Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Coworking

Since its beginnings in 2005 in San Francisco, California, the coworking industry has experienced a tremendous evolution. Year over year, an increasing number of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other forward-thinking professionals around the world continue to embrace the numerous benefits of shared office space. According to the 2019 Global Coworking Survey, over two million people worldwide will have memberships to these innovative work environments by the end of 2019.

If you’re not yet one of these coworkers, it may be time you consider the benefits of a productive, shared workspace environment. But (if you’re like us) you probably have a few questions. To create clarity and address any potential concerns, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about coworking below.

Is a coworking space just a more exclusive coffee shop?

Unless your local coffee shop offers private meeting rooms, personal offices, phone booths and an extensive list of business amenities, then the answer is categorically, no. Replace noisy patrons, shaky tables and tiny chairs with comfortable seating selections, printing services, mailboxes, whiteboards and environments designed to enhance productivity. And not to worry, you won’t experience a caffeine shortage in a coworking space. All Roam workplaces offer a full-service onsite Coffee Bar with everything you’ll need to stay fueled and focused throughout the work day.

Is coworking a professional solution for my business?

Absolutely. Coworking is a forward-thinking office space solution that allows businesses to scale safely and smartly. Even major corporations and Fortune 500 companies are offering offsite workspace alternatives to their employees as they’ve experienced the benefits of allowing their employees to feel refreshed and inspired in creative coworking environments.

The movies portray coworking as a millennial playground, complete with craft beer on tap and daily ping-pong tournaments. One visit to most coworking providers paints a vastly differently picture. Roam’s coworking spaces are designed to be casual and inviting while maintaining a professional atmosphere that impresses clients, invites teamwork and drives your next great idea.

Is coworking only for professionals interested in collaboration?

While coworking spaces are conducive for collaboration, they are not limited to team working sessions. Most coworking establishments offer a variety of environments that are well-suited for introverts and extroverts alike. At Roam, casual lounge furniture, open tables and team booths are ideal for networking and brainstorming with like-minded professionals. While phone booths, private desks and individual work stations are perfect for head-down, laptop-intensive work days.

What is the commitment involved with a coworking membership?

Agreements and payment flexibility vary amongst coworking providers. At Roam, we strive to offer maximum flexibility for our members as we understand the risk associated with running a small business. Roam memberships start at $139/month and offer a low, month-to-month commitment. No stress or hassle.

Can I use a coworking space if I’m not a member?

This depends on the coworking provider, but most coworking spaces provide a daily option for guests. Roam offers Day Passes for just $20 per person. Your Day Pass allows you full, all-day access to Roam’s innovative work environments and business class WiFi.

Why pay for a coworking membership when I can work from home or a coffee shop for free?

While working from home or a coffee shop may not come at a financial expense, it can come at the expense of your business. It’s difficult to work productively when faced with daily home factors and noisy coffee shops that interfere with your concentration, focus and performance. For a deeper look at why hybrid work-home environments are difficult to manage successfully, here are the top four reasons working from home doesn’t work.

There’s just one question left: What are you waiting for?

With the low commitment of month-to-month memberships and the option to try coworking for a day, Roam offers affordable, risk-free workspace solutions for a variety of professionals and businesses. Stop by any of our five Metro Atlanta locations in Alpharetta, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Galleria, or Perimeter Center for a tour of our workspace and to explore the benefits of coworking for yourself.