What is coworking anyway?

Coworking has changed how we work. It's about different people across a community coming together to share resources, enabling each of them access to something greater than they would otherwise have access to or be able to afford as individuals. But it's also about more than that. Coworking allows freelancers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, remote and work from home professionals, and others an opportunity to connect and focus in a shared work environment and create stronger networks with one another.

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Why not just rent a "traditional" office?

Joining a coworking space can be better than directly leasing your own office space for variety of reasons:

• Affordability & Flexibility: "Traditional" leases are often long-term, locking you in to critical cash flow for your business. Memberships at The Idea Kitchen are designed to meet your current and future needs, giving you flexibility to make changes over time as the needs of your business change. This keeps overhead in check allowing you to invest more in the business.

• Scalable: Pay for what you need. Adding team members? Need another desk? Need the conference room for a week for annual planning? Most changes can be made with little notice. 

• Outsource Operations: We take care of the operational worries, so you can focus on driving relationships and revenue for your business. You never have to think about ordering more coffee, whether the internet is up and running, who has keys to the front door, and whether the space is clean and prepared for the next day. It's all included in your membership.

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How about just working from home (it's free!), or from a coffee shop?

For sure, working from home works for some. For others, just because they can (or have been!), doesn't mean they should.

Multi-generational household?

Pets that won't leave you alone?

Disruptive yard work on all sides?

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Most of us weren't meant to isolate for long periods of time. Coworking spaces surround you with a collection of other professionals trying to do their best work. Being around others reduces the isolation many feel when working from home. Research has even shown the positive value of seemingly irrelevant interactions positively impacting our sense of belonging, satisfaction, and happiness. 

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When it comes to clients and meetings, many are reconsidering whether its professional or practical to invite clients or colleagues into your living room for a meeting. And let's face it, while working from home may be many things - free is not one of them. Have you looked your utility bill lately?

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And don't get us wrong... we love our local coffee shops. It just always seems that the barista feels it's time to crank up the tunes minutes before we start an important call! Still trying to find power or two seats together? Ever ask Starbucks if you can use them to send or receive mail and packages? Work is unpredictable enough, you shouldn't have to add the uncertainty of your environment. 

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Coworking helps bring structure to the work day 

Some days at home can pass in a blur, or drag on forever! Without a commute to separate your life at home from work, many workers continue to share stories of working long past the time they should have clocked off. Think: checking emails from bed, or reading through project plans before the morning coffee has finished brewing. Coworking spaces bring valuable structure to the work day, providing a place to arrive each day and leave once the work of the day is done. Plus, you can reintroduce that critical commute (this time, shorter and more predictable!) allowing you the opportunity for mental and emotional reset before walking through your front door.  

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