Potential Drawbacks of Using Shared Workspaces or Coworking Spaces

While shared workspaces or coworking spaces offer numerous benefits, they may not be the best fit for everyone, especially those dealing with sensitive projects or requiring strict confidentiality. This article explores the potential downsides of shared workspaces and provides insights to help you decide if they are right for your business.

Trade Secrets and Intellectual Property

Our office has trade secrets and intellectual property. Although the person sharing the space may not be in the same business, there are certainly enough examples where someone sees something they think is cool and then posts it to friends or on social media. While this risk is usually lower for less sensitive businesses, it's a concern that cannot be completely ignored.

Work Ethic and Project Complexity

The workforce in a coworking environment often has similar practices, habits, rules, and restrictions. However, with different kinds of work, complex work ethics, and environments, like research and development, it is almost impossible to align work ethics and culture within shared workspaces. The diverse nature of work makes it challenging to maintain a cohesive and effective team environment.

Distractions and Control Issues

Shared workspaces can lead to several issues that may impact productivity and privacy.

tNoise: Coworking spaces tend to be noisy due to constant chatter among users. tPrivacy: You may have to work in between several people, which can reduce your privacy. tInfrastructure: The infrastructure available might not meet your specific work requirements. tDistraction: The distractions caused by noise and people roaming around can be detrimental to concentration. tSecurity Issues: With many strangers around, the risk of security threats increases.

Financial and Practical Considerations

While sharing a workspace can be cost-effective, it also has its drawbacks. Here are some additional points to consider:

tMembership Fees: Most coworking spaces require a membership, which can be expensive depending on the location. tCommute: Coworking spaces require a commute, which can be a downside if your business model relies on being close to clients or locations. tLimited Privacy: While some spaces offer conference rooms for reservation, complete privacy is rarely guaranteed.

Everything has dual aspects—good and bad. In the context of shared workspaces or coworking spaces, the negatives include noise, reduced privacy, insufficient infrastructure, distraction, and security issues. Understanding these drawbacks can help you make an informed decision about whether a shared workspace is the right choice for your business.