Imagine you're sipping a latte in a bustling coworking space, laptop open, ready to get things done. But then, you need to print an important document. You glance around, wondering if there’s a printer available. This scenario is common in coworking spaces, where access to amenities like printers can make or break your workday. Today, we’ll compare coworking spaces that offer printers with those that don’t, using WeWork as a key example since it's a prominent player in the flexible workspace market.
Overview of Option A: Coworking Spaces with Printers
Coworking spaces that offer printers typically cater to professionals who need occasional hard copies of their work. For example, many WeWork locations across major cities provide not just printers, but also scanners and copiers as part of their standard amenities. This is particularly useful for freelancers or remote workers who might not have these resources at home.
Having access to printers in a coworking space can enhance productivity significantly. According to a survey, 82% of fully in-office and 76% of hybrid companies reported that their workplace strategy, which often includes access to essential office tools, positively impacted employee productivity.
Overview of Option B: Coworking Spaces Without Printers
On the flip side, some coworking spaces might not include printers in their suite of amenities. These spaces usually focus more on creating open, collaborative environments rather than providing a full-fledged office setup. They might appeal to digital nomads or tech startups that primarily work online and have little need for physical documents.
However, this absence could be a drawback for those who occasionally need to print documents for meetings or presentations. As flexible workspace options grow in popularity, with 59% of companies planning to increase their space opting for coworking over traditional offices, the demand for comprehensive amenities like printers is rising.
Key Differences
The key difference between the two options boils down to the type of work you do and your specific needs. If your work involves lots of documents that need printing, a space with a printer, like a WeWork location, would be more suitable.
Coworking spaces without printers might be more appealing for roles that are 100% digital. They often focus on offering a vibrant and engaging community atmosphere, which can be excellent for networking and collaboration.
Pros & Cons
Coworking Spaces with Printers
Pros:
- Convenience for those needing hard copies
- Access to additional office tools like scanners and copiers
- Supports a traditional office feel, which 86% of respondents believe is crucial for future profitability and culture
Cons:
- Potentially higher membership fees due to added amenities
- Might not emphasize community-driven spaces as much
Coworking Spaces Without Printers
Pros:
- Typically more affordable
- Focused on providing a collaborative atmosphere
- Ideal for tech-savvy individuals who operate in the digital realm
Cons:
- Inconvenience for those needing printed materials
- May require additional expense for printing needs elsewhere
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice should hinge on your specific needs and work habits. If you frequently need to print documents and want a space that feels closer to a traditional office, opting for a coworking space with printers is smart. WeWork is an example of a flexible space provider that typically includes this amenity, making it practical for those who value both flexibility and functionality.
Alternatively, if you're primarily working online and want to immerse yourself in a community-driven environment, a coworking space without printers might be more appealing. These spaces often have a vibrant culture that encourages networking and collaboration, essential for personal growth and business opportunities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right coworking space is about understanding what you need to thrive. Evaluate whether access to a printer is a priority or if the community atmosphere holds more value for your work style. As flexible workspaces continue to gain traction, with growing importance placed on the office's role in profitability and culture, finding a space that aligns with your needs can significantly boost your productivity and work satisfaction.
Next Steps
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Assess Your Needs: Determine how often you need to print documents and if this is a critical part of your workflow.
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Visit Potential Spaces: Tour a few coworking spaces, both with and without printers, to get a feel for their environment and amenities.
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Consider Your Budget: Weigh the cost differences and decide if the added convenience of printers is worth the potential extra expense.
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Think About Community: Consider how important community and networking opportunities are for your work and personal growth.
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Make a Decision: Choose a space that aligns with your work style and start reaping the benefits of a productive work environment.
With these steps, you'll be better equipped to select a coworking space that meets your professional needs and enhances your overall work experience.