Coworking space Archives

5 Signs Of Stress At Work

What are the signs of stress at work?

Mood swings
Becoming withdrawn
Less motivation, initiative, and creativity
Headaches and fatigue
Skin problems

Almost all employees work hard at their job. At their best, they can do what they’re being paid to do really well. But as the stress levels go up, some employees start performing below what they’re capable of. And it’s usually those who don’t detect the signs of stress at work that get affected badly.

Sometimes, we got so engrossed in our work that we don’t notice how much it’s already affecting our bodies, our minds, the output that we produce, and even our relationships. That’s why we should know the signs of too much stress so we can address them properly.

Here, we talk about some signs that you should look out for at work to know if you’re getting way too stressed. Keep reading to learn more!

Mood Swings

Have you had to deal with an irate coworker? Cut them some slack. Maybe they’re experiencing more stress than they can take. One of the biggest signs of stress at work is if they start having mood swings even if they normally don’t.

Stress can easily overwhelm us, and it could translate to being irritable or snapping at people. You could also become too emotional. Do you become tearful at small things? Do you suddenly get aggressive? Maybe it’s a sign of excessive stress. This not only affects productivity, but also the morale of the rest of the team, so it’s best to address this problem right away and take some time off.

Becoming Withdrawn

In addition to the occasional mood swing, you might find yourself being withdrawn when you’re too stressed. Everything becomes too tiring and even interacting with your teammates could become too much for you. When was the last time you chatted casually with a coworker? Have you recently turned down anyone who tried to start a conversation with you? Try checking yourself and assess if the stress is getting to you.

Less Motivation, Initiative, and Creativity

The double-edged sword of stress will also affect how much you want to work. As mentioned earlier, it can affect the amount and quality of your work, no matter how competent you are. If you don’t handle stress well, you could notice that you no longer enjoy what you are doing or that everything seems monotonous.

Headaches and Fatigue

Stress can definitely affect our physical health in more ways than we realize. Getting too stressed at work could lead to headaches, sometimes even migraines. If you’ve been popping a painkiller pill for your headache a bit too often recently, it could be caused by stress.

Excessive levels of stress would also leave you feeling tired all of the time, especially if you’re losing sleep because of work.

Skin Problems

Because of stress, your skin could develop disorders. Developing an acne breakout because of stress is more common than you think. The problem with this is it could affect your self-esteem as well, pushing you down the negative spiral even more. To avoid getting these disorders, try keeping yourself healthy and managing your stress so it doesn’t affect you too badly.

Key Takeaway

With all these signs of stress at work, you would be surprised when you experience them but don’t notice them. They creep up at you and you’ll see in hindsight that it should have been obvious. Still, being aware of the signs and being vigilant towards yourself helps in preventing any worse effects.

Sometimes, a change of setting is all we need to do our work without external stresses. That’s why Workplays, a co-working space, aims to create an environment that’s conducive to working. We cater to freelancers, startups, small businesses, and anyone else who needs a new place to work. Read more about our pandemic protocols and answers to frequently asked questions here, or contact us for any inquiries!

How to Retain Employees During COVID

What are some ways employers can retain employees during COVID?

Create a safe and comfortable working environment
Be flexible whenever possible
Encourage new connections between employees
Make employee wellness a priority

Managing employees has always been tricky for employers, but as the pandemic drags on, it is apparent that one of the most prominent problems for companies everywhere now is how to retain their employees despite the COVID unemployment crisis. Adding onto that, the workforce now has new demands and expectations when it comes to their working environment.

Luckily, with many companies shifting their priorities towards flexibility, technology, safety, and transparency, there are many new ways for employers to overcome this problem. Below are 4 practices you can integrate into your office’s day-to-day in order to boost employee retention – all while keeping your employees safe from COVID and working remotely at home.

Create A Safe And Comfortable Working Environment

An employer should consider the safety of their employees beyond the usual physical safety protocols. Even while working at home, creating a safe and comfortable online working environment for everyone is important. In fact, one can say that it is of greater importance nowadays to make sure your employees don’t feel isolated in their work. Instead, they should be able to feel that they are part of a healthy and supportive environment, where they feel that they can work to the fullest.

This may be difficult as working remotely may make your employees feel disconnected from the working environment. So it is important to emphasize communication and transparency between teams and management. Open communication helps cultivate the feeling of a safe and comfortable working environment even during a crisis, where employees don’t have to worry about their job security, or other issues such as gossiping, secrecy, or cyberbullying.

When this type of working environment is created, employees tend to feel more secure in their roles and are less likely to consider other employment options.

Be Flexible Whenever Possible

While ‘flexibility’ in the workplace became a hot topic at the beginning of the pandemic, it is more complicated than just merely shifting to remote work. Flexibility in work may look different for everyone and depends on the expectations of the employees and the capabilities of the employers.

Flexibility for some employees may mean changing their work times in order to accommodate other responsibilities to home and family, while another employee may consider flexibility to be what apps they are allowed to use when communicating with their teammates.

Since there are many ways that employees can consider flexibility in their schedules, responsibilities, and procedures, it is important for employers to communicate with them in order to establish boundaries, guidelines, and rules around flexibility in order to keep everyone on the same page. This also allows employers to take into account new ways to ease workflows between employees, as well as increase productivity and overall happiness.

Encourage New Connections Between Employees

Like with most things about working in an office, the pandemic has restricted the social interactions that employees used to experience on a daily basis. If your team is working remotely, it may be hard for them to socialize, particularly with new hires. Nowadays, many social connections have to be done with more intention and planning than before. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but employers should make sure to encourage these connections

It’s important to reintroduce the social aspect of work virtually. This can be done by incorporating activities such as online games, icebreakers, and even planned company meals over ZOOM during workdays in order to help your employees bond, give them a sense of belonging, and allow them to destress after work.

Make Employee Wellness A Priority

While working remotely allows many companies to ensure that their employees are staying physically well, employees’ mental wellness is something that was negatively affected, which was particularly apparent at the beginning of the pandemic. When considering employee wellness, employers should also pay attention to their mental state and how their employees are dealing with remote work.

Regular check-ins with employees and teams are one way that employers can check on their employee’s personal situations. A simple “How are you doing?” is an underrated way of showing your employees that they have a support system they can rely on when they are struggling. Following this question up with sincere acknowledgements, empathy, and sympathy are great ways to further enforce their trust in that support system.

Other than that, making sure that your employees are given enough time to destress and recharge before their next day of work is a simple way of helping them maintain that mental wellness. Encouraging your employees to take rest when needed with things like paid time off helps them prioritize and take care of their wellbeing without worrying about the consequences.

Key Takeaway

The pandemic has highlighted many previous problems for employers and has pushed many to reconsider the ways that they communicate with their employees. Learning how to retain employees during COVID, in particular, is something that has concerned many companies well into the pandemic.

Employers should not overlook their abilities to innovate and improve employee engagement. In order to retain employees, employers should pay extra attention to the needs of their employees while keeping them engaged and happy with their roles in the company. When employees’ needs are met, retention becomes less of an issue.

4 Unique Work from Home Break Ideas

What are some unique work from home break ideas?

Jog in place for 15 minutes
Play with your pets
Eat your favorite meal
Play a short video game

The work from home lifestyle has been going on for more than a year or so. While most have successfully adapted to this drastic change, many are having difficulty in some aspects, be it staying motivated, maintaining focus, or balancing work and life. Most experts have touted the benefits of taking at least 10 to 15-long work breaks to re energize and take on a new task. But few have been able to provide solutions once the novelty wears off. If you’re one of these people, then maybe a fresh new set of work from home break ideas may be just what you need for productivity. Check them out.

Jog In Place For 15 Minutes

If there’s simply not enough time in the morning for your morning run, then sneaking in a few jogs during your work break may give you just the endorphin boost that you need. Short exercises are extremely effective at increasing energy levels, reducing fatigue, and restoring focus.

For someone who’s been staying far too long staring at a computer screen, a quick jogging break also offers a break in the monotony of work from home life. Instead of just sitting idly and watching as the minutes of your break pass, make it worth your while by putting on some jogging shoes then breaking a sweat at an acceptable pace to some lively music.

Play with Your Pets

Fur moms and dads have a shared understanding of what it’s like to work from home with pets. It does have its ups and downs — one simply cannot get a bit of productivity when their puppy makes the choice to sleep on a computer keyboard. In much the same way, pets at home require just the same amount of TLC they’ve been provided while you were going to the office in the past.

It may be time to change your perspective on the role that your pets play in your work from home life. Take their quirks as welcome distractions to an otherwise dull work day. Make time to play with them, rub their bellies, or reward them with a few treats simply by existing. Quality time with pets, after all, have been associated with a significant decrease in stress, better productivity, and an overall improvement in your mood.

Eat Your Favorite Meal

Not everyone will be able to afford preparing and having a full breakfast at home. Especially when you live alone, doing all this work can be too tiring — you’d rather settle with a warm cup of instant coffee and some toasted bread. You simply don’t have the luxury of time, and you’re paying for it by sacrificing a square meal.

Reward yourself for a change. During your lunch break, take it as an opportunity to order your favorite meal or satisfy a food craving that has been lingering for quite some time now. Not only will you be able to work with a full stomach, but you’ll also drastically improve your ability to remain focused on your tasks, no matter the gravity.

Play A Short Video Game

Much of the discussion about working from home has revolved around eliminating almost every distraction imaginable — video games, loud noises, fidget toys. However, the fact of the matter is that no one is prone to temptation to give in to these.

The next time you’re tempted to distract yourself from work by playing a few short minutes of an RPG or MOBA, try not to resist and allow yourself these few minutes of relaxation. Contrary to popular belief, video game breaks offer numerous benefits, such as boosting overall mood, lowering stress levels, and improving morale. Playing games may be something to look forward to, especially after spending all day taking calls, drafting contracts, and what have you.

Key Takeaway

Need an effective way to manage your work from home life? These work from home break ideas might just help you get back on track. From interacting with your pets to playing a short video game, these tricks may help you cultivate a more positive outline. Change up your daily work break routines and find creative ways to spend your breaks, no matter how short they may be — you definitely deserve it.

4 Essentials You Need To Have For Remote Work

What are the essentials that you need for remote work?

A Dedicated Workspace
Noise-Cancelling Equipment
External Hard Drive
Basic Office Supplies

New to work remotely? Transitioning to remote work from your usual 9-5 job isn’t the easiest thing to do. Converting a space into a professional workspace can pose a challenge, and it may not feel as office-ready. But, don’t worry! Below, we’ve compiled a list of the essentials you need for remote work. These are all you need to stay efficient, productive, motivated, and comfortable all day. You’ll thrive in remote working in no time! Read on for more.

A Dedicated Workspace

First things first — the space. It is one of the most crucial elements in successful remote working. The location you work in will make or break your whole remote work situation.

So, If you’re working from home, dedicate one space to do your tasks. Whether it be inside a spare room or a table in the living room, the key here is to foster a psychological boundary between your professional and home life. It’s best to choose a spot that is well-lit and free from distractions.

This will make a huge difference in your productivity and motivation. It will also help reduce the risk of burnout too! This, combined with a desk and a comfortable chair is the starting point for an effective remote work routine.

In the same way, if you opt to work outside your home, find a well-lit place or spot with no distractions or noise. Nowadays, there are co-working spaces that are built for the comfort of remote workers. Maybe you can check out if there’s one near you.

Noise-Cancelling Equipment

You’re likely going to experience noise from your surroundings, so investing in a pair of good-quality noise-canceling earphones is a must-have. It will eliminate outside distractions while you’re working. And when you’re in a meeting, you’ll be able to hear and understand everything clearly.

Additionally, while you’re in a virtual meeting, background noise can be incredibly distracting to your co-workers or clients. This is where a noise-canceling microphone will come in handy — it ensures that your voice is heard distinctly.

External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is one of the best things you can invest in — especially if you are working with tons of files. It does not only increase your storage capacity, but it also backs up your important files, and it can speed up the performance of laptops with slower internal drives.

Basic Office Supplies

Despite the accessibility of online tools and productivity apps, it’s still best to have a set of handy basic office supplies with you. Plus, nothing beats writing down on a paper notebook. It doesn’t run out of batteries either.

Key Takeaway

To successfully work remotely, you need to be well-equipped. These essentials you need for remote work are everything you need for maximum productivity, efficiency, and comfort. Feel free to add more items and tools too!

If you want more tips and tricks in working remotely, feel free to read our blogs! Or, if you’re looking for a collaborative and fun environment to work in, we are a coworking space provider in Paranaque. Contact us today to learn more!

5 Features of a Great Coworking Space

What are the factors determining a great coworking space?

Cost
Area
Environment
Security
Meeting rooms

Technology has had a drastic effect on conventional businesses in the past decade. One concrete example of this is the emergence of coworking spaces. Businessmen have been prepared to share offices as well as operate in the exact situation of freelancers or employees working for their specific organization.

A published study has proven that almost 1 million people around the world are working in approximately 14 thousand different coworking spaces. This number is quite big and to add to that, the statistics are still assumed to increase as the years go by.

A few experts say that this inclination affirms the fact that coworking spaces diminish the operational expenses and it also gives more possibilities for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. This article will teach you about the 5 different things to consider in learning more about great coworking space features.

Cost

A huge building or a big floor area is not necessary for the majority of businesses nowadays. Make an effort to look for a location that will not be that expensive since a coworking space gives you that opportunity to lessen your operational expenses.

Given this, it would be a sensible solution since it will not be necessary for you to renovate the actual office anymore. It is evident that the quantity of coworking spaces is currently progressing, therefore, giving way to affordable packages for businesses.

Area

Choosing the perfect area is also considered as a crucial factor when looking for coworking spaces. As much as possible, you should opt to lessen your travel time. Aside from this, you should also consider getting a better location since you should be near potential clients or various business hubs.

In relation to this, one of the coworking space features that should be considered is that the area should have proximity to your residence and also to the different organizations that will help your business grow.

Environment

You can only have a grasp of what kind of coworking space it is by actually working there. However, you can also assume how the people around there operate instantly. Look for an establishment that will make you and your fellow workmates feel comfortable. A great coworking space will allow your team to thrive because it can influence a spirit of positivity from the collaborative community that it is built for.

A good coworking space will be your foundation for a great working environment so make sure to check if the space you are looking at can give this positive ambiance to your team.

Security

You must be careful enough to protect all the information, important documents, and other necessary items for your business to be in a safe place. It is highly recommended for you to find a coworking space that has strict security measures. Check if there are CCTV cameras as well as security guards at the entrance of the establishment to confirm whether the area is being monitored carefully or not.

In addition to that, you may also want to ask if they are capable of installing anti-hacking software as well as their SOP for instances of data breaches. Even if the coworking space is suitable for your needs, you may want to think twice if you find that it is not dependable enough to protect you and your assets.

Meeting rooms

The majority of your clients and workmates will probably not have a problem if you decide to arrange a meeting at the coworking space whenever the need arises for it. But there will be times that you will have to give them a room where you can have an amicable discussion and make engagements without any hindrance that may affect your attention.

Given this fact, another one of the coworking space features that you must consider is that there should be two or more meeting rooms available for anyone. People working in the coworking space would most probably have to reserve the rooms ahead of time so you should take note of the schedule.

Key Takeaway

One of the best methods to cut upon your operational expenses is to opt for a coworking space since it will give you the environment and equipment that you and your business will be needing. If you are thinking about re-inventing the way you work, then shifting to a co-working space might be the right move for you!

But keep in mind that you must be educated enough to know what the significant factors should be considered to know the great coworking space features by the time that you transition to this kind of trend. Make sure to apply these ideas so that you will be able to get the most suitable coworking space for your business.

Co-Working for Introverts and Extroverts

What are the benefits of co-working spaces for introverts and extroverts?

No pressure to socialize
Flexible
Chance to discover new clients
Friendly community managers

The modern era has led to many types of technological advancements. Not only that, but it has also made changes in the way people socialize with one another. Different modes of interactions were brought about in many aspects of society, particularly in the workplace. Non-traditional modes of employment, or working together, have been born, making people ponder about the benefits of co-working spaces.

Through co-working spaces, people from many walks of life and interests have been able to interact with one another, sharing their ideas and opinions. Deviating away from the typical office hierarchy has allowed different kinds of people, like introverts and extroverts to interact in a much more relaxed setting, without the added pressure to socialize.

Though at first there seems to be a dichotomy between the two, introverts and extroverts can actually simultaneously thrive in co-working spaces. Continue reading to find out more about how co-working spaces benefit both introverts and extroverts.

No pressure to socialize

One of the most common misconceptions people have about introverts is that they’re shy, soft-spoken, and have difficulty open up. While some introverts may display such behavior, these adjectives are actually not characteristic of them. The very thing which separates introverts from extroverts is the way they both expend their social energy.

In simple terms, introverts have something called a ‘social battery’ which typically drains over time, the longer they spend socializing or talking to other people. When this battery drains, they need to spend a few moments in isolation to recharge once more. Extroverts’ social batteries, on the other hand, never seem to run out.

When these two types of people converge in co-working spaces, no such rift will be formed. The very fact that the environment is still a working environment, gives extroverts the idea that people around them have to work on their own tasks, in their own time. Everyone is busily accomplishing a deliverable. On the other hand, co-working spaces allow introverts to work at their own pace, without the need to talk to everyone all the time.

Flexibility

Though a co-working space is still a community, it offers several avenues that make it flexible for both introverts and extroverts.

As mentioned before, introverts aren’t necessarily people who shy away from the interaction. It’s only that their social battery needs to be filled up again before they can begin mingling. These types of people can enjoy working in a quiet, isolated area in a co-working space where they can be totally engrossed in their task.

Meanwhile, since extroverts are natural social butterflies, they can head to the open areas in a particular co-working space where they can have discussions with like-minded individuals. Once introverts feel like they’re ready to socialize, they can move away from their corners and join the rest of the group.

Chance to discover new clients

One of the best things about co-working spaces is its ability to bring people of different backgrounds, and cultures, together. As such, both introverts and extroverts can view co-working spaces as opportunities for them to build connections with individuals who can provide advantages in their professional careers.

Every individual, without any consideration about their personality types, has valuable skills and knowledge they can potentially offer other people. For example, an introverted content writer who has plans of building their own SEO company may be able to find an extroverted web designer capable of building their webpage.

In much the same way, an outgoing accounts manager needs the exemplary writing skills of an introvert who can be seen silently and dutifully working in their own space.

Friendly community managers

Co-working spaces, in order to function in the most organized way possible, need the leadership of a community manager. The job of the community manager is not only to make sure that every amenity in the space is in working order but also to facilitate different connection-building activities for the people utilizing the space.

Community managers are aware of the diverse pool of people in the co-working space, and as such, they recognize that each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Introverts who feel socially-drained, but need to build connections through networking, may ask the help of the space’s community manager to introduce them to other people. On the other hand, extroverts who may feel hesitant about approaching an introvert may be able to ask the help of the community manager to facilitate their interaction.

All this is made possible because of the friendliness displayed by the community manager in a stress-free environment.

Key Takeaway

Co-working spaces may at first prove to be non-beneficial for both introverts and extroverts because of the starkly different personality types they exhibit. However, as they eventually ease into that type of environment, you will discover that not only can they thrive, but they can also productively coexist with one another.

If you own a co-working space, the guide above has hopefully given you an overview of just some of the benefits it can provide for both introverts and extroverts.

5 Factors You Should Consider When Looking for an Office Space for Lease in Las Pinas

Today’s office spaces have now become more innovative than before, providing better designs, varied functionality, and the latest technologies. Compared to the offices of old, the modern office has become a space for increased work productivity, innovation, and collaboration. This has led to more young businesses and professionals to look for quality virtual offices in Manila and office spaces for lease in Las Pinas to find the ideal spaces for them to work and collaborate with like-minded professionals.

While classic office design has remained a standard for a lot of companies and businesses, more of these companies have been looking for new alternatives that provide them with the ideal working environment. This has become the case for a lot of young and new businesses and companies looking to make their start, as they would want an office where they can grow and be more productive.

What are the factors you need to consider when looking for an office space for lease in Las Pinas

Looking for the ideal office space for lease in Las Pinas can be a big challenge, as you would want an office space that provides the most conducive working environment, along with having the right location and amenities. Before getting an office space, make sure that you consider these factors to help you see if it is the right office space for you.

Location

One of the most important factors of any virtual office in Manila, or any commercial space for that matter, is the location. There are a number of elements that make for a good location, including travel time, proximity to other commercial or business locations, and the number of commute options present in the area. A lot of office locations suffer from poor location, at times being too far from commercial establishments, or are very difficult to travel to.

Places like an office space for lease in Las Pinas are very good locations, as you have an office located in a commercial hub, and is very easy to travel to. Along with the ease of travel, location can also affect your business networks and partnerships positively, as they would be able to set up meetings and deals in much more convenient areas.

Design

Along with having a convenient location, office design is another factor to consider when looking for the ideal virtual office in Manila. The design of an office will dictate how your set-up would look like once you have moved in. Aesthetic value is not only a factor on how your office would look like, but it would also help the image of your company or business as well, as people would see that you provide a dynamic and comfortable working environment.

Along with aesthetics, atmosphere and ambiance also count. A well-designed office is both comfortable and functional, allowing your employees to become more productive and active at the workplace.

Amenities

Amenities are a signature feature of office spaces for lease in Las Pinas, as they provide features such as free internet, access to office equipment and materials, meeting and conference rooms, and even free coffee. These amenities mean that you would not need to invest on certain features in your office, as you they are now readily available for you to use.

Amenities also make the working experience that much more accessible and comfortable ensuring that you have everything you need within reach. Most virtual offices in Manila have their varied set of amenities, and it is best to give them a check before finally moving into your new business location.

Price

Renting out a traditional office space can be very expensive, as you are not only paying for the lease, but you also have to pay for other expenses such as utilities, maintenance, and furnishings. If you are a young company just starting out, the costs can be very daunting, which is why office spaces for lease in Las Pinas have now become the most cost-effective option.

These office spaces have their own furnishings, which means that you would be able to spend less on office equipment, and only pay for the lease. Office spaces have become increasingly expensive over the past few years, which is why it is best to find the most affordable option for your company or business.

Company Size

It is also important to take your company size into consideration, as this would help you assess what you would need in your virtual office in Manila. If you are a small company that expects to grow in the near future, it might be ideal to get an office space that provides you with extra room for new employees and equipment.

Virtual offices offer spaces of different sizes, with some being enough for most small startups, while some have enough space for established companies. Another advantage that these virtual offices have is that more employees have the freedom to work remotely, which means that they are able to work in their virtual office set-up, which makes it more convenient. If you are looking for a flexible office that offers space for growth, virtual offices are your best option.

Key Takeaway

Modern office design has helped innovate the classic office space, providing more opportunities to experiment, collaborate, and become more productive. You can create your own modern workspace at an office space for lease in Las Pinas and experience all of these perks and amenities, and provide the best platform for your company or business.

Why a Coworking Space Near Alabang Could be Beneficial for Your Startup Company

Why are coworking spaces beneficial for startups?

Coworking spaces are cost-effective and flexible
Coworking spaces have amenities and perks
It provides an alternative environment and company culture
The metro south is a great location for startups

The term ‘startup business’ has noticeably become popular in recent years. While there’s nothing new about the idea behind startups, the rise of digital industries around the world has given prospective entrepreneurs scalable business ideas that can hopefully become a success. Along with the rise of modern startups came virtual offices and coworking spaces. Simply put, these are progressive workplaces that cater to the needs of less traditional companies. Whether you employ the use of a virtual office in the Philippines or a coworking space near Alabang, either choice can be beneficial for your startup business.

Let’s take a look at how coworking spaces could help take your startup to the next level.

Coworking spaces are cost-effective and flexible

If your startup business is like most other startup businesses, then that would mean that your budget is naturally limited. This is why most startup companies or firms are noticeably frugal in their expenditures — only employing a number of people (if not the owner working solo), conducting small-scale operations, and not having their own workplace or office.

Pay attention to that last instance of cost-cutting methods most startups do because that is where coworking spaces can be of optimal use. Traditional office leasing involves long-term contracts that come with hefty fees. Startups can’t usually afford these kinds of terms because of practicality issues. It’s hard to maximize a traditional office space because there’s usually not enough people to do so. Factor in utility bills and other miscellaneous fees that come with leasing an office space long-term, then it becomes clear that the cost is not worth it.

In contrast, coworking spaces are not only cost-effective but also flexible time-wise. Subscribing to a monthly rental fee is a much more practical option than being tied down for a year. Some of the best coworking spaces and virtual offices in the Philippines even offer daily or walk-in rentals. Given the unpredictability of the future, especially for startups, using a time-flexible working space is the most optimal setup.

Coworking spaces have amenities and perks

Aside from being flexible and cost-effective, what makes working in a coworking space so appealing are the amenities and perks that come with it. The first thing of note here is that coworking spaces are already fully furnished and usually come equipped with office essentials such as Wi-Fi, coffee, phone systems, copy and fax machines, conference rooms, and a pantry.

The best coworking spaces offer a number of the aforementioned amenities for free, so be on the lookout for those establishments to find the best bang for your buck.

It provides an alternative environment and company culture

In terms of the intangible advantages with regards to working spaces, one of the more refreshing qualities of a coworking space is that it provides an alternative to company culture and environment. This is not to say that there is something fundamentally wrong with most traditional company cultures, but there is a noticeable difference.

Traditional company culture and environment are associated with cubicles, grey spaces, corporate attires, adherence to a strict chain of command, departmentalization, etc. Coworking spaces are designed to be an alternative to that kind of setting.

While they also have a dress code, it is usually lenient. As long as you are wearing something appropriate and not disruptive to the working environment, then you are going to be fine. Coworking spaces also have a noticeable absence of cubicles and table separators. This encourages co-working and collaboration, something that is also not too prevalent in traditional office setups. Startups businesses can benefit from deviating from normal working norms because it often takes a lot of creativity to develop something unique, especially when it comes to business. An enthusiastic culture and environment can be a big factor in fostering that much-needed creativity.

Since coworking spaces are a rather recent development in the professional world, there is still more left to discover about the culture surrounding it. Consider it an added incentive to try out a coworking space near Alabang and see how different and refreshing it can be.

The metro south is a great location for startups

Now that the advantages of coworking spaces have been examined, it’s time to go into why Alabang and the metro south is a great location to establish your startup business.

Decongested Location

One of the best parts of establishing a startup business in the metro south is that it is relatively decongested when compared to the main central business districts like Makati and BGC. This means there will be fewer instances of heavy traffic, and more opportunities to find space. A coworking space near Alabang can be the most accessible and accommodating option when compared to other areas.

The metro south has potential for growth

Considering that the previously mentioned business districts are already reaching critical mass in terms of physical space, new enterprises are having a hard time finding a proper spot for their business. Many of these businesses are already starting to flock down south in order to find a place for their company or organization. This movement contributes to the already ongoing development of the general metro south including areas such as Alabang, Las Pinas, and Paranaque.

That being said, it could also be beneficial for your startup to be situated in a developing area because it allows your startup to scale in a smoother fashion — allowing you to match the growth of your business with the continuous development of the local industries.

Key Takeaway

Now that you know why a coworking space near Alabang is beneficial for your startup, what better way for you to try it than by trying out the services of Workplays.

Workplays is a coworking space and virtual office that embodies all the qualities stated above and more. Since it is located in the heart of BF Paranaque, it is not only near Alabang but also the other main areas in the metro south. Click here to check out our rates and for more information, click here!

Why You Should Have Work Meetings at a Virtual Office in Las Pinas

Why should you have work meetings at a virtual office in Las Pinas?

Las Pinas is a convenient location
A professional setting is guaranteed
Virtual offices are accommodating
It’s a refreshing experience
It can be more cost-effective

Virtual offices and co-working spaces are a recent development in the professional world and its list of advantages keeps growing as more people use them. While ‘virtual’ is a word that denotes something that is done on a computer, virtual offices actually have physical spaces for people to work in.

From home businesses and startups to freelancers looking for a place to work, virtual offices are finding their place in the world. As a testament to that, virtual offices in the Philippines are also steadily increasing in number, which can surely benefit many businesses in the country.

Virtual offices are useful for the purpose of meetings. Meetings are one of the most common aspects of working life and it can be a challenge to keep them interesting. If you, your clients, employees or workmates aren’t interested, then the level of focus in a given meeting isn’t optimal. This can affect productivity and performance. One way to keep your meetings engaging is by choosing the right kind of venue with an equally apt location.

That being said, whether you’re working in a startup, small business or a corporation it can be beneficial for you to hold your meetings in a virtual office in Las Pinas and here’s why.

Las Pinas is a convenient location

If you are not too familiar with the metro south, many of its areas are residential in nature. Aside from that, it is also experiencing a boom in terms of enterprise and development. Both of these things can have implications for your work meetings based on a number of things.

Traffic

Because the main business districts in Metro Manila are in Makati, Taguig, and Quezon City, Las Pinas and surrounding areas experience a more manageable level of traffic. There is also a decreased presence of buses and jeeps which are common sources of frustrations on the road. A better driving experience on the way to a meeting can definitely help a given person’s mood which can lead to a more effective meeting. This also helps meetings begin on time for those cases where urgency is required.

Close to Home

Given that the metro south is home to numerous people, it can be comforting for some people to know that a meeting is close to their home. It can be a different story for people living in the northern areas of Metro Manila, but at least they can consider it as an opportunity to get acquainted with areas they are not familiar with.

Aside from that, Las Pinas is close to the airport. People who work for international companies or freelancers who come to the Philippines for short business trips can benefit from a virtual office in Las Pinas.

A professional setting is guaranteed

Focusing on the virtual office aspect of things, this type of office or workspace guarantees a professional setting. Most virtual offices make it a point to have one or more meeting rooms and event spaces available. These rooms come equipped with everything you might need for a presentation or discussion like air conditioning units, projectors, a whiteboard, and electrical sockets.

Virtual offices are accommodating

Since virtual offices are rented based on necessity, they usually have terms geared for short-term use. What this means is that booking a room is easier. You can specify how many hours you need it for and for what specific date, then the virtual office can make provisions accordingly. You can even incorporate other elements such as food and beverage. Try having a pizza delivered if you want to make your meeting that much more interesting.

Traditional offices aren’t the most liberal of places which can limit a given meeting’s structure. Since virtual offices aren’t part of any company, you are also free to talk about sensitive topics and other things that might be too private for a given workplace.

It’s a refreshing experience

One thing that is underrated about virtual offices and co-working spaces is their departure from traditional workspaces. Physically, it won’t be surprising to see a stark lack of cubicles, divided rooms, and bland design. Instead, many virtual offices opt for a more colorful space — one that has more furniture and fixtures that give character. If you’ve seen Google’s offices, then you might have an idea of what some virtual offices can look like.

This can give a refreshing feeling to those people who aren’t used to that kind of set-up and can affect their mood in a positive way. People are usually more receptive and alert in unfamiliar places which can mean a more successful work meeting. Try organizing a meeting in a virtual office in Las Pinas for a more refreshing time.

It can be more cost-effective

Another advantage of holding meetings in a virtual office is that you won’t have to worry about the electricity consumed during the entire ordeal. Complemented by rental rates that are usually low, it can definitely be a more cost-effective option compared to having a meeting in other places. Coffee is usually available for free as well, so you can also cut some expenses there instead of making a trip to your favorite coffee joint.

Set Your Meeting at Workplays

Given the positives listed above, a virtual office in Las Pinas can definitely be a good option for you and your work meeting purposes. While the advantages may seem to benefit home-based businesses and startups that lack a proper office, big companies still have much to gain. Given the increasing number of virtual offices in the Philippines, the options are becoming more accessible as well. One such option is Workplays, a leading virtual office and co-working space in the metro south.

Workplays is a great option for those looking to organize a work meeting in the heart of the metro south. To check our rates, click here and for more information regarding our services, click here.

Cheap and Easy DIY Projects for Personalizing Your Office Space

What are cheap and easy projects to decorate and organize office spaces?

Framed to-do list
Typography art
Muffin tin as storage
Turn cereal boxes into magazine holders

One fun way to brighten up your coworking space in the Philippines is to decorate it. Adding personal and handmade decorations can easily make you feel more at home while working in an events space in BF Paranaque.

Rather than being limited to the generic designs of products sold in stores, you can easily create your own decorations and office supplies with whatever color, design, or picture you want. Here are some simple and affordable projects that you can easily do in order to transform your office space.

Framed To-Do List

To-do lists are an essential tool to have in your office space and can be both practical and decorative at the same time. To create a framed to-do list, all you need are an empty glass frame, a colored or patterned piece of paper, and a whiteboard marker.

Simply insert the background of your choice to the frame, and use the glass of the frame as your makeshift whiteboard and to do list. Another plus of this is that you can easily change the background or pattern anytime.

Typography Art

Having artwork and quotes displayed around a coworking space in the Philippines can make a big difference when it comes to the mood and motivation of employees. One way you can inspire yourself and others during work is by placing typography art of motivational quotes around the office. Typography art comes in many forms and can be placed anywhere, from clipboards to mason jars.

Muffin Tin as Storage

One clever desk organization hack is to use a muffin or cupcake tin for organized storage space. Having a muffin tin in your desk drawer will help you organize and prevent you from losing small items like binder clips, keys, tape, paper clips, and more. You can either keep the muffin tin as is or you could make it look more attractive with spray paint or washi tape.

Turn Cereal Boxes into Magazine Holders

Another affordable and creative way to organize an events place in BF Paranaque is to design your own magazine or file holders out of cereal boxes. This is a cheap and eco-friendly alternative to spending on magazine holders from the store.

For this project, you will need empty cereal boxes and sticker or contact paper. You will also need a pen and ruler to mark the areas of the cereal box that you will cut out in order to get the opening and shape of a magazine holder. Then, cover the box with contact or sticker paper with the design of your choice.

Key Takeaway

One of the biggest advantages of DIY projects is that they give you the opportunity to choose what design, color, size, and shape you prefer your supplies or decorations to be. They are also a creative way of taking everyday office supplies and turning them into materials that are decorative as well as practical.