Coworking is a great option for many people. But the flexible working opportunities these spaces offer also bring a range of benefits to enterprises. So, should you offer coworking as an employee perk?
Benefits are an important component of your employment package. Research reveals 78% of workers would likely remain with their employer because of the benefits it offers. Further research found more than half of staff would be ‘somewhat likely’ to accept a job with a lower salary but a more robust employee perk package.
Staff benefits are clearly a crucial tool to give you a competitive advantage in the war for talent. What’s more, coworking provides your business with plenty of opportunities to give today’s workforce what it wants.
Responding to the needs of today’s workforce is vital. The Deloitte 2018 Human Capital Trends states: “In the 21st century, careers are no longer narrowly defined by jobs and skills but through experiences and learning agility. The ongoing transformation of work, the need for people and organizations to constantly upgrade capabilities, and shifts in employee preferences demand new approaches to learning, job design, performance management, and career development.”
But what about coworking options as an employee perk? There are many benefits to this way of working for corporations and employees alike:
1. Coworking spaces breed innovation and productivity
Coworking inspires communication and innovation thanks to the diversity of the communities such spaces build anthe cross-pollination of different businesses and industries. Further studies reveal the coworking collaborative environment boosts creativity and this research also reveals 74% of coworkers are more productive.
2. You gain exposure to new business
Coworking spaces are networking goldmines, allowing your staff to connect with new potential clients. In fact, corporate coworking is a growing phenomenon for businesses eager to connect with people and other companies outside of their own office walls.
3. Your staff can be closer to your existing clients
Coworking spaces can act as meeting places, allowing your staff to travel to where your clients are. If you regularly work in a specific locale, your staff can continue to use a coworking space on a more permanent basis.
4. Your staff can avoid their daily commute
What’s more, if you provide coworking options then your staff can avoid their daily commute, which not only gives them more hours in the day but also alleviates traffic congestion.
5. Your workforce feels empowered
Many coworking spaces are open 24/7, allowing your staff to work the hours that match their schedule and other commitments. People who feel more in control over their working week and environment often translate that feeling of empowerment into improved productivity and higher job satisfaction.
6. Your employees bring a greater sense of meaning to their work
Research reveals people who use coworking spaces regard their work as more meaningful because they can drop their work personas and talk more regularly about their job with people from outside of their organization. This helps your staff to reconnect with your company and its mission.
This could help you retain your best talent. A recent survey reveals 27% of respondents said the opportunity to do more meaningful work is why they accepted a new position.
7. Coworking provides wellness options to your staff
Workplace wellness is a major trend and coworking spaces are often filled with plenty of healthy options. For example, some spots have on-site gyms, others have meditation rooms and regular exercise classes or offer healthcare options.
8. Coworking spaces can boost your brand
If you can find a coworking space that aligns with your business, it can help give our staff a sense of professionalism and credibility that traditional remote working does not and your staff will feel more supported by your organization, research reveals.
