According to a report by risk management firm Gallagher, two-thirds of UK businesses have adopted a hybrid working plan, resulting in 63 per cent of UK business leaders looking to downgrade their office space. Downgrading an office does not necessarily mean forgoing an office space completely, which is why a shared workspace can be a great alternative.
We know that there are some misconceptions about working in a shared office space, so we’ve compiled a list of the most common ones to set the record straight and unpack the benefits of this more collaborative style of working.
Noise & distractions leading to unproductivity
You may feel concerned about working in a shared office space because of noise and distractions, and rightfully so. There’s a common misconception that working in a shared space will mean lots of different teams talking amongst themselves, creating lots of noise, and potentially disturbing any calls or meetings that you have booked in for the day. And, while a chatty, bustling office environment can lead to greater collaboration and productivity for some, for others, it’s the quiet that they want.
Thankfully, at Myo, we provide private offices within our shared office space to give businesses the best of both worlds. With offices customised to your specifications, there’s no need to worry about open-plan, echoey acoustics or crowded, noisy working spaces. What’s more, our bookable meeting rooms are always available to the businesses who rent with us, giving them the quiet space that they may need to be productive and efficient without distraction.
No privacy
The term ‘shared office space’ implies that a business will work in an open-plan style office, alongside other businesses, all undertaking their own calls and meetings simultaneously.
We understand that businesses require privacy to undertake those important, confidential calls and meetings — and that’s another reason why we provide private offices and bookable meeting rooms to our clients.
Our sleek meeting rooms have a capacity range of 4 to 28 people. So, whether it’s an interview or a board meeting, you won’t have to worry about finding a suitable room for your needs.
Shared working spaces are expensive
The idea of operating your business from a shared working space often gets labelled as an expensive endeavour, especially when factoring in the facilities included and cleaning.
However, in comparison to hiring your own office, this is a far more affordable option. Often, hiring your own office requires you to sign a long-term contract which can be difficult to leave if you find yourself in financially challenging circumstances.
At Myo, we offer a simple, short lease, allowing you the flexibility to move around if or when you need to, and an all-inclusive price plan so you know exactly what you are paying for. This price includes complimentary refreshments and a package of events and classes to enrich your day-to-day experience and provide opportunities for networking and socialising.
Workspaces are only for freelancers and entrepreneurs
Another common misconception about shared offices is that these workspaces are only used by freelancers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups. This is due to the belief that these individuals and small businesses do not have the funds to hire their own office space and, therefore, look to shared workspaces as a suitable alternative. The simple truth is that shared office spaces can work for everyone. The facilities available, plus the flexible price plan, make shared workspaces a favourable option for all types of businesses — from international E-commerce businesses to long-standing legal firms.
Some of the fantastic benefits that all businesses can enjoy at a Myo workspace include a boutique concierge, showering facilities, cycle storage, and 24/7 access and security.
Brand image
Brand image is a hugely important factor for businesses, and that includes your office location. It has been said that hiring a shared office space may look unprofessional or concerning to current or potential clients. However, this is a common misconception that is, simply, not true. Having a well-managed and sophisticated workspace, plus sleek, professional meeting rooms, can prove the opposite to your client — demonstrating that your business, like your workspace, is effective and dynamic.
At Myo, we work with clients to ensure their workspace is personalised to their business. Our meeting rooms are professionally decorated with comfortable seating and those all-important extras that will make your meeting a success.
Shared working spaces are ‘all the same’
Hopefully, we have provided enough evidence to disprove this theory. However, if you are still concerned that shared workspaces are all the same, here is another reminder of what you can expect from a workspace at Myo:
- Your own flexible workspace, customised to your brand and requirements
- Professional, slick meeting rooms available for booking
- A boutique concierge
- 24/7 access and security
- Complimentary refreshments
- Rotating, topical art displays
- Kitchen and food-making areas
- A programme of events and classes to improve wellness and provide opportunities for networking and socialising
- And so much more
Book a tour today
If you’re intrigued by how our shared workspaces can improve productivity and foster creativity, book a tour with a member of our team at any one of our office locations, or download our brochure to learn more about the benefits of hiring a workspace at Myo. In the meantime, make sure to keep up-to-date with the latest developments about our new office locations on our blog.
