What the Oxford English Dictionary Doesn’t Tell You about Coworking

The Oxford English Dictionary defines coworking as:

The use of an office or other working environment by people who are self-employed or working for different employers, typically so as to share equipment, ideas and knowledge.

While this definition is helpful, it doesn’t quite capture the essence of coworking. The Oxford English Dictionary fails to acknowledge how coworking environments create an atmosphere of inspiration, innovation and creativity among a collaborative of like-minded professionals. More specifically, it doesn’t explain three key advantages that coworking spaces provide for many freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers.

Increased Productivity

Distractions litter the home office environment, as well as any neighborhood coffee shop. Staying focused and doing extraordinary work is nearly impossible when faced with barking dogs, playful children or busy baristas. Can your business or career afford such immovable obstacles to productivity?

Meanwhile, most coworking members report an increased level of productivity from their relaxed, distraction-free shared office space. Take a look at this infographic from the employee engagement experts at Officevibe for some potentially eye-opening statistics that support this revelation.

Cost-Effectiveness

Is a home office really free? Put a number on what all those distractions cost you and your business in terms of lost productivity and opportunities. You may think you can tune out the interruptions, but even the most disciplined remote professionals eventually realize that they struggle to stay focused amongst the chaos of a home office or excitement of a busy coffee shop.

A Basic membership at Roam is just $139 per month with no commitment to sign a long-term contract. This cost-effective membership grants access to all five Roam workplaces located strategically throughout Metro Atlanta. It also offers the ability to invite a guest to meet with you in our coworking space or reserve a private meeting room with complimentary technology features and whiteboard space.

If you’re still unsure that the $139 per month membership is worth a distraction-free environment to work productively and meet with clients, purchase a Day Pass for just $20 and enjoy all-day access to any of our Roam workplaces. There’s no pressure to commit to anything more. Simply try working from our workplace for the day and see what you think. It could become the best $20 you’ve ever spent.

Bountiful Onsite Amenities

Coworking members at Roam receive value beyond our productive work environments with a comprehensive list of onsite amenities. Print, copy, fax, and mailing services, as well as phone booths, advanced technology, meeting rooms and access to our full-service Coffee Bar are all available at Roam. We even offer a convenient food and beverage service for those days when you just can’t pry yourself away from one of our comfortable booths long enough to refuel for lunch.

A More-Fitting Definition

Now, it seems like that current definition of coworking needs a revision.

Coworking increases productivity, maximizes your return on investment and provides a comprehensive list of convenient business and office amenities. Let us know if you think this covers the definition or if there’s something else you’d like to add. As always, we’d love to hear from you. And if you feel like you or your business could benefit from a Roam membership after further defining coworking, let’s get together. Send us a message and we’ll schedule a time for you to come in, tour our space and try out coworking for the day. Hope to see you soon!