More people than ever before have been successfully working from home and businesses have subsequently been reviewing how they structure their office space. Whilst being able to work from home is seen as an attraction to most, this setup does have its downsides.

With more companies than ever shifting to a flexible workforce structure, it’s good to assess which working options will work best for you long term. An alternative to working from home is a co-working space.

Even before the pandemic, Uncommon has always remained flexible. We’ve also been agile during such uncertain times and ensured that our members’ wellbeing and health was put first.

Definition of a Co-Working Space

A co-working space is a more flexible alternative to having a conventional office. It’s often used by start-ups, small businesses or freelancers. Operating similarly to a members club, there can be different tiers of membership depending on the usage you require. These spaces are usually based in prime central locations with modern facilities.

Why Work from a Co-Working Space?

Here we explore how can you benefit from a membership at Uncommon vs working from home. 

A flexible solution

Traditional office space requires you to sign a lease which can lock you in for a long period of time. Co-working spaces operate differently, offering more flexibility. And you often only need to give one to three months’ notice to end your agreement. This flexibility means that you can be more agile to your business needs and avoid being tied into a long term, potentially costly, contract. Also, if your business expands, a co-working space will have the additional space required to support your growth.

Only pay for the space you need

You only pay for what you need in a co-working space and there are often different tiers of membership depending on how often you wish to use the space. These costs are very transparent and can usually be changed easily depending on your specific business needs. It’s worth shopping around for the right co-working space to suit you. 

At Uncommon, we offer a variety of memberships for all of our locations (Borough, Highbury & Islington, Liverpool Street and Fulham) to tailor to your specific requirements. Whether it’s a hot desk you require, or a dedicated desk, we can help you with whatever you may need.

More structure, fewer distractions

It can be easy to get distracted when working from home with the doorbell ringing and the never-ending list of jobs that need doing. Having a more professional environment to go to can help combat this. It will also allow you to leave your work behind at the end of the day, which can be hard to do when you are based from your home.

Social interaction

Humans are by nature social beings, and a significant part of your social interaction can be lost when working alone from home. With all of the advancements in technology, it’s easy to stay connected to colleagues via screens. However, this will never replace face to face communication. Being part of a co-working space means you have a community around you and gives you much-needed social time.

Networking

Many of the other people based from a co-working space will be like-minded professionals and this can lead to new business connections which may be highly valuable.

Central registered address

Co-working spaces are often based in prime central locations and this can become your registered office address. Such an address will likely impress clients and give them confidence that you are a reputable business or person to work with.

Facilities

Co-working spaces will often provide impressive facilities available to its members including meeting rooms and a reception team. There should be the latest technology such as high-speed Wi-Fi and video conferencing facilities, which you may not have easy access to working from home.

Uncommon has an array of outstanding facilities to make your experience with us as smooth as possible. Here are just a few of the things we offer: 

• 24/7 access and super-fast internet
• Manned reception and coffee lounge
• Fully equipped meeting rooms
• Quiet areas and creative spaces
• Bike storage and showers
• Ergonomic furniture
• Switch between locations
• Standing desks in shared spaces
• Members’ portal

Wellbeing

Co-working spaces often have fitness facilities attached to them, allowing you to do exercise during your working day. They may also have break-out areas to encourage workers to take time away from their desk, which you may forget to do when working from home. This can help to reduce stress and improve well-being.

Each space has it’s own coffee lounge for you to take a break from work mode. Our Fulham space features a Zen Studio; leading out to the private patio where you can bask among nature and get fresh air. Our Liverpool Street space features our Well Studio where you can switch off and use the meditation pods, or get active with the Peloton Bikes. There’s a unique way to unwind at every space.

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Uncommon takes pride in helping businesses thrive. Every design detail helps create an environment in which you can feel good about where and how you work. Visit our locations in Borough, Highbury & Islington, Fulham, and Liverpool Street. Experience the unique vision of working life across London.