Being a freelancer is not everyone’s cup of tea. You have to generate your own leads, set your own deadlines, be your own accountant, and, whether you like it or not, be your own HR as well. As a position that combines employer and employee responsibilities, freelancing requires incredible discipline, tenacity, and perseverance on your end.
Now, freelancers worldwide might possess diverse professional ethics, but there’s one thing that unites them all- a need for a well-set-up workspace. This is why on-demand workspaces and coworking spaces are in great demand among them. However, if you analysed their preferences closely, you would discover that most of them gravitate towards on-demand workspaces. Wondering why that is the case? We will unravel it in this article!
What is an On-demand Workspace?
On-demand workspaces give you the flexibility to book office spaces as per your requirements. You can book the space for an hour, a week, or even a month. Subsequently, you pay only for the days you book the space instead of paying a blanket fee for a fixed duration. You do not have to give prior notice when booking an on-demand workspace. With myHQ’s on-demand workspaces, freelancers can easily book a seat at affordable rates and enjoy the amenities provided by the coworking spaces.Â
What is a Coworking Space?
Coworking spaces are where different businesses or working individuals operate in a common office space. The amenities available in a coworking space are equally shared by all. Typically, coworking spaces are availed of by early-stage startups and small businesses that can’t afford to have a physical office space yet. Large businesses might also shift to operating in coworking spaces in a bid to cut down on the costs incurred on account of unutilized office space. On top of that, coworking spaces also allow companies to discover other like-minded firms and form synergies with them.Â
Why Are Freelancers Giving Greater Preference to On-Demand Workspaces Over Coworking Spaces?
There are various reasons that are making freelancers tilt in favour of on-demand workspaces. Let’s take a look.
1. Greater Flexibility
As mentioned earlier, on-demand workspaces let you book their space as per your requirements. You don’t have to enter into a permanent or long-term contract with them. This is in direct contrast to coworking spaces, where you are asked to reserve your space for a fixed period. Freelancers are not obligated to commute regularly to office space, so the flexibility offered by on-demand workspaces massively appeals to them.
2. Cost-efficient
With coworking spaces, you must pay for the entire duration of your contract, irrespective of whether you are utilising the space regularly or not. On the other hand, on-demand workspaces require you to pay only for the days you book the space. This makes them a much more cost-effective and viable option for freelancers, particularly when we consider that on-demand workspaces offer the same range of services as coworking spaces.
3. Doesn’t Tether You to a Specific Location
Freelancers board multiple clients and, depending on the situation might have to travel to different locations to hold client meetings. On-demand workspaces offer them greater convenience, for they can always travel to one nearest to their client’s location and book it on the spot. However, coworking spaces have to remain confined to one location.
FAQs on Freelancers Preferring On-Demand Work Spaces Over Coworking Spaces
Here are commonly asked questions on Why Are Freelancers Preferring On-Demand Work Spaces Over Coworking Spaces:
Do I have to pay a security deposit while booking an on-demand workspace?
No, with myHQ you can simply book your on-demand space through the website or the app. Neither do you have to give any prior notice nor pay any security fee. However, you might be asked to produce valid identity proof while booking.
Is food complimentary in an on-demand workspace?
This might vary from one space to another. While one might include food in their pricing, another might not. Most of them have tiered pricing, so you always have the freedom to opt for a package that best suits your requirements. But most on-demand spaces provide free beverages.
Are there any differences between the amenities offered by a coworking space and an on-demand workspace?
No, both on-demand workspaces and coworking spaces offer similar facilities. The only difference is in terms of booking. While on-demand workspaces let you book as per your requirements for any duration, coworking spaces require you to make a booking for a fixed, usually long-term duration.
Can I book an on-demand workspace online?
Yes, through myHQ’s website or app, you can easily book on-demand workspaces. You can browse the facilities of the spaces, and make a booking.
Do I have to carry my own laptop to an on-demand workspace?
Yes, on-demand workspaces do not provide any equipment. They offer all the other amenities you’d commonly associate with office space, such as desks, chairs, internet, printers, scanners, photocopiers, conference rooms, etc.
Greater flexibility coupled with cost-effectiveness makes on-demand workspaces the go-to option for freelancers. However, to make things flexible for freelancers, many coworking spaces these days have introduced the concept of “day passes”. As the name suggests, these passes are meant to facilitate flexibility, allowing individuals to book spaces as per their requirements.Â
Read More:
