Deciding whether your company will be working in a coworking office space or traditional private office can be difficult. There is no right or wrong decision; the answer is in assessing what the needs and priorities of your business are, and you’ll find the best fit by reviewing the pros and cons of coworking vs. traditional offices. 

Our team has years of experience in the industry, seeing how various businesses decide the right space for them, and we put together the following information on how you decide between a coworking space vs. a traditional office.

What are Coworking Spaces?

Coworking office spaces are often large, open-concept layouts for members of the space to work solo or with a team. These spaces will typically have comfortable furniture arranged for various needs to work and meet; in addition, there are conference rooms and meeting rooms that your team can reserve as needed. There is also shared technology, including printers and Wi-Fi, and many even have a small kitchenette with free coffee sometimes.

Pros of Coworking Spaces

One benefit of a coworking office space has a flexible workspace for yourself and your team. You can move around as you please to find the best productivity spot to fit your needs, and the change in scenery can help you feel every day is different and feel less bored. 

This flexibility also allows you to meet new people from other businesses. Networking opportunities not only come from working in the work environment itself but often events that the management team will host. 

You also won’t have to worry about miscellaneous expenses from running an office because the coworking office space has built-in office management, and they are always move-in ready. Plus, your company isn’t tied to long-term leases since they offer more flexible tenure options, and all utilities will be included in your membership fee. 

Cons of Coworking Spaces

One con of some coworking office spaces for many businesses is that they can be crowded areas with a lack of privacy. If the space is not managed properly, some of the shared resources may be unavailable or limited due to the volume of people, and there can also be lots of distractions throughout your work day. 

Depending on the policy of the space managers,  there may also be a lack of personal branding for coworking spaces; your company is subject to the branding the management of the coworking space chooses. Meeting with clients can also be affected by the lack of permanence and branding when your company is in a coworking space. 

Defining Traditional Offices 

When we say a traditional office space, we are referring to a private headquarters for your company. Whether it stands on its own or in a high-rise building, your business has its own space for you and your employees to work, along with complete control of the technology and resources. It may also be an open layout like a coworking office space, or you may have more of a cubicle set up along with designated conference rooms.

Pros of Traditional Offices

One of the biggest advantages to a traditional office compared to a coworking space is that it’s your company’s private space. There is a more quiet, professional work environment with less distractions. It also allows you to decorate it to fit your personal branding, and you also have a more professional setting for meetings with clients. 

Traditional offices are also a great place to build workplace relationships within the company and even express themselves at assigned desks surrounded by their team. It builds familiarity between the work environment and colleagues, and for workers who love routine and structure, this setup can help boost their productivity. 

Cons of Traditional Offices

The biggest disadvantage of a traditional office is that they require a long-term lease commitment. Commercial landlords typically require you to be in the space for at least three years, and you will be subject to an “upward-only” rent review, finder’s fees, additional occupancy fees, and dilapidation. You will also have numerous additional expenses, in addition to rent, like furniture, internet, utilities, parking, and more.

While traditional offices can help with productivity, they can also cause burnout amongst your employees because they are too familiar with the environment, and setups like cubicles can cause feelings of separation and isolation. These effects can chip away at their motivation and lead to unproductivity. 

Tap into Innovation at Your Workplace

The pros and cons of a coworking space vs. a traditional office are fairly balanced, but it also depends on your company’s needs. If you’re experiencing a lot of growth, a coworking space may be a better fit as you establish your team, but if you have many employees that need to collaborate often, a traditional office would make more sense. 

If you are located within the Houston area, The Cannon is the innovative coworking space solution to your workplace needs. We have six locations, and every one offers free parking, 24/7 access, professional mailing, and no added fees. These coworking spaces are created for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, offering countless networking opportunities and resources to maximize your innovation. Contact us today to take a tour!