(ThySistas.com) Coworking spaces are an increasingly popular way for professionals to work together in a shared environment and save on costs. However, some frustrating challenges come along with the coworking space experience. The most common complaints center around privacy, noise levels, and limited resources.
With that in mind, let’s discuss five common coworking space problems and easy solutions to overcome them. By understanding these challenges and finding creative solutions, you can create a more productive and enjoyable coworking experience for yourself and your colleagues.
Insufficient Coworking Space
Many businesses and freelancers are looking for an alternative to traditional office spaces since the latter are increasingly expensive and hard to find. A coworking space provides a great solution to this problem by offering a flexible working environment at an affordable cost.
However, high demand often leads to a lack of available desks, workspaces, and meeting rooms. One workaround for this is to get to the coworking space early to secure a spot. Another is to take advantage of breakout areas and meeting spaces that are prime spots in which to sit down and be productive.
Noise and Distractions
In a shared coworking space, it can be hard to stay focused and productive with people coming and going, conversations brewing in the room next door, and notification pings piling up. Fortunately, a few tools can help you manage this chaos.
Time management apps like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can help you keep track of tasks and prioritize them according to importance. Meanwhile, noise-canceling headphones can help you block out unnecessary noise while you work on important tasks. With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be able to stay focused on what matters most without getting overwhelmed by the constant churn of people, conversations, and notifications.
Lack of Equipment
Working in a space that doesn’t have the necessary equipment for your job can be challenging. You may find yourself trying to complete tasks with limited resources or, even worse, unable to finish your work by the assigned deadline.
The best workaround for this problem is to plan ahead and ensure the necessary supplies are available before you start working. Consider buying portable equipment, such as a small printer or laptop screen attachments, so you’re prepared when you go to a coworking space. In this way, you can be sure that a lack of supplies will never hinder your productivity.
No Privacy
Discussing sensitive information and topics is a critical part of any business. However, it is vital to ensure that these conversations, paperwork, and other documents are kept secure and private. You can do this by taking sensitive calls in a private room, using locked file cases, and reserving conference spaces when needed.
Digital Security Risks
Digital security is an essential aspect of any shared space. As more people use digital devices and access shared files, the risk of data theft and attacks increases. That’s why you must take measures to prevent any potential risks. Some of the solutions you can try include:
- Backing up your files for quick and easy recovery;
- Purchasing and using device security like Bitdefender to protect shared devices from attacks;
- Ensuring you have 2-factor authentication turned on when you’re at a coworking space;
- Installing a VPN to run while you use the space’s shared Wi-Fi.
Despite these easily solved concerns with coworking spaces, there are also significant advantages. They offer people the ability to work in a collaborative environment while still having the freedom to be creative and productive. Some troubleshooting may be required to get the most out of your coworking space, but with the tips above, that task shouldn’t be difficult.
Staff Writer; Mary Jacobs