The structures of business and work have changed over the years. From being centered on systems and organizations, work has now become more open to flexibility. This means that the workforce is now given the opportunity to be more creative and adventurous when it comes to working. In turn, companies are challenged to be more innovative with their options to sustain a good work setup. One of the results of the decades of experimentation is coworking spaces.

A coworking space is a workplace that functions as a setting for employees to work while catering to a wide array of people. In simple terms, a coworking space is open for everyone from different companies and industries to work in. This leads to a professional setup that produces collaboration and gives opportunities for networking. 

Many people who tried coworking spaces would say that it also suffices the younger generation’s need to collaborate in work. It has been established by various studies that teamwork and being able to exchange ideas with others is an important aspect for millennials. This is more true when it comes to the professional setting. Coworking spaces work well in making this happen naturally since you will be meeting people you can learn from.

Aside from enjoying your flexibility, you should also maximize the opportunity to network in coworking spaces. But, who should you network with to fully benefit from your workplace? Here are some of the people to look for:

Experts

One of the best things when it comes to working with others is that you get to learn from them. In coworking spaces, you will be exposed to people from different industries, positions, and types of work. Regardless of these differences, treat everyone as a valuable source of knowledge. Always be open to learning and getting inspired by the ideas of the people working around you.

Taking advantage of your coworking experience will help you to be well-versed in different areas inside and outside your expertise. For example, if you work in marketing, meeting someone from the field of IT can broaden your knowledge on how to link and merge the two practices. Experiences like these will help you to innovate and come up with out-of-the-box ideas that can improve your work output.

Business Partners

If you are running a startup or small business, coworking spaces help with cutting costs for you and providing a bridge to connect with like-minded individuals. In a collaborative and social environment, you are more likely to find a business partner you can work with. Coworking spaces let you learn about the strengths and weaknesses of other individuals professionally. On top of that, they also give you an idea of the work habits and principles of others by observing how they work.

Understanding where someone at in terms of work and values is an important aspect in deciding who to work with for your business. It takes a lot of trust to have someone help you build on the ideas you have been planning for a long time. And so, knowing them fully and deeply can help you make mindful and cautious decisions. This is also something that can save you time and effort in the long haul.

Freelancers

Coworking spaces are popular among freelancers; you might be one too. While freelancers are not necessarily and directly associated with any company or organization, they are competent and adept in their fields. If you are also a freelancer or are running a business, you can also take note of the people with skills you can rely on in your projects. You can observe the outputs and processes of freelancers as you work around them which you can treat as their portfolio.

Working with someone you already know also establishes a good and healthy relationship right off the bat. This is because you already where they excel at and you understand how they go about their jobs. Because you are also well-acquainted with them, they will also be more responsive and active in your collaboration.

Mentors

One of the keys to success is having someone guiding you on every leap you take. In fact, even billionaires like Bill Gates and Richard Branson emphasize how mentors contributed to their success. A mentor is not someone who will dictate what to do. A mentor is someone who reminds you to keep on the right track and make decisions that are aligned with this. 

The professional world can be competitive and challenging. Staying grounded and focused on your goals can be a struggle when you are surrounded by pressure or distractions from the things around you. A mentor will help get through these struggles and clear your mind to realize what is important. In an industry where you can feel overwhelmed, you can also rely on your mentor to believe in you and push you to move forward. 

It may take time and effort, but you can find someone who can be your mentor in coworking spaces. You can do this by spending time with them and determining if their values are the same as yours.

Friends

A professional work environment is something coworking spaces embody. At the same time, it also makes work-life balance more achievable because of how open and inclusive they are. Some professionals like to keep their professional life as it is and veer away from co-workers when it comes to personal matters. In coworking spaces, this might not be the case.

A coworking space is best experienced and enjoyed when you share it with people you get along with. While you can be professional all the time, you are also free to be more friendly and informal with others. Your job satisfaction also increases when you feel comfortable with the people around you in the workplace. This leads to more productivity and willingness to get things done accordingly.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to addressing the changing needs of the workforce today, coworking spaces provide opportunities that can enrich you in different aspects of life. In a work setting, it is important that you are comfortable enough to accomplish tasks and projects as they come. However, you can have a more fulfilled outlook in work if you are also maximizing your exposure to other people.

Coworking spaces let you meet and collaborate with diverse individuals. You can take this as a way to improve not only professionally but personally as well. From learning from experts to finding life-long friends, your coworking experience will be worthwhile if you approach it holistically. This also leads to meaningful relationships you can treasure throughout your lifetime.