Coworking - good for business, and your soul?

Coworking – multiple people working in a shared space – is a global phenomenon that is showing no signs of slowing down, especially with the rise of remote working following the global pandemic.

We’re fortunate in Brighton to have so many brilliant workspaces in the city - whether you’re a creative, a professional, sole trader or part of a team, or you want to work somewhere every once in a while, a few days a week, or have the 24 door code – there’s somewhere for everyone (find some of our favourites on our website).

But despite the end of lockdowns and the dawn of hybrid working, it’s not been as easy to tempt people back into workspaces with the cost and inefficiency of commuting. People are asking, what are the benefits of leaving your house to work in a shared space?

The Chamber has recently started running Chamber Coworking days at cool workspaces across the city.

We asked a few members who have joined us on a recent Chamber Coworking day to find out what all the fuss is about and why you should give coworking a try.  

Fresh energy and a break from the norm

For most of us, long gone are the days when we solely work from an office five days a week, and likewise, after the monotony of lockdowns, five days at home can get a bit ‘samey’ too. Coworking offers a break from the routine and changing up your workspace for the day can give you energy, a buzz and that all important break from the norm.

James Phillips, Partner at Cardens said about coworking: “I got to meet new people, find out more about them, their businesses and what the challenges are currently. It was also nice hearing them work and talk to their clients. For me it was nice to hear something other than tax advice!”

Alicia Goodchild, Bright HR Solutions, said that as someone who works alone, “the group dynamics gave me such a buzz and it was a good balance of getting my head down to work, with lots of laughs in between the serious stuff!”

Less distractions

Working from home has its advantages: privacy, peace and quiet, and a very short commute. But, there’s always that lure of the laundry basket, or the fridge, to tempt you away from that to-do list!

At coworking spaces, even when there’s delicious local tea and coffee on offer, there are less distractions. Steven Williams, Rockwealth, agrees – “I find I can concentrate on catching up, with fewer domestic distractions, and in an environment which is functional but far from bland and boring.”

For those that might worry you’d lose a day of work if you get caught chatting, James said that whilst that was his concern, “I still achieved all my targets for the day, while benefiting from all the other positives of taking part.”

Share ideas and problem solve

Being in an environment with people from different companies means that when you get talking, you can find yourself sharing ideas and even problem solving. Being open and exposed to new perspectives can add a different dimension to work – especially if you work alone, or you’re a business founder.

At one point on the last coworking day at Comarketing, I observed most of the attendees chatting together on the table. I asked some of them afterwards what they were all chatting about – they said that one person had asked a question, and then others joined in – it seemed relevant for everyone, they said, so a useful discussion that they wouldn’t have got in the office or at home.

Meet people without networking

We often hear people say to us at the Chamber, we know we need to network more but it’s hard to find the time. Here’s the great news - coworking can solve that challenge!

Mo Kanjilal, Watch This Sp_ce, said: “If you want to meet new people, but you’re struggling to find time, combine your networking with getting work done by trying a coworking day. I had saved up some work to do (including invoicing!) which I knew I could work on as well as chatting to people throughout the day”.

Alicia agreed “We were all from such different backgrounds and industries, but it just worked.  A few of us had crossovers in the type of work we do and exchanged details for potential coworking opportunities in the future.”

So, there you have it. Some very real benefits to getting out and about and coworking. And the cherry on the cake, at a Chamber Coworking day, there’s always the bonus of trying out a new local hotspot for lunch, delivered!

The Chamber runs Coworking days every other month, popping up at different coworking spaces across the city. So, swap those slippers for sneakers and join us for our next Coworking day. Find the next Coworking day on our events calendar.

Amy Lishman is Head of Member Engagement and Deputy CEO at Brighton Chamber. Find out more about the Chamber, and membership, here.

Headshot by Lauren Psyk.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk