You probably have heard about co-working or shared serviced offices but may not be sure if this would be the best fit for you and your business.
We will start by defining co-working. This is a business model where businesses/ individuals working independently in a shared office space. The co-working space owner space provides an all rounded work environment including amenities and services found in a typical office. The Workshop serviced offices in Westlands has dubbed this the “Plug and Play” model.
Below are some of the reasons you should consider moving your business to a co-working space
AMENITIES: Co-working spaces usually provide the essential office amenities such as reliable Internet connection, printing and copier services, furniture, a fully fitted kitchen, complementary refreshments et cetera. This gives you one less thing to worry about as you set up and grow your business.
HR SAVINGS: The ideal co working spaces provides full janitorial services including office clean up and garbage disposal. Admin services such as receptionist and switchboard services are also included. This allows your business to save on hiring individuals for these roles and divert the resources to other key personnel or business needs.
FLEXIBILITY: Signing a lease independently as a business means committing to a space and location for a long period of time regardless of the current business needs. Consequently the ability to expand or contract operations is impossible or lengthy and costly. However co working spaces provide a variety of options including hot desks (for semi permanent or travelling employees), short-term leases and virtual addresses. This ensures that business can easily respond to changes in the business environment and other internal needs.
NETWORKING: A co working space/office normally hosts a variety of businesses under one one roof. Therefore the staff is able to network and create inter sector and inter business links. Some co working spaces provided specific networking events such as the Friday Club at the Workshop Serviced Offices.
LOCATION: Convenience and prestige are two key considerations for co working spaces and businesses in general. Joining a co working space will give your business the validation of being in a prestigious business district without necessarily incurring the related costs. Many Kenyans co working spaces are in Westlands, Riverside, Lavington and Kilimani areas.
BUSINESS FOCUS: Delegating the major admin and real estate needs for your business means that the management and staff in general can focus on the core business and business goals. This increases the chances of business success.
What do you think is the biggest advantage of co-working spaces?
