25 November 2022

Coworking vs Working From Home: What's Right for You?

coworking space brisbane

A remote working setup is a dream for many people. You can set your own hours, take breaks whenever you want, and work in your pajamas. In a survey of 4,000 people who are working remotely after the Covid-19 hit, 51% reported that they find the new remote work arrangement more productive. 95% of respondents even revealed that working from home made them as productive or better as they did when working in the office. 

But what if you find yourself struggling to focus at home or needing some social interaction during the day?  Coworking spaces can be a great solution for those who need a change of scenery or want to be around other professionals even with a remote working setup. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both working from home and coworking spaces so you can figure out which option is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Working From Home

coworking brisbane

There are many advantages to working from home. You’re in control of your environment, you can take breaks whenever you want, and you don’t have to waste precious time on your commute. But there are also some drawbacks. It can be easy to get distracted, you might miss the social interaction of an office, and you might start to feel isolated. Here are the pros and cons of working from home:

The Pros of Working From Home

You’re in control of your environment.

One of the great things about working from home is that you can control your environment. If you need complete silence to focus, you can have it. If you prefer to work with music or background noise, you can do that, too. You can also take breaks whenever you want and structure your day however you see fit.

You can skip the commute.

Another advantage of working from home is that you don’t have to waste time commuting. This can give you back precious hours each week that you would otherwise spend sitting in traffic or on public transportation. With the time you’ll be saving you can either get a head start on work or use it to relax and unwind before starting your day.

You can enjoy cost savings.

When you work from home, you’ll also save money on things like gas, parking, and buying lunch every day. You might even be able to save money on clothing by not having to buy a professional wardrobe.

The Cons of Working From Home

It can be easy to get distracted.

One of the main disadvantages of working from home is that it can be easy to get distracted. With no one around to keep you accountable, it’s tempting to take a break whenever you want or watch TV instead of working. If you have trouble staying focused when working from home, try setting up a dedicated workspace away from distractions like TVs and family members.

You might start to feel isolated.

Another downside of working from home is that you might start to feel isolated. If you’re used to working in an office, being by yourself all day can be lonely and it can negatively affect your mental health. You’ll also have limited access to networking opportunities if you work from home unless you actively seek for them. 

It might be hard to disconnect from work.

Since you’re working in your home, it can be hard to disconnect from work at the end of the day. This can lead to burnout and a poor work-life balance. On average, work-from-home employees end up working 1.4 more days every month or 16.8 more days in a year than their in-office counterparts. 

The Pros and Cons of Coworking Spaces

coworking spaces

Coworking spaces are places where professionals can come together to work on their own projects. They offer many of the same benefits as working from home, such as flexibility and freedom, but with the added bonus of social interaction. However, coworking spaces can also have some drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of coworking spaces:

The Pros of Coworking Spaces

You can find community and connection.

One of the great things about coworking spaces is that they offer a sense of community. If you’re feeling isolated working from home, being around other professionals can help. You might even make some new friends or business contacts.

You can get out of the house.

Another advantage of coworking spaces is that they give you a change of scenery. If you’re getting stir-crazy working from home, getting out of the house can do wonders for your mood and productivity

You can take advantage of shared resources and basic amenities.

Many coworking spaces have shared resources like printers, scanners, and meeting rooms. This can be a big help if you don’t have the space or budget for these things at home.

You can enjoy great internet speeds and reliability

If you’ve ever tried to work from home or from a coffee shop, you know that internet access can be unreliable. At a coworking space, you can count on the business-grade Wi-Fi being fast and reliable so you can get your work done without interruption.

You can boost your productivity.

Working in a professional environment alongside like-minded individuals can actually help you be more productive. A study by Stanford University found that people who work in coworking spaces are more productive than those who work from home or in a traditional office.

You get more business connections

Coworking spaces provide an excellent opportunity for networking. You can get to know other professionals in your field, share ideas, and find new business opportunities during networking events.

You get a more professional image

Coworking spaces usually offer members a professional business address. This is helpful for freelancers and entrepreneurs who don’t want to use their home addresses on business cards or websites. Having a CBD business address also increases your business’ credibility and can help attract clients and customers.

Suggested Reading: Who Uses Coworking Spaces? Top Professionals and Industries Revealed

The Cons of Coworking Spaces

There can be distractions.

Just like working from home, coworking spaces can have distractions. Since there are usually many people in a coworking space at any given time, it can be difficult to find a quiet spot to work without interruption. If you need absolute silence to concentrate, this might not be the best option for you

It can be costly.

While there are some free coworking spaces, many of them require membership fees. Your budget for a coworking space can add up if you’re coworking every day.

You might not have privacy.

If you need to make phone calls or work on sensitive projects, a co-working space might not be ideal since there can be a lot of noise and activity.

You may have to sacrifice convenience.

Depending on the location of your coworking space, it might not be as convenient as working from home. If you’re used to rolling out of bed and getting straight to work, that won’t be possible if you have to drive or take public transit to get to your workspace.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Your Workspace

Now that you know the pros and cons of working from home and coworking spaces, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you need complete silence to focus?
  • What are you looking for in an office setup?
  • Do you have trouble staying disciplined when working from home?
  • Do you feel isolated when working by yourself?
  • Do you need access to shared resources like printers or meeting rooms?
  • Is Wi-Fi speed and reliability important to you?
  • Do distractions bother you?
  • Would you like to be around other professionals?
  • Are you willing to pay for a coworking space membership?
  • Do you need privacy for phone calls or sensitive projects?

Your answers to these questions will help you decide whether working from home or from a coworking space is the best choice for you. Whichever option you choose, make sure to take regular breaks and disconnect from work when needed to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Things to Consider Before Deciding to Cowork or Work from Home

Your Working Style

Do you need complete silence to focus? Do distractions bother you? How do you prefer to work—alone or alongside others? You should also consider what type of working environment would best suit your needs and preferences

Your Budget

Another important factor is budget. Coworking spaces can be expensive if you plan on using them every day. On the other hand, if you only need access to shared resources like printers or meeting rooms, you could find an occasional coworking space that fits your budget.

Location and Convenience

When considering which workspace is right for you, think about how easy it would be to get there every day. If your home or the coworking space is far away, the commute can become tedious and may even reduce your productivity

Your job or business requirements

Finally, think about the job or business requirements. Do you need certain resources that are only available in a coworking space? Is privacy important for your job? Answering these questions will help you make the right decision.

Whether you decide to work from home or in a coworking space, make sure that it meets your needs and preferences. It’s important to be honest with yourself about what type of working environment would be best for both your productivity and well-being.

Ultimately, the best place to work depends on your personal preferences

Working from home or in a coworking space has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to evaluate your situation closely before deciding which one is right for you. With the right workspace and routine, you can find success no matter where you work.

There are coworking spaces that hold open houses and even offer free trials, so take advantage of these opportunities so you can get a feel of the space before you commit to becoming a coworking member. It’s important to evaluate the atmosphere of the space, ask any questions you may have, and make sure it meets your needs before making a decision.

Suggested Reading: How Much Does Coworking Cost in Brisbane (A 2022 Guide)

Get a professional space at Mobo Co

At Mobo Co, we offer a range of professional workspaces for both short-term and long-term occupancy. Our goal is to provide an optimal work environment and coworking space that helps you focus and succeed in whatever project you’re working on. We have multiple amenities such as private offices, meeting rooms, event spaces, Wi-Fi, printers, shared workspaces, lounge areas and more. Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service and making sure your experience with us is positive and productive. Come by today and see why Mobo Co-Working is a fantastic option if you’re on the lookout for your new workspace. Contact us now to learn more about our membership options or book a tour at one of our locations.

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