Shared Space vs Private Space

Shared Space versus private Space has resulted in a body of research that explores the pros and cons of both approaches. After finding the perfect location which is often first on the checklist, it then really comes down to three deciding factors. These are Culture, Communication & Cost.
Culture can be broadly defined as “the way things are done around here.” It includes business values and behaviours, belief systems, management values, expectations and attitudes and employee values, expectations and attitudes. It is important for any business to consider these factors as for them, working in a shared space office environment can influence those factors and can change the way their employees currently work or can manipulate their attitudes which can result in moulding with other businesses beliefs and expectations. Other businesses will overlook this and it may not even make it on to their check list, but it certainly is a point that should be considered. Where that style can work perfectly well for one business (who perhaps is a new start-up business and currently has no ‘set in stone’ company morals) it may not work for another.

Some businesses will not suit Shared Space due to legality reasons i.e. client confidentiality etc... and will have no other option than to utilise private space. Other businesses will make that decision based on a number of factors. I.e. having a larger work force or needing their own physical space for client meetings.
Some may just decide that they would prefer to work within private office space as they are already based in a private office space environment and are simply looking to make a smooth simple transition. The minor few businesses left, in my opinion, will not agree with the concept of shared space and will out rule it for that one and only reason.

Shared space will often work great for either a start-up business who will decide to move from their back bedroom for reasons such as feeling isolated, wanting to socialise and network with other businesses or wanting to separate their home life with their work life. Other businesses will decide that working in a shared space environment offers a great atmosphere and gives off a real motivational buzz. Communication can be key for the success of their business and for them, the busier the environment the better.
Cost is often a little further down on the list. It will often work out to be a far more cost effective option to use shared space on a flexible basis i.e. the ‘CoWorking Hub Service’ at The Hot Office. This is akin to a Gym membership and enables you to come and go as you please and only pay for the time you are using.

To summarise, most people appreciate the sense of community a shared spaced environment can offer. Shared Space allows for better communication and exchange of information amongst co-workers. It is easier to ask each other questions in an open environment. This is a perfect example of a service/environment that Hot Office Business Centres can offer. On the flip side of that coin a key benefit of working in private office space is the reduction in noise and closed space can also translate, for some, into more room/space. To get a visual understanding of the Shared Space versus Private space at Hot Office Business Centres then please take a tour on our website, or why not pop in for a coffee and chat to see how we can benefit your business?

Author: James Waterman - [Hot Office Business Centres]