There’s a reason why most coworking spaces are found in larger cities and urban areas. It’s where they thrive and are needed the most!
These spaces allow those residing in urban areas the freedom to get their work done without having to deal with a long, drawn-out commute to the suburbs or further into the city.
Coworking spaces are sometimes developed in old, previously abandoned retail spots and warehouses. Though their locations vary as much as the business and freelancers they house. From retail and warehouse spaces to floors in a highrise, coworking spaces are adept at filling space that might be overlooked otherwise.
These spaces also allow companies and entrepreneurs alike to maximize all of the square footage that is already available in areas that would otherwise sit vacantly. In turn, reducing the need to build new locations to house offices in neighborhoods that are already short on space.
People get the amenities that they need to work when they need them, and all in one building while simultaneously minimizing waste and saving some money in the process.
Improved Employee Satisfaction
Coworking spaces aren’t just for entrepreneurs and freelancers. They’re often utilized as satellite offices by larger companies, which not only improves the overall quality of life for workers by reducing commute time - but has perks for the company too.
Simply put, workers with shorter commute times are easier to keep happy. Offering people the option to work in centrally located coworking spaces typically results in them being more content with their salaries/wages.
There are lower turnover rates at companies that are centrally located or offer flexible commute options. It is theorized that this may be because workers are able to spend less of their earnings on travel.
A 30-minute commute may not seem like much, but when you add up the time that it takes to get to and from, it equates to about 5 lost, unpaid hours each week. That is if you’re a Monday through Friday operation.
For this reason, if your office is situated on the outskirts of Houston, you may want to consider giving your employees the option to utilize a centrally located coworking space - even if just on occasion.
It could go a long way in earning/improving employee loyalty.
How a Centrally Located Workspace Helps Employees
Parking is less of an issue when workers can walk to the location or use public transit
Close proximity to other key locations improves work/life balance
Increased sense of “belonging” and strengthening of community ties
Less time wasted on travel
Easier to plan other activities around the work schedule
Coworking and Improved Use of Vacant Urban Space
As mentioned above, coworking locations largely take advantage of pre-existing structures like abandoned warehouses and old storefronts. Although this isn’t always the case - the open floor plans typically found in these building types are super easy to remodel and work with.
It gives the renovators a blank slate without having to build from scratch. These older buildings are structured and laid out in whatever way best suits the needs of the workers that the coworking space caters to.
Using older buildings in this way also helps to bring new life to areas that may have otherwise continued in a trend of economic decline. Where there are workers, there are people buying things and making stops on the way back home, which gives small businesses an increased incentive to open up shop near these previously abandoned spaces.
If a coworking spaces opens up, an increase in restaurants and other amenities typically follows suit.
Utilizing pre-existing structures is good for the environment, too!
It reduces the need to develop the already limited “green” spaces with more buildings. Repurposing the older, out of business storefronts commonly found in urban areas also works to reduce the need to waste more building materials on resurrecting new structures.
Repurposing older buildings in the way that many coworking spaces do is what many architects refer to as “adaptive reuse”.
A great article about how this practice has a positive impact can be found here.
It’s clear to see how office location not only plays a role for workers and their overall quality of life but in determining where and how workspaces should be developed and utilized in the future.
So far, coworking spaces are setting an excellent example for how it should be done. We’re already seeing many “traditional” offices making changes in effort to match the level of practicality and convenience that coworking spaces provide workers.
Ranch Office
We’re conveniently situated in west Houston and ready to help your business thrive. If you’re a start-up, footing your own freelancing business, or a company looking for an ideally located satellite office, we’ve got you covered.
Our space is designed to suit the needs of workers across the board. Shared space is great for collaboration, but some projects call for private offices. We offer both and a bit of everything in between!
Want to learn more about our growing list of amenities?
Check them out right here.