Better to work alone or in a coworking environment?

The differences between working alone and coworking

The perception of the “traditional office” has been particularly disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The massive transition to teleworking in 2020 has contributed greatly to this disruption. As a semblance of normality begins to return, professionals are reconsidering the notion of office space. Not only is the working environment changing, but remote working is gaining in popularity and coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular. Considering the options offered by coworking and those offered by working alone, which is better for you?

• Working alone: the advantages and disadvantages
• The pros and cons of coworking

Working on your own: pros and cons

There is obviously a difference between working alone and coworking. Coworking spaces attract many people because of their “freedom” concept. However, if you are one of those people who like predictability, working alone or in a traditional office will suit you just fine. When you are used to having a clear and specific roadmap, to following a routine during the day, working alone is quite appropriate. It allows you to be in a structured space, where the interpersonal relationship is more direct and access to amenities is easier.

Benefits

Here’s why working alone appeals to some people as opposed to coworking spaces:

• Concentration is easier and work is faster. You can concentrate more easily and work faster.
• If you are working on a familiar task, you can complete it quickly because there is no outside interaction or extra meetings.
• You will have to motivate yourself. No one can encourage you to get things done.

Disadvantages

• Supervision and management of staff in a traditional office is more rigid
• Monotony and routine can be demotivating
• The costs of renting and maintaining facilities are much higher
• Adaptation to any change can be difficult
• Feelings of isolation are heightened by restrictive working hours

Those who prefer a set schedule and anticipation will find value in working alone. Those who are able to break out of pre-set productivity frameworks will find a lot of pleasure in working in a coworking space.

Coworking: advantages and disadvantages

Coworking is a particularly innovative concept, a new way of defining the workspace. It officially appeared in San Francisco in 2005 and was inspired by the cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Mitteleuropa, where artists, scholars and men of letters enjoyed creative exchanges. This new way of working also goes hand in hand with the emergence of new and young entrepreneurs always looking for a certain synergy in the way they work. Today, it has become a perfect alternative for those who wish to break the monotony of offices and the isolation of working from home.

Working in a coworking space can also be summed up in a greater level of autonomy and your ability to adapt to this form of freedom. It is especially suitable for workers with good time management and organisation. Despite this freedom, you still have to set and keep schedules to remain productive. Working in a coworking environment also means that you get out of your usual routine and comfort zone.

Benefits

So here are the reasons why this concept works for some people.

• You have the freedom to work when you want and where you want.
• A change of environment and scenery is always good for moral stimulation.
• You have the possibility to book different types of workspaces for different lengths of time.
• The choice of coworking themes is endless.
• You have the opportunity to socialise with other professionals from other sectors.

Disadvantages

Working in a coworking environment also has its drawbacks:

• Open spaces make it difficult to find privacy.
• A coworking space can be more distracting than a traditional work environment.
• Interpersonal relationships are not as direct.
• The amenities installed may not necessarily correspond to a professional office.
• Some benefits such as a break room and parking may be lacking.

Which is the better choice?

The differences between working on your own and coworking lie in the way you perceive the notion of “working”. A self-employed person who is good at digital communication and time management will find coworking an attractive environment. Those who like order, standards and structured environments will feel more confident in a home office or a traditional office. But if you are somewhere in between, take the opportunity to work fluidly and get the best out of both working concepts.

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