Why big corporations are moving in to coworking environments

While coworking space was once the domain of freelancers, small businesses and start-ups, things are always changing within the business world.

A new trend is the increasing number of big corporations who are moving into coworking spaces.

All over the world, business people in all types of sectors are realising the benefits of flexible working environments, containing all the amenities they need: coworking spaces promote creativity and collaboration, with workers sharing things such as fast internet, printing equipment, desks and kitchen facilities.

Major global companies are now taking advantage of the concept, favouring it over the traditional office environment. They have very good reasons for making the transition.

Value for money
Using a coworking space enables big companies to save money. In today’s challenging economic climate, it’s not just small businesses who need to operate cost-effectively. No matter how large your business, you can always benefit from saving a little where you can.

Instead of having to pay to rent traditional office space, with added extras such as buying furniture and equipment, paying for utilities, and providing beverages and snacks, companies can pay a monthly fee to rent coworking space. The savings will be noticeable right away.

Productivity
When like-minded individuals work side-by-side, with industry innovators, start-ups and creatives all in one space, this provides greater motivation for everyone involved. Not only does it make it easier to get new talent on board, it also increases productivity.

Employees feel more motivated when they’re in an atmosphere where everyone around them is working hard to produce great ideas. Large companies will benefit from increased productivity and may also find new talent in the office.

Some major tech companies choose coworking because they have easy access to new innovators, who could become an asset to their business.

Stress-free
Coworking spaces usually have a more social and collaborative feel than a traditional office – yet they also have all the benefits, in terms of high-speed internet access and equipment. Working in a more relaxed atmosphere means employees can enjoy a stress-free environment.

Flexibility
Flexibility means convenience for employees, as many larger employers who use coworking spaces give their employees the choice of working in a formal office, or in a coworking environment. The employees can choose the location that’s most convenient.

Truly flexible employers will let their employees choose to work in the coworking space in the most convenient location, even just for the day – such as if they have errands to run in the city, or appointments in the particular area. They will appreciate a shorter commute, or the closer proximity to their appointments.

Modern professionalism
There’s a growing trend among large corporations to use coworking spaces to give individual employees a greater sense of professionalism. When working in a busy office, it can be easy for individual employees to identify with the corporate culture, but lose a little of their own identity at the same time.

Working from a coworking environment, where there are multiple organisations, means they can experience other norms and values, in an atmosphere where connectivity is nurtured. In terms of their professional identity, surveys have shown they still identify with their own employer, but experience a positive feeling from mixing with co-workers from other companies.

Which big corporations use coworking spaces?
There’s a growing trend among big corporations to recognise the benefits of coworking spaces. Tech giants, such as IBM and Microsoft, are using them for employees, who can interact with innovative start-ups and establish new networking opportunities. Microsoft says having peers on the “same journey” helps creativity and productivity.

Bosses at IBM rented coworking space in New York for around 600 employees. The tech giant was one of the first to use a coworking environment.

Starbucks has also moved some of its employees into coworking environments. The food and beverage giant has launched a digital strategy that combines in-store, web, mobile and social functions.

Facebook also rents coworking space in New York, where the social media giant occupies 225,000 sq. ft of co-working space, housig 7,000 members of its growing workforce.

Now that major corporations have realised the benefits of a coworking office, the trend looks set to grow. For further details of Headspace’s flexible coworking spaces, give us a call on 020 3691 7500.