The concept of coworking was first developed in the nineties. However, it has taken quite a while for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to catch on to the idea. This is primarily because sharing office space goes against traditional corporate beliefs. They presume that all employees need is isolation from external stimuli to get the job done.
Yet, this is an old-fashioned system and businesses are starting to realise that it might not be a good fit for the modern world. For many employees, isolation doesn’t breed productivity. It creates boredom and stifles creativity. This just one of the reasons why coworking spaces are becoming so popular throughout Southeast Asia and, particularly, in Singapore.
This guide to some of the biggest myths about coworking in Singapore will explain why the truth might surprise you.
Shared Spaces Are Not Productive
This is the most pervasive myth of all and it is only really believed by those who have never visited a coworking space. Yes, there are areas of these facilities which encourage chat and energetic activity, but the best offices also contain quiet environments. So, there is simply no need to worry about noise or distractions.
Tenants can use whatever space feels right for them. There is nothing stopping you from hiring one of the private rooms or retreating to a more isolated area and then working in a completely different way during the next visit. Coworking in Singapore is about having the power to adapt the environment to your needs, whether they change on a weekly or even daily basis.
Coworking Is Only for Freelancers
As coworking does feel like such a new invention, older entrepreneurs and larger teams tend to have more reservations about trying it. They associated it with ‘trendy’ millennials and assume that every user is under the age of thirty with a super hip job title. The truth is that shared office spaces have been around for some time and they attract all kinds of people.
While the average tenant is not usually part of a huge company, this doesn’t mean that larger businesses never use coworking spaces. In fact, many major enterprises utilise these flexible offices when they’re trying to build up a presence in new cities. This is because registering with a provider at home gives you access to an international network of office locations.
There Isn’t Enough Security
There are more risks associated with transferring data on public networks, but this risk is no bigger in a coworking space than it is for a person sharing selfies in a coffee shop. As long as you follow oft repeated advice and don’t allow your devices to automatically connect with anybody else, there is nothing to be concerned about.
Plus, there are all kinds of firewall and security tools which can help to protect your information. If you’re worried about site safety, pick one of the coworking spaces in Singapore which has a robust entry system. There are a number of these facilities in central Singapore and they either use key cards or codes for access. If you’re not registered, you cannot enter.
It’s Just a Regular Office with No Privacy
Coworking spaces definitely look and feel familiar. They might have an open plan design and room for lots of people but they still have a recognisable aesthetic. You’ll find ergonomic furniture, sleek décor, plenty of power sockets, telephone stations, and a lot of other features you’d associate with a conventional office.
The big difference is not really physical. It lies with the terms of use. Coworking spaces are designed to fit your needs, so you can cherry pick from the corporate resources on offer. It is up to you to build a package which is perfect in every way. Tenants only ever pay for what they use and no service is obligatory. Every penny you spend is valuable.
