Workplace choice is an important decision for any freelancer. Many have always liked coffee shops due to their relaxed vibe and easy access. It is a place where ideas seem to flow freely between the casual chatter and clinking cups. But this trend is changing now.
Today, many freelancers prefer shared office space over the main-stream coffee shops. The reason? Coworking spaces feel more professional. They are quiet with lots of desks and office equipment in neat rows. The atmosphere in these places is all about focusing and working together. Such clarity and structure nurture the freelancer’s creativity.
This brings a question cum debate: Do freelancers work better in office spaces than in coffee shops? Let’s check out.
Know How Freelancers Thrive in Office Space
It goes without saying that coffee shops have long been popular with many freelancers. But there are a number of benefits to shared office space that coffee shops don’t have. These include:
- Work Vibe and Productivity
Collaborative office spaces are designed for work. Think of a room with quiet zones, meeting rooms, and comfortable furniture. This is the opposite of the cramped and loud environment of a coffee shop. While a coffee shop’s lively atmosphere can attract a few, it lacks the resources and peace necessary for continuous focus.
Freelancers/Remote workers in coworking spaces benefit from 24/7 Wi-Fi and access to power outlets. This is so opposite of coffee shops where finding a seat near a socket feels like grabbing a jackpot.
- Costs and Amenities
At first, collaborative office spaces may look like they cost more. But they offer value for money with amenities like printers, scanners, and meeting rooms. Compare this to a freelancer in a coffee shop, buying multiple coffees to justify their long stay, with costs adding up over time.
Moreover, coworking space often include utilities like internet and electricity in their fees. This means you have a more predictable and often more economical option in the long term.
- Networking and Community
Coworking spaces provide a place where freelancers can get together with professionals, entrepreneurs and intelligent people. This encourages networking and group work that, in turn, opens opportunities for new projects and client referrals.
Consider a graphic designer meeting a startup owner at a coworking event. It can turn into a fruitful meeting. Such organic networking is rare in coffee shops. Coworking space also host events and workshops that not only encourage community but also offer opportunities for career growth. This is something coffee shops can’t offer.
- Privacy and Security
For freelancers who handle confidential information or need to make private calls, rented office space offer secure and private areas. Many have soundproof booths for calls, secure internet, and lockers for personal belongings.
Most coffee shops lack these features. This is why you can’t trust them for sensitive work. Let’s say you are taking a private business call in a coffee shop. You may struggle to hear over the noise, compared to the quiet of a phone booth in a coworking space.
- Flexibility and Accessibility
Shared or rented office spaces offer flexibility that is particularly beneficial for freelancers with irregular schedules or those working across different time zones. Suppose a freelance web developer based in New Delhi is working for clients in Australia. The developer’s work hours might be late at night or early in the morning, times when most coffee shops are closed.
In a coworking space, however, they can access their workspace at any hour. Thus, you can align your schedule with clients’ needs without compromise. This 24-hour accessibility is a benefit over the limited operating hours of coffee shops which can disturb your workflow and productivity.
- Impact on your Professional Image
What happens when you meet clients in a coffee shop? You do not look professional as the place can be noisy, loud, and lack privacy. This is because not everyone is there to work. Some are there to spend quality time with families. Some want to have fun with friends. There are also those who just want to enjoy their coffee. And the list goes on. Thus, coffee shops are of course not suitable for serious or confidential business talks.
Collaborative office space provides a formal environment. They offer quiet zones, special meeting rooms and a professional ambiance. This boosts a freelancer’s credibility and helps them show commitment to professionalism and respect for client interactions.
Conclusion
Office spaces signify a professional, productive, and networking friendly environment. Such perks are immensely beneficial for freelancers looking to grow their careers and boost their professional network. These spaces have a high speed internet, different work locations, and the opportunity to interact with different minds and intellects. These perks are something you won’t find in your so-called coffee shop workplace.
For those in Delhi and NCR needing such an environment, Avanta’s World-Class Coworking Space is your go-to choice. Get flexible office working spaces customised to your specific needs, backed by a team of experts who understand the requirements of professionals in this field.
Contact us today!
