking spaces worldwide crossed the 25,000 mark a few years ago and the graph continues to grow. This raises the question, “what is the best coworking space near me?” Here is a quick checklist of 7 must-haves.

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

Top 7 Checklist To Find Coworking Space Near You

  1. Easy Accessibility
  2. Safe, Clean Surroundings
  3. IT Amenities And Support
  4. Shared Facilities
  5. Collaborative Spaces
  6. Membership Flexibility
  7. Network Building Opportunities

 

1. Easy Accessibility

One of the key reasons why people search for a “coworking office near me” is because it makes working out of prime locations more affordable. Along with the proximity to the central business district, you must consider how accessible the office is. If you drive down in your own vehicle, there should be sufficient parking available. If you use public transport, you need to assess how far it is from the closest metro or bus stop and how easy it is to get a taxi or auto-rickshaw to and from the area.

2. Safe, Clean Surroundings

Secondly, you need to consider how safe the neighbourhood is. Ideally, the coworking space should open out to the main road. It shouldn’t be deserted during the day or in the late evening when you have to leave the office. Visit the space late in the evening once to ensure that it is well lit. 

There may be occasions when you have to invite clients for a meeting in the coworking space. In such cases, their first impression will be of the office surroundings. Hence, make sure you choose a coworking space in a clean part of town. 

How the Environment of a Workplace Determines the Productivity of Its Users

3. IT Amenities And Support

It’s taken for granted that every coworking space near me has a hi-speed and reliable Wi-Fi connection. You should only bring your laptop with you. That said, you need to check the Wi-Fi speed and the reliability of the connection. Is there a backup in-place if the Wi-Fi is down? In addition, the the should have basic infrastructure such as printers and scanners that you can use if and when needed. Some coworking units also have an on-site IT support team. Check if these facilities are included in the price or charged separately.

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

4. Shared Facilities

When you take up a coworking space membership, you’re paying for more than just desk space. There are several shared facilities you should also be able to access. Clean toilets are a very important must-have – remember, you will be spending all day here. Look into the availability of lockers to store your belongings, a kitchenette and dining space and recreational spaces where you can take a break. 

5. Collaborative Spaces

Apart from the dining hall where you can have an impromptu meeting with a colleague or someone you just met, look into the availability of spaces specifically designed for collaboration. 

A meeting room or a conference room is an important facility. These spaces should be equipped with not just furniture but also have tools such as whiteboards, projectors, video conferencing equipment, etc. 

If you have a large team or you plan to host events, look for a coworking office for rent near me that also has a seminar hall. These spaces usually have to be booked in advance and are charged extra as per use. Hence, add this cost to your monthly membership fee.

6. Membership Flexibility

When you’re choosing a coworking space, look into the flexibility of the lease. What is the minimum lease duration? Can you reserve a fixed desk or is it a first-come-first-served situation? Can you get an extra desk for just a day or a week? This is important if you’re working with a remote team that comes together only when needed. 

7. Network Building Opportunities

A coworking space is a great place to meet people from outside your organization. Of course, you can meet people in the dining space or introduce yourself to the people sitting beside you but, working from a coworking space should offer more networking opportunities. A study showed that over half the coworking population chooses coworking spaces for the atmosphere, the ability to interact and the community.

Reasons Why Coworking Spaces Are Chosen

Source: SlideShare

Ask about the frequency of networking events and the type of events conducted. Also visit the space during work hours to get an idea of the type of people you will be working with. Coworking units that organise workshops, seminars, pitch meetings, etc can help you expand your network.

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

A Final Word

Choosing the right coworking space is critical to your productivity. In addition to physically visiting the space and asking the right questions, take time out to read reviews by other members before you sign a lease. If you’re in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon, The Office Pass (TOP) may be just what you need. 

With coworking spaces in prime locations, easy accessibility and a range of shared facilities and services, TOP gives you everything you need to work undisturbed during the day and network after hours. To know more, reach out to us at 08999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

Coworking for Small or Mid-Size Companies

How Are Coworking Spaces Changing Office Culture For Small And Medium Businesses (SMB)?

by | posted in: Coworking Spaces, Small And Midsize Business (SMB) | 0

Coworking spaces are especially beneficial to small and medium businesses. When it comes to evaluating the impact of coworking on these businesses, we usually talk in terms of lowered overheads, lesser administrative headaches, better locations at more affordable costs, etc. 

There is another area where change is seen and felt, that is the company culture. Where  employees work affects how they interact with other members of their team, their values, decision making and so on.  Let’s take a look at some of the coworking benefits of small and medium businesses in terms of company culture.

6 Reasons Why Small And Medium Businesses Choosing Coworking Spaces

  1. Flexibility Is The New Buzzword
  2. Greater Individual Responsibility
  3. Performance-Driven Evaluations
  4. Focus On Collaboration And Shared Success
  5. Communication Gets More Attention
  6. Acknowledging The Need For A Personal-Professional Life Balance

 

1. Flexibility Is The New Buzzword

Coworking is all about flexibility. This is not limited to being able to choose your own desk every morning. It influences the way the organisation functions since flexibility has been found to have a direct impact on productivity.

Flexibility Is The New Buzzword

Source: Gartner

Companies are no longer expecting employees to follow rigid schedules such as logging in and out of work at specific times. Employees are being given freedom in choosing when and where they want to work. 

For example, while some employees may feel the need to split their time between a central Headquarter and coworking spaces, others may prefer working solely from coworking spaces. Flexibility can also be seen in the growing popularity of open floor office designs and non-assigned seating in spaces where companies see remote workers come together from time to time. Dress codes too have become more flexible. 

A flexible company culture is beneficial to employers and employees. It demonstrates respect for employees and makes it easier for businesses to find talented people for their teams.

2. Greater Individual Responsibility

Choosing a coworking office over traditional cubicles has also led to businesses giving their employees more freedom and individual responsibility for their projects. When a manager has 4 people on his team working from different locations, he/she cannot physically monitor the work being done. Hence, the work culture shifts towards having employees more answerable for their part in a project. 

Flexibility Is The New Buzzword Greater Individual Responsibility

Source: Mckinsey

This shift in company culture is proving beneficial. As proved by a study, giving individuals ownership over their tasks brings about an increased sense of purpose and improves productivity. Being held accountable also motivates the team to put in a consistent effort towards their tasks even though they are not being constantly monitored. In turn, it builds loyalty toward the organization and makes them less likely to switch jobs. 

3. Performance-Driven Evaluations

Choosing coworking for medium sized companies also impacts the way employee performances are evaluated. Companies are changing their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to become more output and performance-driven. Employees have more freedom with inputs and processes and the focus for reviews is shifting to output in terms of the level of performance expected, ability to meet deadlines, regular check-ins, etc. It’s more about the end result and less about how it was achieved.

4. Focus On Collaboration And Shared Success

Collaboration is a key part of coworking culture. It’s what made the concept popular in the first place. From entrepreneurs and freelancers to professionals working with established brands, working out of a coworking unit creates opportunities to interact with people working in related or unrelated fields and collaborate with them. 

Many coworking service providers organize brainstorming and pitch sessions after work hours with the specific aim of helping people find collaborators. 

The benefits of collaboration are clearly visible. It’s proof of the old saying, ‘Two heads are better than one’. This is why small and medium sized companies are encouraging employees to work in collaboration with others rather than focus on individual victories. Rather than keep departments distinct, inter-department interaction and collaboration is being encouraged. 

5. Communication Gets More Attention

Coworking for small and medium businesses means that employees working on the same project may not always be sitting side by side. Thus, to ensure that work flows smoothly, companies have had to focus on improving their internal communication channels. Rather than expect daily calls and emails, centralised communication platforms where everyone can share ideas and inputs on a common forum have become more popular. 58% of the companies polled in a survey ranked video communication technology as the primary purchase or upgrade since the rise of remote working. 

6. Acknowledging The Need For A Personal-Professional Life Balance

With the growing popularity of coworking spaces, companies are acknowledging the need for a personal-professional life balance and paying more attention to employee wellbeing. Companies are taking more care of their employees. 

At coworking spaces, members can attend workshops and events after work hours. Taking a cue from this, companies too are investing in helping their employees relax, learn soft skills, etc. 

Summing It Up

Company culture is influenced by many factors including where people work from.  Hence it isn’t surprising to see how coworking culture is influencing corporate culture among small and medium businesses. The changes are beneficial to employers and employees. In a large part, this is dependent on the coworking space your team works out of. You need a coworking space with a culture and value system that complements yours. 

The Office Pass (TOP) has coworking spaces in Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon and is ideal for small and medium sized businesses. The units are designed to give professionals a space and facilities that let them be their most productive selves. To know more, reach out to us at 08999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

How Female Centric Coworking Spaces Improve Working Environment for Women?

How Female Centric Coworking Spaces Help Improve The Working Environment For Women Employees?

by | posted in: Coworking Spaces | 0

Coworking space for women helps bridge the gender gap by supporting careers affected by societal pressures and workplace inequality.

4 Top Benefits of Coworking Space for Women Employees

  1. Make Workplaces More Accessible
  2. Fewer Distractions
  3. Lower Risk of Harassment
  4. Makes Networking Easier

 

1. Make Workplaces More Accessible

When women look for jobs, they don’t consider only the position and the salary. They’re also looking at how far the office is from their home, how long it will take them to commute, how safe the neighbourhood is, etc. 

Many women prefer not to travel alone late in the evenings. Given the high prices of commercial real estate in metro cities, small and mid-sized companies are likely to have offices away from the central business sector. 

Having the option to work from a coworking space makes it easier for women to build a career. By taking up a seat at a coworking space near home, women cut down on commute time and can participate more actively in the organization. A recent survey showed that 48% of women look for work styles with an easier commute.

Make Workplaces More Accessible

Source: Robert Walters

It is also easier for companies to find affordable coworking spaces on main roads and close to metro stations than it is for them to find an independent office in similar places. Thus, they are safer spaces for women who need to work late hours. 

 

The Office Pass Noida
The Office Pass (TOP) Coworking Space in Noida

2. Fewer Distractions

As companies move to a hybrid work culture, it has come to light that working from home is harder for women employees as compared to male employees. A study found that working women with young children had to spend five additional hours each day on household responsibilities during this time. Working from home is a challenge for working women as they need to balance the responsibilities of their job with making sure the children have eaten, the maid has done her chores, etc. 

A coworking environment lets them work closer to their homes while being a professional space free from domestic distractions. Thus, they can stay focussed on their professional responsibilities and maintain a better balance between their work and personal life. 

3. Lower Risk of Harassment

Unfortunately, women face a higher risk of harassment in the office as compared to men. It may not always be overt and it affects their confidence in the workplace. Women face harassment in terms of sexism, offensive slurs, attacks on their professional character, physical assaults, ageism, political attacks, etc. 

Lower Risk of Harassment

Source: What to become

One of the key benefits of choosing a women-centric space for coworking for women is that these spaces are relatively safer and free from gender-based politics. Women feel secure and supported by the people around them. They are more confident in speaking their minds and can contribute more actively in discussions.  

Being surrounded by other women also gives women employees the security of being in a place where they are understood. Along with their professional challenges, they feel able to talk about their personal challenges that may be slowing down their career. For example, women with young children can get recommendations for good childcare help from other women in the coworking space.

4. Makes Networking Easier

Networking is a critical part of climbing the corporate ladder. Unfortunately, women have fewer opportunities to network and hence are less likely to build a strong professional network. Why- for many reasons including the need to leave the office early enough to get home in time for them to take on household responsibilities. It’s also because they may not feel safe attending networking events on their own. 

Makes Networking Easier

Source: Linkedin

Women-centric coworking spaces address both these issues to make professional networking easier. The workspaces are closer to their home and hence commute is reduced. This makes it possible to attend networking events after work without having it affect their time at home. Since the coworking spaces hold networking events in the workspace, women also feel safer attending these events. Coworking spaces also regularly organize workshops which are great places to network with other people working from the same space.

In Conclusion

Women are not only equally talented to men but are also more empathetic and are believed to have a higher emotional intelligence quotient. They are good communicators, supportive leaders and sense opportunities. To experience these benefits of working for women, corporates must take necessary measures to make them feel valued. Choosing a hybrid work culture where women can work from coworking units is a big step in this direction. 

The Office Pass (TOP) has coworking spaces in Noida, Gurgaon and South Delhi. These workspaces are well connected by main roads and the metro. With a strong focus on gender inclusivity and professional behaviour, these spaces are ideal for women employees. To know more, reach out to us at 08999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR