7 BIG differences between a normal office and co-working

People often ask us this question. 

There are many differences. It all depends on what you value and prefer.

1. For one, normal offices come with long-term, legally binding contracts. If you want to change, it's like going for a divorce. It can cost you greatly to break your lease. Co-working spaces, in contrast, provide flexible solutions. They are like a subscription model, making it easy for members to come in and move on as they see fit. 
2. Secondly, in addition to rent, normal offices have lots of outgoings that tenants are liable for. Tenants pay for everything, including council fees, levies, strata, management fees, insurance, and more. They also have to pay a security bond that the landlord can access. Someone else basically looks after your money. Co-working spaces make things easy for members. They have a monthly subscription that includes everything - even cleaning, drinks, social events and parking (depending on the business).
3. Third, regular offices are blank canvases. They are empty shells that you as a tenant put money into to make them look and feel as it pleases you. This is very different for co-working spaces. From the moment you walk in, everything has been put in place for you. If space is available, you can get started right away.
4. Next is relationships. Apart from other tenants in the same building, normal offices are once again empty. They come with no relationships attached. In contrast, great co-working spaces offer relationships for you to leverage. People collaborate and support each other. You tap into other people's ideas, resources, energy, connections and more.
5. Networking opportunities only exist in normal offices to the extend that tenants organise them. Great co-working spaces have a rolling calendar of social events and networking functions for all members to benefit. They bring members, business partners, clients, providers and prospects together while making it fun and interesting. Note: these events are free for members and their network.
6. Another big difference has to do with the way businesses evolve. Normal offices come with a fixed floorpan. You pay for every square meter you sign up for as a tenant. Even the square meters you aren't using yet but are meant for future growth. It's a rigid arrangement locked in for multiple years. Co-working is nothing like it. Members can opt-in for a part-time desk only, a virtual office, a full-time desk, a premium desk or a fully furnished office. As the needs of members change, they can upgrade or downgrade easily. This means that cashflow is optimised.
7. And finally, normal offices make you rely on yourself and your team. It's as good or as bad as you make it. In contrast, great co-working spaces build a community amongst its members. There is a sense of belonging. They have a vibe that you can feel; a culture that you become part of and contribute to as a Member.