In recent years, the prevalence of digital nomads and remote workers has risen drastically. In fact, Google Trends data shows that searches for "remote jobs" reached an all-time high in 2022.
Indeed, many businesses are now offering their employees the chance to work remotely full-time or on a part-time basis, known as a hybrid working model, whereby employees split their working week between an office and their home.
While many individuals are reaping the benefits of remote work - from reduced commutes to increased flexibility and improved well-being - working from home can begin to feel like an isolating experience.
Coworking spaces can be a cost-effective option, providing the option to work from an office on an ad-hoc or even full-time basis. These workspaces allow freelancers, remote workers, digital nomads and even individuals from small businesses a productive environment to collaborate.
Who can benefit from coworking spaces?
From freelancers and digital nomads to small businesses, start-ups and global brands, any worker can benefit from a coworking space. With opportunities to collaborate with like-minded creatives, coworking can be the perfect solution for many different people.
Remote workers
Many remote workers choose to work from home or even a local coffee shop, as it allows them more freedom and flexibility than travelling to an office each day. Some individuals may find that working from home provides too many distractions or can become too isolating, which in turn can affect productivity.
Coworking spaces allow remote workers to set up in a communal working space, where they can surround themselves with like-minded individuals, according to their schedule and needs. With locations across many cities and towns, remote workers have the opportunity to work closer to home in an established office - limiting travel time and promoting a better work-life balance.
Digital nomads
Digital nomads work remotely but hop between different countries and cities, using their freedom to explore more of the world whilst earning a steady income.
Whether located in Panama City, Cape Town, or San Francisco, travelling professionals can benefit from using flexible workspaces around the world, allowing them to spend time with other digital workers and combat some of the loneliness that's often associated with full-time travel.
Furthermore, by using coworking offices, a digital nomad has access to a strong WiFi connection that isn't always guaranteed in some countries’ coffee shops or hostels. Additionally, they'll be able to access various other professional services they may need - such as printing services or conference rooms - which can be difficult to find when moving to new places in unknown cities or areas. No matter where you're heading, the Regus app makes it easy to find a coworking space on the go.
Growing teams
The best coworking space fosters collaboration and teamwork among a company's employees, especially during the early stages of a small or startup business. These types of offices enable quick communication among colleagues, allowing them to motivate each other, engage and share ideas. For remote workers, some businesses may opt to rent coworking spaces rather than a traditional office, as it means their teams still have the opportunity to collaborate in a professional environment without the need to commit to a long-term office agreement.
Benefits of a coworking space for digital nomads
From cafe services to socialising with other professionals, there are a myriad of reasons that make coworking spaces extremely popular and can benefit both remote workers and digital nomads alike.
Increased productivity
Working from home can feel like a comfortable setting, but it doesn't mean it's necessarily the most productive. In fact, there is often an abundance of distractions nearby, including the temptation to do household tasks, run personal errands or spend time on social media. As a digital nomad, having a designated workspace can be crucial to keep work motivation and improve your productivity.
Visiting a coworking space means you can avoid any of the tempting distractions that you'd find at home. Instead, you can focus your attention on your work in a professional community, surrounded by like-minded digital workers.
Better work-life balance
When working from your own living space, it can be difficult to switch off from work at the end of the day. Bad habits and temptations can start to form, from answering just one more email to completing just one more task - all of which can quickly eat into personal time.
Travelling to a coworking space vs a traditional office means you’re heading to a designated place, designed to boost innovation and collaboration. Not only are there no home-life distractions, but you can have greater control over your workday, visiting according to your schedule. Whether you choose to start early or work later in the day, whenever you decide to pack up and head home, the time is yours.
Access to networking events
Attending a networking event at a coworking space allows you to connect with similar individuals from a professional community, which can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and friendships.
A lot of spaces will hold regular events, such as Friday night drinks, hackathons, or lunch and learns. These events allow members to find inspiration and new ideas as they encourage discussion and innovation.
Private office space for phone calls
Some professionals can spend the majority of their working day on the phone or in virtual meetings. If so, a coworking space with phone call booths or private meeting spaces can help you to hop onto calls without distraction.
Choose from a variety of locations
Travelling professionals have the possibility to visit coworking offices in many popular destinations around the world. This means that they can connect with remote employees from a variety of different businesses in multiple locations across the globe, allowing them to enjoy a motivating and stimulating working environment no matter where they are.
At Regus, as a digital nomad, can plug straight into our global network, allowing you to stay connected wherever you're travelling, knowing one of our coworking spaces will be nearby, all under one simple membership.
Find professional workspaces to suit you
Whether you’re looking for a space with individual booths or closed-off meeting spaces so you can take regular calls or carry out meetings with clients, there is a range of coworking spaces out there.
Some provide a more professional setting, while others look to create a more relaxed yet invigorating environment. Whatever your requirements are - whether with regards to technology or the space itself - there’ll be a space to suit your needs. You may even find yourself working in a timezone that doesn’t fit with your employer or clients, so looking for a workspace with 24-hour access could be essential.
Secure, reliable WiFi
You may think this is easily accessible wherever you are, but one of the most common frustrations for those who work and travel is carrying out virtual meetings, only to experience WiFi that is patchy and slow. A coworking space, on the other hand, provides workers with secure and reliable WiFi, allowing them to conduct all the virtual calls they need, without interruption, which is so important when you work online.
If WiFi speed is a big concern for you, make sure to enquire about its speed and security when you're looking to sign-up for a coworking space. Alternatively, use a tool to test the reliability of the internet yourself, so that you can rest assured you have the technology to conduct your work.
Flexible membership options
The best coworking spaces provide their members with flexible membership options, allowing digital nomads access to office spaces in a way that suits them. Whether that means for you, if on an ad-hoc basis or full-time, or even across a network of locations - coworking membership packages are often designed to be as versatile as possible.
24-hour coworking space access
Whether you're working across time zones or you have an important deadline coming up, you might require 24-hour access to a coworking space. Some coworking spaces operate within your 'typical' 9-5 working hours, so if all-hours access is important to you, make sure to enquire about this before signing up for a membership.
A flexible coworking space will give you the opportunity to drop in when you need it most, whether you're a night owl or an early bird.
On-site coffee shops or refreshments
Many of us can't even contemplate starting our working day without a cup of coffee by our side. No matter what your drink of choice is, it's important to stay hydrated throughout your workday.
There's nothing worse than heading into the office and realising you've left your drink or lunch at home. To keep yourself fuelled throughout the day, you may want to find a coworking space with an on-site cafe or refreshment facilities.
What to look for in a coworking space
When it comes to finding great coworking spaces - wherever you are in the world - there are some important features to look out for:
Flexibility
When you’re trying to find the right coworking space for your needs, make sure you pay attention to the specifics of the membership tiers on offer.
Will you need access to meeting rooms, for example? Consider the additional services and amenities on offer, even if you may not need them immediately.
Larger breakout spaces for collaboration opportunities
Are you working in a coworking space as part of a remote team? If so, you will want to find an environment that offers breakout spaces, giving you some downtime and room for engagement.
Somewhere to relax when you need a break
You may have heard of the rule of 52 and 17. Essentially, it states that the best ratio for productivity is 52 minutes of concentrated work followed by 17 minutes of rest. In fact, various studies show that humans can only work at their full productivity levels for short stints rather than hours at a time. Some coworking spaces offer breakout space so that members can take breaks and recharge, helping them to work at their best.
Some of the best coworking spaces may also offer wellness packages, such as access to a spa, gym, or sauna.
How to find a coworking space for digital nomads
Finding a coworking space is made easy with Regus, especially when you’re on the go. You can either start your search online by specifying a location to see nearby coworking spaces. Get a quote and speak to a professional advisor today, or search on the Regus app.
The Regus app gives you instant access to the world’s largest network of local flexible workspaces, where you can book your space instantly from your mobile phone and check real-time availability.
With flexible membership options, you have full control over the services you need, and can easily adapt your requirements as and when you need them.
