When the seemingly taboo movement of coworking spaces rose to popularity, it carried not just claims of infrastructure and financial aid to startups and freelancers alike, but as well as several intangible claims that elicited curiosity among the members of today’s workforce.

Aside from fully furnished workstations and stable internet topped off with recreational areas such as pool tables, game rooms, and karaoke rooms, these shared offices offer one immeasurable component that is non-existent in traditional workspaces; community.

And though it had several naysayers saying that the increased productivity and so-called collaborative community are just false promises, providers have proven them wrong and they have several proofs that can support the truth of the claims.

The movement itself carries a culture far from what most of the labor force grew up with. Upon introduction, these ideologies caused numbers of talent to reconsider and rethink their beliefs and what matters. Gone are the days when young professionals sought the security established company provided. A large-scale shift of mindset has took over the past few years that resulted to the death of several corporate traditions.

But new perspectives are not the only culprits behind the casualties, the newest demographic present in today’s talent pool and modern technology both have made significant contribution to the downfall of traditions. The new generation of employees aim to be in a workplace that allows them not to just work, but can also help them interact and learn while the latest advancements in technology has allowed people to work almost anywhere in the world.

As a result, coworking spaces thrived by giving the people what they needed in today’s highly-competitive and demanding market.

Antis of the movement claimed that the open layout is a recipe for disaster. With so much going on in the background, distraction is evident. But data from recent studies says otherwise. Deskmag, distributor of the largest annual coworking survey, said that 62% of respondents reported a significant improvement in their standard work upon joining. Moreover, a majority of the members present within these shared offices took were attracted by the community they offer.

The diverse network and large scale possibilities of collaborating with like-minded individuals are things that several freelancers and startups wanted to get a hold of in the hopes of retaining sustainable growth. Later on, even large corporations and tech conglomerates wanted some of this magic too.

Private organizations have tried incorporating these open-space layouts but were unsuccessful. It seemed like creating a collaborative culture needs more than just new ways of communication. So how did coworking spaces did it?

Though each provider is distinct from one another, they each shared one mission: to provide service to an interdisciplinary audience. They are purveyors of a shared culture fostered through knowledge-building events as well as communal eating and drinking. That though having face-to-face interaction synchronous to that of its online counterpart is vital, managing and maintaining a culture through several rituals remain to be important.

Experts have also discussed the benefits of ‘swarms’ of talented individuals present within these shared offices. A large number of literature has been produced emphasizing the positive results of ‘swarms’ of interdisciplinary professionas sharing a common goal. One classic example is the collaboration between scientists and mathematicians who lead the crew of Apollo 13 home. Experts said that this is a natural behavior amongst human beings. This component alone has helped them work together for growth. For a company to continuously thrive, they must have a adaptive culture – one that accepts change and embraces agile working and evolution.

This appropriate blend of networking and interaction within the coworking community allowed them to continuously thrive.

And though the movement itself is flawed, we have to admit that its pioneers have garnered a through understanding of how to create and manage a culture made up of different minds.

Ease yourself into the new traditions and talk to us today about joining a coworking space!

Open plan layouts were welcomed with open arms and was well-received by the majority of the industry. So much so, that within the following years, the world watched in awe as its numbers increased.

As of writing 70% of employees in America alone work in open-plan offices and experts predict that its numbers will continue to grow as employers scramble to create a  strategic solution that caters to their requisites as well as the needs of its workforce. With its versatile and cost-efficient lease terms, mixed with the concept of community, creativity and collaboration, it has dominated workspaces for more than a century.

And though there’s about thousands of blog posts, news articles and even research available in the internet telling freelancers and managers alike about its tangible and intangible benefits, it seems like the layout is losing its charm to today’s workforce.

According to a 2013 study on workspace satisfaction, nearly half of employees in open offices found the lack of both sound and visual privacy a significant problem. The sensation that someone could be looking – or even worse, listening – over your shoulder can’t be shaken off easily causing some of them to resort to the comfort of stairwells, pantry areas and even bathrooms for private matters.

Moreover, recent studies have also reported a stifled engagement amongst professionals in open areas. Bernice Boucher of JLL’s Strategic Consulting group said in an article that the scarcity of privacy at work is a clear crime against productivity. Too much noise and distractions make it hard for them to either do their jobs or have important conversations. It also adds a layer of concern for those who want to protect the confidentiality of their tasks. She adds that certain organizations are also recognizing this and are making significant efforts in incorporating privacy.

Both architects, experts and providers of shared offices such as coworking spaces have put much emphasis on its affordability – the number one factor that appeals to most businesses. But one can only unlock its well-appraised potential if it helps the workforce feel empowered.

Anne-Laure Fayard and John Weeks of Harvard Business Review said that effective offices should be designed to bring people together by removing barriers but at the same time, should be capable enough to provide sufficient privacy so that employees wouldn’t have the irrational fear of being overheard or interrupted. Further strengthening this claim by adding that it should reinforce the permission to speak freely.

Open layouts should be designed in such a way that it doesn’t only constrain one’s working, but also gives them full control of their way of working.

Unlocking the potential of a strategically outlined open space layout doesn’t mean spearheading major renovations; simple measures such as installing movable panels to create ad-hoc private chat areas could help implement privacy.

Senior Vice President of JLL’s Workplace Strategy and Change Management, Phil Kirschner, says that the best scenario for an engaged, efficient and privacy-driven workplace is to have an activity-planning model – one in which members are allowed to choose between individual desks, phone booths, huddle booths and even shared areas depending on the set of tasks they need to accomplish for today.

The well-received coworking movement provides it members the aforementioned liberty to choose the right environment for them. In addition to this, certain providers implement specific instructions on how one should make use of certain areas. Quiet zones prohibit the use of phones, upholstered booths are for private discussions and both dining as well as lounge areas are reserved for engagement and interactions.

Admittedly, the design has its pitfalls – but only when they’re not done right or curated haphazardly. When devised in the right way, not only will it help cost overhead reductions but more importantly, it will help improve your work environment – resulting to a motivated workforce.

Get the best of collaboration and privacy with Sales Rain’s very first coworking space by getting in touch with us today!

As early as January 2018, the latest research has shown a significant difference between flexible spaces and traditional offices in pricing.

The latest propriety data of real estate service firm Cushman & Wakefield and serviced office broker Instant Offices shows that businesses found in the world’s major cities can save up to 73% in overhead costs if they opt for flexible workspaces than conventional office space solutions. Though the aforementioned study tagged Hong Kong as the most expensive city place to rent an office space in the world for its yearly rates of US$27,432 – nearly double the usual cost in other countries within Asia and 18% higher than that of its nearest global competitor, London – figures gathered by Instant from more than 20 years of flexible workspace listing reports that hot desks offered by coworking spaces and other serviced offices only costs US$7,607 per year.

Companies based in London can save more if they opt for the city’s flexible workspaces with an average price of US$11,391 – 47% cheaper than the conventional workrooms costing around US$22,631. Experts predict that the market will remain highly competitive as the demand grows and providers’ number increases. Managing director of Instant’s EMEA group, John Duckworth, says that it’s a common misconception amongst the majority that flexible spaces are much more expensive despite providing short lease terms and fully serviced offerings. He adds that based on their collated market data and their clients’ testimonials regarding their experience in joining local markets, it’s actually a practical, low-cost alternative.

Though the idea of having an engaging, tech-style office seems like a luxury that only large companies can afford, it’s actually much more cost-effective to invest in them rather than simply settling down in traditional layouts. As of writing, modern fit-outs cost nearly 15 percent less than conventional designs in the US – over $30 less per square foot – according to a recent report by American professional services and investment management company JLL.

According to Jacqueline Dompe, Northwest Regional Manager of JLL’s Project and Development Services, tech companies with large renovation budgets are the first to adopt the trend of flexible office spaces. Still, over recent years, they’re not the only ones looking for a more engaging environment. She further discusses that both employees and employers from different industries are now seeing its value. And the good news of it is far more cost-effective have possibly contributed to its popularity. It’s not really an oxymoronic concept. There are a few logical reasons why these modern offices beat the traditional ones in terms of affordability.

First and foremost is the sparse need for construction materials for unassigned seat styles and open floor plans. These features are becoming increasingly popular as managements strive to provide their employees spaces that can accommodate their needs for collaborative and private areas without disregarding their own prerequisite for flexible office space solutions that can adapt to today’s changing times. Dompe adds that having flexibility meant breaking down permanent walls and doors. By doing so, fewer physical materials are required, resulting in a reduction of almost 21% in project costs. Providers are also given the potential of minimizing overall square footage as they offer a wider range of options such as coworking programs to remote workers and other entrepreneurs.

The savings landlords and pioneers get from building these flexible spaces allow them to propose cost-efficient fees, which are the major contributing factors to large companies and startups’ attraction to these types of modern workspaces. In addition to this, the big bonus of having the chance to divert these reductions into something far more productive and the potential of giving their employees a more meaningful experience as they work continues to be a priority of today’s leaders in the market.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) announced last Mach 1^st that the theme for this year’s National Women’s Month Celebration will surround on the theme “We Make Change Work For Women” with the aim of celebrating the achievements of women and girls across the nation.

Empowering the females of the country to actively and confidently contribute in the development of the country, PCW intends to strengthen the implementation of MCW or Magna Carta for Women that protects Filipino ladies against discrimination and grants them equal opportunities in employment.

Though more and more of us are gathering the courage to stand for our rights and to fight for gender equality, it seems like there’s still a lot that needs to be done.

Around the world, females are constantly keeping up with the emerging trends of the industry in the aim of creating an impact to society and more importantly, to follow their dreams.

Over 74.6 million women are participating members of today’s labor force and among them are 8.3 million solo entrepreneurs running their own businesses at the comfort of their homes. The numbers of lady-owned enterprises have increase by 54% over the last 15 years as the trend of home based businesswomen came into light. And while managing their respective budding companies, they maintain their roles as dedicated mothers and wives to their family.

According to Pew Research Center, both men and women of today’s generation aim to have both a successful career and successful family life. Nearly half of married couples nowadays consists of two breadwinners who aim to be good parents and partners. It’s a phenomena that the general public wants – a marriage that allows both husband and wife to share responsibilities in work and to their children.

But back during the day, this didn’t seem possible. In the year 1975, only 34% of families have both spouses in the labor force. Today, telecommuting and the concept of remote working have empowered the public – majorly the women – to chase after their dream careers.

The rise of flexible working didn’t come as surprising as it did. Even before the phenomena’s popularity skyrocketed, there are certain organizations that have already implemented flex hours to some of its employees.

As the demand for better control on work hours grew, the idea spread like wildfire and have taken in different forms. From freelancers, homebased entrepreneurs to remote workers – the number of independent professionals grew, resulting to new ways of working.

Virtual offices is one of the well-known kinds of flexible workspaces that allows you to have your own formal business address while remaining geographically independent. Other than its financial benefits, it offers more help to businesswomen.

Its receptionist services allows them to never miss a client even when they’re too caught up taking care of the family. It provides them a quiet workspace for whenever their household gets a little too noisy and gives them a professional meeting place for clients.

More than that, it gives women the representation that they deserve. This generation’s ladies are multitasking machines that aim to have the right amount of work-life balance that allows them to fulfill their other duties while growing the career of their dreams.

Though the females of today’s workforce are causing waves of significant changes and innovations in the industry, the fact still remains that they are underrepresented in the industry. Flexible workspaces are just a few of the tools that they can use to sustain growth as young businesswomen.

Luckily, you have us to help you maintain a better life balance, regardless of whether you’re a woman or not.

Undeniably, our way of working has gone through drastic changes.

Today’s technology created a digital environment that allowed us to work in almost anywhere we want – spurring a question that a growing majority of us is asking; if work have become digital why do we still come to offices?

British economist Frances Cairncross – along with a number of other social and media theorists – predicted that distance will die during the year 1990s following the spread of the internet. They argued that space itself would become irrelevant when every place is connected instantaneously to every other location on the planet. It only makes sense that some of us would start asking if there’s really any need for offices – why go to work when it can actually go to you?

U.S. professor Melvin Webber’s well-known prediction is seemingly becoming imminent today. He said during the year 1973: “For the first time in history, it might be possible to locate on a mountain top and to maintain intimate, real-time, and realistic contact with business or other associates”. Traditional workspaces will soon be rendered obsolete as instantaneous communication to almost everyone is established.

But quite frankly, history has veered off a bit too far from what they expected. There’s no denying that we can now easily talk to anyone from around the globe yet ironically, we still go to work every day. Despite of its popularity, not everyone has picked up the trend of Telecommuting. On the other hand, corporations continuously invest in new or renovated office spaces located at the heart of urban areas so as to attract more talent.

Little do the early commentators know that though we now have the option of working anywhere in the digital world, it doesn’t necessarily mean we want to. Even if we already have the power to access a large quantity of information right at our fingertips, we still strive for places that allows us to share knowledge face to face, to generate ideas, and to create pools of talents and perspectives.

No matter how far humanity has gone in terms of modern technology, human aggregation, friction and interaction of minds remain to be vital aspects of work – most especially in the creative industries. The ability of a workplace to curate the aforementioned factors is becoming a vital requirement – stringing along with the other needs brought upon by watershed changes.

The past few years gave us front row seats to the transitioning of labyrinths of cubicles into free-flowing flexible workspaces. And due to its dynamic and sociable vibe, coworking has gained a large following amongst today’s labor force – serving as living proof that humans value shared spaces that allows them to take part in a community of like-minded individuals. Open to diverse disciplines, it promotes colorful interaction and ideation amongst its members.

Mixing the long-established advantages of traditional offices – fitting tools and a reputable business address – and a new breed of intangible yet indispensable benefits, coworking spaces changed the ominous “death of distance” into what many perceive to be the “birth of a new proximity”

Striving to create a place that engineers creativity, pioneers took the much needed procedures to thoroughly understand how the workforce connects with one another through a flexible environment.  With the help of new digital tools that can measure human connections and how they correlate with productivity and creativity, they are creating workspaces that adapts to human needs, instead of the other way around.

Veering far away from what theorists of the 1990s have predicted, rather than rending offices obsolete, today’s technology will transform and revitalize our work spaces.

Experience a new kind of proximity to success with Sales Rain and talk to us today!