Why Are Large Companies using Coworking Spaces?

When it comes to coworking space, it is generally expected that this place will be intended only for startups and high-tech companies. But the scenario we see in the market is just the opposite. In recent years, the concept of coworking has been transformed into great innovation hubs and important networking spaces.

There are even companies that emerged in other branches of activity and became Coworking as a way to promote networking and provide for the emergence of new startups. This is the case of Coworking Webtrends, a company that emerged as an arm of a Digital Agency and provides services from shared offices and also from tax addresses.

And this trend has increasingly attracted the attention of the giants of the corporate world. Oracle, Carrefour and Unilever are some important examples of this movement.

But after all, why have large companies like these, with financial stability, logistics and well-defined facilities and structured headquarters, been allocated to coworking spaces? The best answer to this question is with another question: why not invest in a shared environment?

The approach and networking with startups is the first and main benefit for a large company to establish itself in spaces like these. Being in coworking means an ease to create connections between startups and major players, and consequently, generate new business. Oracle, for example, has its own space for innovation, the Oracle Innovation Lab, in one of our units.

The variety of segments and sizes of companies present in coworkings is another factor that influences the relations between both parties. This space is a great provider of connections, which generates a very interesting exchange. The most innovative solutions can emerge from conversations like this.

Another important issue is the practicality that coworkings usually offer. Very low operating costs, bureaucratic facilities and assistance with various facilities, such as bill payment and equipment and internet maintenance, make large companies opt for shared spaces. The idea is to avoid “headaches” as much as possible.

The customization of spaces, as in the case of the “built to suit” concept, also brings significant advantages for corporate giants. In this way, smaller spaces can be customized according to the company's culture and needs.

Another feature is that large companies have sought this type of service for remote teams. For example, when an area grows a lot, it is more advantageous to move this team to a space ready for that, than to relocate the entire team. The same happens when the need arises to put a team to work quickly.

Therefore, I believe that this is a movement with no return and that it will, in fact, gain even more strength. The union of giants with startups should set the pace for the creative economy in the coming years and we are ready for it.

The advantages of coworking

Coworking allows daily contact between people from different areas. This helps to create another similar term, called networking. This professionally can be important to generate new contacts from other areas. And, consequently, business.

In addition, there are also benefits for companies that are still at an early stage, seeking to save on infrastructure. Thus, expenses with energy, telephone calls and equipment maintenance can be reduced. Since they are diluted in the plans and shared with other customers.

Another advantage is flexibility. If a particular office is not what the company or the worker idealized, just change it with the end of the plan, without major expenses or losses.

Disadvantages of coworking

There are also disadvantages to this way of working. After all, for the worker accustomed to creating his own agenda in the home office model, in coworking he needs to adapt to the hours that the office provides. Often restricted to business hours.

In addition, depending on the model chosen, the shared office can cause difficulties in terms of distractions and privacy. It can compromise productivity.

Another point to be highlighted: in coworking, there are costs that would not exist in working at home. What for some professionals is an unnecessary investment.