The Best Design Ideas for Your Manila Coworking Space

What are the best coworking space ideas?

1. Go Modern – Do modern and sleek

2. Going Green – The environmentally friendly

3. Tech Center – The innovative and functional

4. Retro – Classic and timeless

5. Close To Home – As they say, there is no place like home

The coworking space has become one of the most popular places for young employees, startups, and freelancers to work in. With the Manila office space rent getting higher each year, working inside a coworking space in Manila proves that it is a more affordable and accessible alternative. Coworking spaces are known for their impressive design, which helps create a comfortable and productive environment where people are able to work more efficiently while meeting like-minded people.

There are many design ideas to choose from, and it is best to make sure you always get the right one since that is the difference between a good and excellent coworking space. Here are some of the best design ideas that you can use for your coworking space in Manila.

Go Modern

One of the best designs is the cleanest and sleekest, which is why going modern is the best choice for you. Today’s concept of a modern design means having smooth curves and soft lines, accompanied by colors that give a professional and elegant look. Whites and light colors are the best choices, as this gives your space a calm vibe that encourages productivity. Most coworking spaces in Manila follow this design concept, as it is simple yet very effective.

Going Green

With most of the world looking to become more environmentally friendly, some offices and coworking spaces decided to go green. Having a green office means having more plants around, which helps create a healthier work environment. Using naturally carved furniture, recyclable materials, and solar energy, this will definitely help create a natural and lively atmosphere that encourages a positive working environment. As a side note, having plants help produce more oxygen, which can definitely help get your brain going. Going green is still quite new in coworking spaces in Manila, which is why this design can help pave the way for more efficient offices that do not have that usual expensive Manila office space rent.

The Tech Center

With technology playing an even bigger role in everyone’s daily life, it is best to optimize your coworking space design to be able to integrate it seamlessly. Coworking spaces in Manila are occupied by start-ups and tech companies which require one thing: keeping connected wherever they go. For this reason, you would need a lot of technology to be able to perform and function smoothly, which must be thoroughly followed by a design that suits it. Ergonomic chairs along with desks and tables that have enough space for all of their devices are a must-have in a tech center inspired coworking space. Moreover, make sure you also have the fastest and most reliable Wi-Fi optimized as well, as today’s workplace is always connected to the Internet.

Go Retro

Sometimes, it is a good thing to think out of the box and look for a design idea that is conducive for work while being exciting at the same time. Going retro means having vintage furniture and designs that hearken back to the previous century. It is best to pick a specific decade, like the 1970s and 1980s, so you have a consistent theme that would definitely catch people’s attention. Going retro gives your coworking space a more nostalgic feel, while keeping the refreshing ambiance at the same time.

Close to Home

One of the simplest design choices that you can choose to do is give your coworking space a vibe that feels closer to home. You can use different kinds of comfortable and functional home furniture which includes couches, bookshelves, and even bean bag chairs.

You can also bring some fun to your coworking space by adding pool or football tables, chessboards, dominoes, and other fun gaming items that help people unwind after a long day of work. As the saying goes, there is no place like home, having your coworking space give off that vibe would surely be something people would enjoy!

Key Takeaway

Today’s coworking spaces have a diverse range of designs that encourage productivity, which is why having fresh and new designs really do the trick. With these wonderful and innovative coworking space designs, you are guaranteed that you will be able to create the best working space for employees, entrepreneurs, and freelancers alike.

Starting Up: Why Start-ups Thrive in Coworking Spaces in Manila

In today’s world, businesses have been continuously growing over the past few years, with some of the world’s biggest companies generating billions of dollars every single year. While the biggest companies reside on top of the mountain, fresh new start-ups from a coworking space in Manila are aiming for that lofty destination.

The goals of these start-ups are to create products and services that can help different industries. With the abundance of business present in each country, the market is highly competitive and not all companies are able to thrive. With office spaces becoming increasingly expensive, most start-up companies are now looking into coworking spaces as ideal places that they can work in. Thanks to these coworking spaces, most of these fresh and young start-ups are now able to thrive. With that in mind, here are some of the key reasons they’re able to thrive.

Building Networks

One reason why most start-ups prefer to work in a coworking space in Manila is that they would be able to build and expand their network. Coworking spaces allow them to work alongside other start-ups and freelancers, in which they can connect and interact with one another. With building networks becoming increasingly important, it is best to look for every opportunity possible.

Surround Yourself with Like-minded People

Along with the benefits of being able to do networking, you would be able to interact with different people who have the same interest and goals as you. This would help you be in a positive environment that allows you to become more productive, creative, and help you expand your skill set, which can be beneficial for the growth of your business.

Cost-effective

Other than being able to build a solid network, working in a coworking space in Manila is also quite affordable. The Manila office space rent tends to cost quite high, which can put off some young startups, especially during their early stages. With a coworking space, they would no longer have to worry about things like office design, equipment, and even furniture as they have all the important things that they need. Being in a coworking space means that you are provided with some of the things you thought that you might not need, which is always a good thing. Day and monthly rates in coworking spaces are very affordable and allow them more financial flexibility, which they can make use of in their business endeavors.

Developing technology

With technology continuously improving every single year, it has become increasingly more convenient and simple to interact and connect with different people and companies digitally. This ability means that most businesses do not need to have a traditional large office set-up, and instead, work in places like coworking spaces in Manila. The technology that we have today allows people to simply be able to run a business with a single laptop and phone, which makes the workplace much more flexible than ever.

Opportunity to Expand

As a start-up keeps growing, so does the office space that you need to use. Being in coworking space allows you to expand by allowing to rent out more space that you can use, which is an affordable method, instead of deciding to deal with the high Manila office space rent, which can affect your finances drastically. By choosing to work in a coworking space in Manila, you have all of the opportunities to expand your start-up by being able to get more office space for your increasing number of employees.

Key Takeaway

As more and more coworking spaces are established in cities like Manila, more start-ups have the opportunity to thrive and expand in an extremely competitive business landscape. With the increasing property and rental costs, expect the coworking space to reshape and re-image the workplace setting in the next couple of years.

Are Manila Co-Working Spaces Worth it?

What makes Manila co-working spaces worth it?

1. They have a lot of amenities.

2. They are nearby.

3. They are extremely popular with a lot of investors.

4. They have a high-speed Internet connectivity.

5. They come at reasonable prices.

Nowadays, when it comes to taking your work to other locations, there’s nothing like a co-working space in Manila to get you covered. Today’s employees and other professionals strive to accomplish their tasks in the most convenient way possible; and with spaces like this around the Metro, there’s no doubt that the output produced will be stellar!

However, with all that is said about a co-working space in Manila, is it really worth it? Not only can some of them be a bit pricey, but they can also be a bit of a hassle to reach sometimes. Luckily, here are some things to consider so your ‘Manila co-working space’ experience will be more than worth it.

They Have a Lot of Amenities

When it comes to the world of modern employment, one of the most important things to consider is your entertainment. After all, you can’t expect to sit in the office all day and drown yourself in work.

With a co-working space, not only can you work in a “let-loose” environment, but you can also enjoy certain features such as a relaxation lounge, a game room, beanbag chairs, and even outdoor lounges in case you want to smoke the stress away. Truly, this is something that should never be ignored.

They are Nearby

There’s no need to go away from the Metro for a co-working space since the city of Manila and others around it got you covered! Cities like Paranaque, Alabang, Makati, Pasig, and Quezon City are just some of the best examples around the city for your Manila co-working space experience. Wherever you choose to go, you are sure to be productive at your best.

They are Extremely Popular

Not only are they just around the Metro for your convenience in travel, they are also well-known establishments – at least many of them are. Their amenities and other features attract a number of investors to the point where start-up companies are growing their roots there. Plus, they look and feel awesome! What more can you ask for?

They Have a High-Speed Internet Connectivity

One other thing to consider when it comes to working in a co-working space in Manila is none other than the Internet connectivity’s speed. With an excellent internet connectivity at your reach, you are sure that great progress and superb outcomes are coming your way!

They Come at Reasonable Prices

Despite the fact that many of them can be a bit pricey upon your first inquiry, paying their fees are incredibly worth the purchase. Not only will you be able to gain a space of your own, hence, you also get to relax in a space without any disturbances whatsoever. Indeed, save up some cash and start working!

Key Takeaway

It is no doubt that co-working spaces around Manila are taking over the world of employment; and with their popularities being at an all-time high, working in these spaces are definitely worth it.

Building Dreams in Manila: Coworking Spaces and Start-up Companies

Why are coworking spaces and start-up companies perfect for each other?

1. The rent is affordable compared to long-term office leases.

2. The rental leases are flexible and allow companies to move to bigger areas of the space when they expand.

3. There is a community of like-minded entrepreneurs in coworking spaces that the collaborate with each other or just offer inspiration and advice to each other.

4. It’s a professional place to meet up with clients compared to a coffee shop.

With so many office spaces available dotted all over the map, one may wonder why coworking spaces in Manila remain so dominant, especially when it comes to attracting startups. The demand for it comes from those who want to be able to work comfortably without having to deal with the high costs that come with acquiring, building, or even maintaining an actual office space.

That means that Manila’s coworking spaces are perfect for solo freelancers or young entrepreneurs who want to be able to experience the luxuries of having a traditional office space without having to worry about the baggage that comes along with actually having one. And while that may be the main reason for many to adopt the habit of working in a coworking space, there is a multitude of other possible reasons:

It’s Affordable

Just like mentioned above, coworking spaces in Manila are very affordable compared to a long-term office lease. It’s perfect for any business’s initial budget. While the rent at one is a bit more expensive than buying a large cup of coffee at your favorite local coffee shop, it doesn’t leave you with that dreadful feeling of staying somewhere you don’t need to be for 8 hours. Plus, the coffee is usually free in coworking spaces. Just bring packed lunch daily and you don’t need to spend on anything else on top of the rent.

Grow The Space as You Do

The great thing about renting a coworking space in Manila is that these establishments usually have flexible rental setups. This means that you don’t need to rent a single space every single month. You can change as you go. With such a rental setup, you can start off with just yourself and 5 employees on a table in the coworking space’s public area. Then, when you start earning more, you can hire more employees and move to a bigger area. Of course, you will need to pay more for a bigger space.

Building a Close Network is Easy

The community of businesses that can be found in a single coworking space in Manila can be very diverse. You may find a law firm, video production company, tech startup, and graphic designers all in one office; just divided by their individual spaces. This opens up many possibilities for you to expand your network and gain beneficial contacts for your business. After all, you’ll never know when you will need graphics, notarization, production, or eve product reviews. Being that most people in coworking spaces are like-minded entrepreneurs, starting a connection in such a space will be easy.

Also, coworking spaces are filled with freelancers too! Making them your business contacts could provide you with quality service on a project basis. This will be useful for you when your initial budget cannot afford to have a regular designer, accountant, etc. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a whole group of freelancers of different specialties to be available in coworking space in Manila. Often times, these freelancers do projects for their fellow tenants.

Not to mention, working with said individuals will be a breeze because setting up a meeting is just as easy as walking over and saying hi.

A Good Work Environment

As aforementioned, there are many like-minded individuals in a coworking space. This not only makes for really good business contacts, but also a source of inspiration and support. Sometimes you will need that when you realize how difficult the startup life could be. There will be days that you will feel insecure and like you want to give up. Surrounding yourself with people that fight through these feelings every day will encourage you to do that same.

Also, there could be 1000+ things that you don’t know about business. When you are surrounded by fellow start-ups that are just a bit ahead of you in the game, then friendly advice could just be a few steps and words away from you.

A Professional Meetup Place

Basically, meeting up with clients in coworking spaces is much more professional that meeting in a coffee shop. Most coworking spaces in Manila even have conference rooms where you can set up big presentations on either a projector or a big screen TV.

Key Takeaway

In a coworking space in Manila, you can find a workplace that is affordable, flexible, professional, and with a great work environment. The only limitation is that you’ll need to move out when your startup becomes a bustling company with 100 employees.

7 Must-Try Food Spots Along Aguirre Avenue

What are the best food places in Aguirre Avenue?

1. Viet Asia

2. The Juice Pub

3. Container Turf

4. Artist’s Haven Café

5. Bamba Bistro

6. Atoy’s Porkchop

7. Meat Depot

One of the best things about working in a coworking space in Manila is the variety of food places that surround it. This is why BF Homes in Parañaque City has been one of the most sought after place of everyone – from students, entrepreneurs, and foodies.

Known as the food capital of South, BF Homes exhibits the most delicious restaurants and unique food spots which drive people from South and North to visit and try BF Homes’ one-of-a-kind dining experience.

If you find yourself working around this area or having your trial at Workplays, then you definitely must try these restaurants – whether during your break or after a long day at the office.

Viet Asia

If you are craving for an authentic Vietnamese food experience, then Viet Asia is the one for you. Located just under Workplays and SEO Hacker, this hidden gem can be found in the C&C Building in Aguirre Avenue. The taste of their beef is to and the mango sticky rice will have diners coming back for more. Must-tries are the Beef Banhmi, Beef Rice Bowl, Spring Roll and Egg, Green Papaya and Pomelo Salad, and the Mango Sticky Rice.

The Juice Pub

The owners of The Juice Pub had a common resolution in mind: for their patrons to be able to stick to a healthy lifestyle. They didn’t know that it would lead them to open a restaurant that caters to both health buffs and cheat day enthusiasts.

The Juice Pub’s primary goal is to provide their customers with all the nutrients they need to keep their body running smoothly. Since it’s situated under Prime Fitness, it is truly a great place for the gym’s regulars to go to for their pre or post workout meals. The latter will help any tired body to cool down because of its calming interiors that go perfectly well with one of their refreshing drinks.

Container Turf

One of the few food parks in the South, Container Turf offers BF Homes’ residents a food getaway that isn’t too far from their homes. Strategically placed in the middle of Aguirre Avenue, its beautiful container-themed architecture is hard to miss!

The food park has a total of 34 stalls to cover all sorts of cravings – from Eastern dishes to Western food. Within the food park’s vicinity, you can find scrumptious steaks, nutritious pho, new takes on pasta, indulgent desserts, and other unique food dishes that you can only find in Container Turf.

Atoy’s Porkchop

Perfect for midnight cravings, Atoy’s Porkshop is a popular late-night eatery – especially after enjoying a few drinks. Their porksilog and their other various silog meals will leave visitors ordering more than one or two servings. What is amazing about their meals is that it is still delicious while looking and feeling less oily than a regular silog meal.

It is a simple place that is very budget-friendly and enjoyed by all – from the simple working Filipino to the high-rolling executive.

Artists Haven Cafe — Image Source: https://foodmetromanila.wordpress.com/2015/03/22/artists-haven-cafe-dining-within-an-art-gallery/

Artist’s Haven Café

One of the most unique places in BF Homes, the Artist’s Haven Café is the best place to go for artsy people. An art gallery and café combined, one can always enjoy a cup of coffee while appreciating the gorgeous art works made by some of the country’s most talented artists. To make the place a lot better, the place is surrounded by an ambient music which levels up the whole gallery experience.

Moreover, it is also a great venue for artistic workshops that typically happen during the weekend. Not only is the café an avenue to soothe the soul, but also one to hone the artistic mind.

Bamba Bistro

Being the flagship restaurant of the nationally renowned chef, Tina Legarda, Bamba Bistro lands a sure spot in BF Homes’ must try restaurants. With an extensive menu, it brings high-end dishes usually found in the middle of a busy city to this quaint southern village. Some of the dishes, such as the bread and pasta, are even made by Chef Legarda herself. Definite must-tries are the Duck Ravioli, Cochon Sliders, and the Bistro St. Salad.

What Bamba Bistro promises, they deliver. With straightforward but interesting new concepts, any hungry patron will surely be a satisfied customer here.

Meat Depot

Meat Depot is basically a meat shop and a restaurant rolled into one. The restaurant keeps their meat in an array of refrigerators for preservation purposes. Customers then just pick and pay for the meat they want. If customers want it cooked right there and then, all you have to do is pay an additional Php 100.

Straight from the refrigerator to the fire, the restaurant can offer fresh dishes of any choice at any time. From high-quality wagyu beef, duck goose meat, to delicious local corned beef, there’s a wide selection of meat to pick from. Topped off with mouth-watering fries, it’s the perfect place to visit for the hungry carnivore.

Key Takeaway

It is indeed true that working in Aguirre Avenue is more enjoyable with these delectable food hubs around. Not only will it make your taste buds satisfied, hence, will also let you enjoy and experience each and every single food choice that BF Homes offers.

Author’s Note: This entry was optimized by the best SEO Services Agency in the Philippines – SEO Hacker.

Pros and Cons of Allowing Social Media in the Workplace

What are the pros and cons of allowing social media to be used in the workplace?

PROS

1. Employees and employers will grow closer

2. Productivity is increased

3. Employee analytics can be analyzed

4. Company morale will be boosted

CONS

1. Hackers can gain access to the office network

2. Clear guidelines must be made to avoid misuse

3. Employees may bully their colleagues

4. Incapable social media managers could ruin the reputation of the company

When one is in the process of investing in a coworking space in Manila, there is a great chance that he is on his way to making a start-up business a feasible one. Once the space has been rented, the next step is making sure that everyone in the company works efficiently.

There is a debate about the use of social media in the workplace whether it is beneficial to the company or not. To understand the effects of it in an office environment, here are its pros and cons:

PROS

Employee Empowerment

Often times, employees struggle to voice out their opinions in the workplace. By allowing social media interaction between office mates, it allows for a more casual means of communication. Teammates will get closer and bosses will be seen more as friendly leaders. This will definitely decrease the corporate hierarchy in the office and will greatly encourage collaborative efforts and prevents the business to have the silo mentality.

Increased Productivity

Even though logic may lead employers to believe that social media will hinder productivity, recent studies have shown that the exact opposite happens. In fact, social media itself is a great source of information and business interactions that are beneficial to a company. With everyone on Facebook nowadays, some business even run their business on it. In addition, general social interaction with the people they love will make them happy and keep them energized to work.

Additionally, employers that allow social media to be used within the vicinity of the workplace greatly aids in developing strong employees that are efficient at multitasking while still finishing their tasks for the day.

Studying Employee Data

By having an internal social media system, the employer can use analytics to identify patterns in their employees. These can be used in order to find out what trends flow in the company, who are the employees that should improve, and which can become leaders. Think of this as an employee persona – comparable to the buyer persona. If employers see their employees even more through a persona, then they can form their internal programs to be aligned with their workforce’s common goals.

Morale

Companies that allow their workers to use social media usually end up with happier employees. This is because they feel like their employer trusts them. Where there is trust, there is a shown appreciation of value.

The importance of the give-and-take idea is what most companies fail to understand and practice in the workplace. By trusting that an employee will still be able to do his job despite the distractions, it is unquestionable that they will definitely acquire a happy and contented employee. When someone is happy, he will work better.

Cons

Cyber Security Issues

Via a social media platform, it is possible for hackers to launch a company-wide virus that could shut down an entire operation for good. They have an ample knowledge that the company’s computers are all interlinked and that social media is an effective medium to get into their system. For this reason, it is important to establish a high-level cyber security in a company – even with the presence of any social media platform.

Clear Guidelines

When it comes to employees using social media, it is important that employers get to monitor and control its use. This is to prevent their representatives in using the platform in a way that will harm the company. A good example would be bad mouthing client, revealing confidential information, or posting offensive material. Any of these can be crippling to the reputation of a business if the one who posted it is linked to the company.

In order to help employees define what they can or cannot do, it is important to provide a set of guidelines about the proper use of social media. From here, companies can carry out punishments if any rule is broken.

Bullying and/or Harassment

Since social media is so intimate and shows a number of details about people’s lives, the chances of bullying are higher. This is often seen when strangers argue and make fun of each other online. However, the same can happen in a workplace environment where the people know each other but are too emotionally detached to care for one another. Such employees may make use of social media to ridicule or backstab an office mate of theirs, which affects the overall harmony of the team.

Marketing Mistakes

If a company allows an employee to manage their social media, then they must make sure that he/she is fully capable to control it. Failure to do this could ultimately lead to some marketing fails such as misspellings or posting something inappropriate at a sensitive time. In moments like these, social media is more of a liability than an asset.

In addition, there may be moments when a client is eagerly waiting for a deliverable from the company. It may be best for the person handling that account to avoid liking and sharing posts to avoid annoying the client.

Key Takeaway

Allowing social media within the workplace entails a number of advantages – not only for the people but for the company as well. This is because it can be a great instrument for the business’ success since it can ultimately be used as a platform for marketing the company’s products and services. However, proper control over using social media sites is truly a must for it to be efficacious in the process.

Going Back: What Started Coworking?

Where did coworking start?

1. In 1995, the birth of hackerspace began which similarly resembles the notion of a coworking space.

2. In 1999, the term ‘coworking’ was said to be coined by an American game designer, Bernard DeKoven.

3. In 2002, Schraubenfabrik came into view and was named an entrepreneurial center. It has later expanded with two more branches in Vienna and was under the company Konnex Communities which was the first official local network of coworking spaces.

4. In 2005, the first official coworking space was born in San Francisco and was later replaced as Hat Factory in 2006.

5. In 2007, ‘coworking’ has trended in search queries among others on Google. In 2013, Wikipedia was officially a page.

6. In 2017, the growth of coworking spaces has continued vastly and remains unstoppable with a predicted number of 13,800 worldwide by October of this year.

Numerous coworking space in Manila has been trending for a while for their chic setups and cool facilities – promoting collaborative working between professionals and aspirants from different industries. With these particular spaces being filled with young innovators, the coworking scene remains unstoppable and yet, it is just beginning as more and more entrepreneurs are setting up coworking spaces to accommodate the younger generation who are aiming for success and fulfillment over their aspirations.

However, as the number grows, little is known about the coworking scene. Yes, one may know what it looks like and how it works, but only a few could tell from where it all started.

To save you time, here’s a brief trip to the earlier days of coworking spaces.

1995

In 1995, the birth of hackerspace began. With the founding of C-Base in Berlin, a space provided for hackers to pursue their computer-oriented undertakings, the trend of hacker-community spaces was introduced, hence, the hackerspace. Most likely, what happens in ‘hackerspace’ is that people who have the same interest in computers gather in an area to collaborate and work in an open environment. This notion particularly resembles the idea of a coworking space that we have today, hence, it was claimed by some as the origin of the said scene.

1999

In 1999, the term ‘coworking’ was said to be coined by an American game designer, Bernard DeKoven. However, it was not what we thought it was. During that time, what DeKoven meant by coworking is: working together as equals. Back then, he was looking for a way to break down the common hierarchal boundaries that create a gap between people, and ultimately, promote collaborative work between people and computers.

At the same year, the opening of 42 West 24 happened. 42 West 24 is a workspace that is based in New York City. This space offered a great work environment with flexible membership options. However, it lacked emphasis on networking, unlike today, where one of the key elements of a coworking space is building wider networks. Regardless, it was still considered an achievement in the coworking scene and is still present in NYC until now.

2002

In 2002, Schraubenfabrik came into view and was named an entrepreneurial center. It happened when two Austrian entrepreneurs looked for a space where they could gather like-minded people to work, and of course, collaborate. What they used as their space was a former factory, which became the home of various professionals – from freelancers, PR consultants, to start-ups. Today, Schraunbenfabrik and its extended spaces (Hutfabrik in 2004 and Rochuspark in 2007), operates under the company Konnex Communities, which actually became the first among the local networks of coworking spaces in Vienna, Austria.

2005

Later in 2005, the first official coworking space was born in San Francisco. Who’s the man? Brad Neuberg. Apparently, the idea of creating a coworking space was due to business centers becoming unsocial and the zero productivity rate at a home office. During that time, the space was hosted by a home for well-being called Spiral Muse, a non-profit co-op. The service was pretty good as there were five to eight desks offered two days a week, shared lunches, massage, meditation breaks, bike tours, and of course, free Wi-Fi. However, the space closes at 5:45 PM sharp, hence, it was not recommended to stay there for too long. After a year, the coworking space closed and was replaced by Hat Factory.

2007

In 2007, ‘coworking’ has trended in search queries among others on Google. Hence, with its popularity, the idea of coworking has become an aspect of mainstream media in the United States. However, the term was restricted to the United States and can only be used within the state.

Not long after, slightly in 2013, coworking has made its way onto the English version of Wikipedia – and from there, the coworking scene continued to rise and spread around the globe.

2017

In 2017, the growth of coworking spaces has continued vastly and remained unstoppable. According to the 2017 Global Coworking Survey, the estimated or predicted figures has summed up to 13,800 coworking spaces worldwide. That’s an additional 2,500 to the 2016’s 11,300. Furthermore, the expected number of members for 2017 has summed up to 1,180,000, which was only 835,000 in the 2016 stats. With all these numbers continuously flowing, the coworking space scene may be in it for the long run.

Key Takeaway

Given these points, coworking spaces are indeed created to be a place for collaborative work and learning regardless of the differences in nature and expertise among people – and continues to aim for the same, even today.

What Makes a Good and Effective Co-Working Space?

The advancement of technology mixed with the corporate world is nothing short of an advantage to everyone in the field. In recent times, there is no shortage of what you can do with your work, let alone where it can take you.

Besides coffee shops and bars, what people look for a place for remote productivity is a good co-working space in Manila. For a reasonable price, students, freelancers, and professionals of all industries can use the space’s features and other amenities that make working as easy and fun as it can be. However, what exactly does make a co-working space as good and efficient as it is?

In the country, there has been a demand and rise in popularity in the establishment of co-working spaces. These spaces are able to promote the concept of collaboration and versatility in handling any objective. If you are thinking of starting up your own company or working outside of your office, these spaces are guaranteed to give you the energy and initiative to turn your passions into profit.

So, with that said, here are the three things that help make a good and effective co-working space for aspiring professionals and students alike.

Various Features and Amenities

Most co-working spaces offer a variety of features and amenities for their customers. It can range from anything – from free coffee and food to the unique features such as game rooms and lounge areas. If ever you feel easily stressed with the workload you have, rest assured that these things will surely help you to relax and freshen your mind to produce twice the amount of work with twice the amount of quality.

In addition, with these things are offered to you, they can definitely entice anyone to flock to their space and be productive within the vicinity of their co-working space. Truly, every professional of all ages can unwind and enjoy the pleasures of work, no matter how stressful it may be.

Convenient Locations

Aside from the enjoyments and features that are offered by these co-working spaces, they are also situated in the most convenient locations – whether it may be within the Metro or outside Metro Manila – co-working spaces can be found anywhere in the country. For this reason, you never have to worry about having to venture to faraway places just to temporarily use a space for a price that can be ultimately be used to cover your transportation fees.

If you live in areas such as Makati City, Paranaque City, or Quezon City, you will be amazed as to how many co-working spaces you will find. Now the only task you will need to do is to find the perfect co-working space that will meet your needs – from comfortability while working, maximization of your working hours, to the pleasure and enjoyment that you will be able to experience under their roof.

Students Can Access Co-Working Spaces

When you think of co-working spaces, it is normal to automatically assume that it is specially produced and catered to professionals in any business industry. While that is indeed true, students are also guaranteed to freely access these conducive spaces.

Since co-working spaces offer several components and amenities to ease your workload, these spaces are also ideal study spots for students. There is nothing more motivating than being able to study in a quiet and studious environment with high-speed internet connectivity and areas that can help you relax in time for your next class project.

Key Takeaway

There are other factors that contribute to a good co-working space. Features and other amenities aside, what they mainly promote is working for the sake of love – love for what you are doing and love for the work you put out for everyone to see.

You can never go wrong with where you choose to do your work. As long as you instill in yourself the initiative, determination, and passion for what you do. In the end, wherever you may be, all the hard work you have put in will definitely be more than worth it.

Coworking: How It Helps Motivate Employees

In Manila, coworking spaces are dominating the business scene for the past few years because of the increasing trend of startups. Many professionals now, may it be a freelancer, nomad, or entrepreneur, are switching to coworking spaces because this type of working environment is available at lower costs compared to its counterpart and it promotes a more productive working environment.

Coworking spaces brings a lot of benefits to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees. One of the reasons why freelancers and businesses thrive at coworking spaces is that it increases the motivation of people working on this type of environment. Let’s take a look how coworking spaces help motivate employees.

Coworking space enables employees to have more control of their job

Unlike in a typical office-set up, coworking spaces allows flexible accessibility contrary to the traditional 9-5. With this, an employee can work beyond the traditional time, especially when he or she has to finish a certain project or meet deadlines, hence, increases employees’ satisfaction.

Furthermore, such a work environment allows flexibility compared to the old-style office. Employees can take breaks whenever they want—whether they will grab a cup of coffee or spend some time to take a breather outside. These things can contribute to the increase of motivation among employees since they are not confined within a specific time.

Coworking space establish a productive and conducive working environment

Most coworking spaces today provide a clean, calming, and conducive working environment, which enables freelancers and entrepreneurs a chance to work in an exciting yet relaxing way.

Additionally, such type of working environment enables people to work with a variety of people from different industries. Hence, helps in motivation of employees working in a coworking environment.

Coworking space allows collaboration in the workplace

Since cubicle is a partially enclosed workspace, collaboration among workers in a typical office set-up may become difficult and inefficient. On the other hand, in a coworking space, such workspace is furnished with communal tables and wide open space, making it a perfect place for collaboration and team work among employees.

Most coworking spaces around the metro are designed specifically for collaboration, a way different to the traditional office scene that have limited space and suffocating vibe. The better collaboration coworking spaces cause motivation to employees since they can talk to their colleagues easily and quickly.

Coworking space has numerous added services

Apart from being a workspace, coworking spaces provide several other services to professionals, making their working time comfortable and conducive.

Some coworking spaces have allotted spaces wherein professionals can de-stress after a long day of work. Also, some coworking spaces provide health and wellness facilities to their users, which helps maintain productivity and motivation among professionals.

In summary, the rise of coworking definitely brings a radical shift in the workplace, and no doubt that will shape the future labor market well. Coworking spaces certainly bring several benefits to people working on it, making them more driven and dynamic compared to people working in a typical office set-up.

6 Factors to Consider in Selecting a Coworking Space

When it comes to selecting the perfect coworking space here in Manila, there are many factors that should be considered. For one, it should be free from all the stress and competitiveness of a regular corporate workplace. Additionally, it should have a conducive and tranquil atmosphere in which one could really focus in their work. This is why virtual offices and coworking spaces are popular and in demand in today’s business industry. They provide the opportunity for various group of people to collaborate by sharing and learning from one another.

That is why the number of these coworking spaces has swiftly increased since it was introduced to the corporate industry. As a result, venturing freelancers and start-up businesses are faced with the dilemma to what space is perfect for them. Today, here are a few steps in selecting the right co-working office for you.

Cost

When looking for a co-working space, one vital factor you should take note of is its price. You should ask yourself questions like, “Is this space still in my budget?”, or “Will this place be worth the money?”

It is true that several co-working spaces may be more expensive than others. However, keep in mind what these costs may include. These costs can possibly cover printing, coffee, network, electricity or other features that you may need to use.

On the other hand, there are several co-working spaces that are affordable that offer special promotions. If you are on a budding entrepreneur on a tight budget, these kinds of co-working spaces may be the space for you.

Amenities

Is it important for your work space a kitchen space or a smoking area? Or are you looking forward to networking and sharing ideas with others? There are numerous coworking spaces that integrate amenities such as this in the design of their space. These amenities turn regular work areas into areas that promote communities and networking. This will help your business generate innovative ideas and possibly be more productive.

Location

Location is one of the major reasons why co-working spaces are blossoming today, specifically its accessibility and environment. Some coworking spaces look more professional than coffee shops or home offices and more accessible than most offices. For this reason, coworking spaces that you choose should look professional and should be in a strategic, accessible location.

Noise Level

When you are visiting different coworking offices, pay attention to the vibe and the noise level of the environment. Are you a person who likes to work in a calm and serene place? Take note of these factors, because the atmosphere of a workplace can determine how productive you can be. The main feature of a co-working space is that it should boost your efficiency and productivity and the atmosphere should reflect that.

Culture and Network

Since coworking spaces promote the collaboration and communication of a diverse group of creative minds, checking the culture of a coworking space is vital.

When you find a co-working place that is crammed with a rich culture and an excellent network, it will surely help you and your business to obtain more knowledge and skill sets that will eventually make you stand out among other businesses in the market.

Room for Growth

A growing business will always have possibilities of an expanding roster of employees. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to the coordinator or the person-in-charge about the flexibility of your contract. This ensures you have enough room for new team members that may come on board in the future.

Searching and finding the right workplace does take time, effort, and a lot of patience. Hopefully, these steps will help you in narrowing down your choices and eventually leading you to the right and perfect co-working space for you.