The benefits of coworking spaces

Coworking spaces are often still seen as being for tech entrepreneurs and startups, but there are many kinds of coworking spaces that bring a range of benefits for charities, freelancers, and entrepreneurs

 

Our ways of working have changed since the pandemic, with many charities choosing to forgo a dedicated office space and move to remote working. This can offer a lot of flexibility for staff, but can leave people feeling isolated if they are working from their home every day.

 

Coworking spaces offer something in the middle, where teams can still enjoy flexible working but have the option of working with others, too.

 

 

The benefits of coworking spaces for charities

 

 

Charities use coworking space for different reasons. Some may have one space that is fully flexible for staff to utilise a certain number of days per week, whereas others may offer a budget for staff to use local coworking spaces if they want to. There are many benefits to coworking spaces, many of which we explore below.  

 

 

Saves money on permanent office space

 

Though coworking spaces generally work out more expensive than a full time office if used every day, they are usually cheaper for a more flexible approach.

 

Most spaces offer different options including a day or two a week or a certain number of desks that could be used by different staff members on different days.

 

 

Offers staff flexibility

 

Organisations can have a contract with a specific coworking space workers go to, or they could offer a budget for staff to use a coworking space of their choosing nearer their home.

 

That gives staff who work in different places the opportunity to use coworking spaces when they need a change in scenery or a social boost. Coworking Corner, a small independent space in Matlock, often has people who work for charities use the space occasionally to get away from the monotony of working from home.

 

 

Provides operational support

 

Many coworking spaces will have printers and other tech equipment on hand and can offer digital reception options, including taking and passing on calls. Some offer virtual office registration, too, so charities can have the coworking space be their registered address. This could also include mail management and forwarding. All these options can save staff time and money for the charities, especially small charities that can’t justify dedicated operational staff.

 

 

Affords networking opportunities

 

Some coworking spaces focus on ethical companies and charities, such as the Impact Hubs, offering opportunities to meet other similar organisations, network, and build communities.

 

Brightside is a social mobility charity helping young people make confident and informed decisions about their future through online mentoring programmes. Brightside stopped using their permanent office during COVID-19 and now uses coworking spaces instead.

 

Rachel, COO from Brightside, said: “We’ve used coworking spaces for a few years now and they’ve worked really well for us. They give us the flexibility we need, provide networking opportunities and our team love having a nice, busy space to come to.

 

“Brightside also uses New Philanthropy Capital’s (NPC) office, which works really well, too. NPC sublet desks in their welcoming London office in order to support small charities.”

 

 

Provides creative meeting rooms

 

Charities that have permanent offices can still benefit from using coworking spaces. Jake Stevens, Head of Engagement and Comms at Nordoff and Robbins ,said: “As a marketing and engagement team, we have needs to think creatively, and more often than not, the best environment to do this is away from the office. That’s why coworking spaces are so important, they give you an opportunity in a different place away from the usual noise to think differently and collaborate, often providing better outcomes and a happier team.”

 

Getting out of the office can help teams think differently and coworking spaces often offer interesting, inspiring spaces with whiteboards, digital technology and even snacks on tap!

 

 

Discounts for charities

 

Some coworking spaces offer discounts for charities, whether using the space for more permanent options, occasional use, or meeting room bookings. It is always worth asking to see what they might offer.

 

Using a coworking space as a charity can offer a whole host of benefits beyond just a desk for the day. Do you have any coworking spaces you would recommend? Let us know below.