5 Ways Technology is Increasing the Safety of Coworking Spaces

by | posted in: Coworking Spaces | 0

Coworking spaces are no longer limited to freelancers and digital nomads. They’re attracting everyone from entrepreneurs to entreprises with decades of experience. The reasons are many – it’s a professional environment, it’s budget-friendly, like-minded people are working in the same space, networking opportunities and so on.

Unplanned Interactions

Source: Science Direct

Whether it’s an entrepreneur with a team of 5, a freelancer, or an MNC with a team of 300, safety is one of the key considerations while choosing a coworking space. At the very least, this means the coworking space must be on a well-lit arterial road that sees sufficient foot traffic. 

People should feel safe walking into the shared office space as well as within the space. When it comes to safety in coworking spaces, there’s the physical safety of the coworking members and the safety of data to be considered. Technology can play a critical role in both cases. Here are 5 ways technology can make coworking spaces safer.

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

5 Ways Technology Can Increase Security for Coworking Spaces

  1. Access Control
  2. Visitor Management Software Solutions
  3. Security Camera Coverage
  4. Secure Data
  5. HVAC Systems

1. Access Control

The number of coworking spaces as well as people working from these spaces is steadily increasing. 

Number of Coworking Spaces

Source: Science Direct

In 2019, coworking spaces seated 190 members on average. This is sure to have increased since. In terms of maintaining a safe workplace, space managers must know who is present at any given point in time. High-tech access control systems make it easy to track people in a building and ensure that the space isn’t misused. 

Some of the common safety protocols implemented to achieve this include key cards with magnetic strips, chip cards, proximity cards, key fobs and smart cards. Installing biometric-powered access control software on all member’s mobile phones can also help. 

Choosing the best access control technology depends on the workplace models. Long-term members may prefer having an app on their phones while people who lease desk space for a day or two may prefer a smart card.

2. Visitor Management Software Solutions

Along with members, coworking spaces are also frequented by visitors. There are delivery agents with lunches for members as well as clients, people wanting to meet members for job interviews and so on. These are people who need limited access. 

For administrative and security purposes, the time, duration and purpose of their visit need to be tracked. Traditionally, it was done by maintaining a register at the reception. But, modern technology has a simpler, more reliable solution.

There are many visitor management software solutions available today. Visitor sign-ins can be automated and hosts can get instant notifications of the same. This also maintains a digital record of all visitors for future audits and in case of a mishap. What’s more, this creates a professional first impression for a member’s visiting clients.  

3. Security Camera Coverage

Though a coworking space is technically responsible only for security inside the premises, knowing that the area around is safe is important for all members. Gadgets like security cameras are essential for this. Today’s high-tech solutions for surveillance have night vision capabilities that ensure that members can leave the office safely even after dark. The cameras are linked to the internet and feeds are often accessible not just on computer screens but even on mobile devices. 

In addition to reassuring members of their personal safety, it also makes members feel more comfortable using the coworking space lockers to store their belongings. Doing so gives them less to carry while commuting and thus improves the overall experience. 

4. Secure Data

Safety for a coworking space extends to data safety. Each year, hundreds of companies become victims of cyber fraud, phishing schemes, etc. Being the victim of a cyber attack puts the company’s reputation and relationships with customers at risk. It also has financial implications. The average annual cost of cyber attacks in the USA was estimated to be around $27.4 million!

Source: Cloudinary

Along with individual companies, coworking spaces too are taking up the mantle of fighting cybercrime by investing in security solutions for the Wi-Fi network, keeping hardware and common software updated, etc. This gives members the confidence to plug into shared networks and helps them be more productive. 

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

5. HVAC Systems

Lastly, there’s safety with respect to health to be considered. Today’s HVAC systems do not just help maintain an optimum temperature in the room, they also remove germs and toxins to purify the air. 

Modern HVAC systems also control humidity in the office and keep away mold, etc. from growing. This keeps people working in the space healthier and lowers the risk of spreading infections. In today’s post-COVID era, this is a huge confidence booster for people moving away from the work from home model.

Finding A Safe, Secure Coworking Space

Along with making sure that a coworking space meets all your technological needs in terms of Wi-Fi, printers, etc., you should also ensure that the space makes your team members feel secure. 

Make sure they have strict security protocols in place and that the area around them has a reputation for being safe. This is especially important in metro cities like Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon. 

Your best choice in these cities is to pick a desk at The Office Pass (TOP). TOP has coworking spaces in prime locations with easy access to metro stations and bus stops. All TOP offices have CCTV security coverage systems with long term video storage. Data Security is among the top priority and TOP has made investments in Firewall’s to ensure safe and secure experience. To know more or to visit TOP offices, reach out to us at 08999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

The Office Pass (TOP) Coworking Office Space at Unitech Cyber Park, Gurgaon

10 Ways In Which Coworking Offices Help Deal With Stress At Workplace

by | posted in: Coworking | 0

Irrespective of the company size, industry, or structure, workplace stress is an issue. Unchecked stress not only lowers productivity, but also wreaks havoc on the individual’s physical health. The causes of workplace stress range from high workload and lack of support from seniors to interpersonal issues and work life balance. 

When you’re working out of an independent office, there are limited steps an organization can take to manage stress in the workplace. However, coworking spaces are bigger and can do much more to create a positive environment for people / workers / employees. 

As per a study, the major cause of work related stress are 

Major causes of work related stress

Source: Raconteur

10 Ways How Coworking Offices Are Helping to Deal with Stress

Here are a few 10 simple ways in which coworking offices are helping deal with stress at the workplace as given below

  1. Be Part Of A Non-Competitive Community
  2. Shorten Your Commute Times
  3. Take Advantage Of Flexible Work Hours
  4. Work from home #WFH
  5. Get Access To Break-Time Facilities
  6. Brainstorm With A Friend
  7. Sip A Cup Of Tea / Coffee
  8. Find Like-Minded Company
  9. Participate In After-Work Activities
  10. Pick A Seat To Suit Your Mood

Managing Workload: employees and workers cite high workload as the main reason for stress at workplaces. Coworking can help mitigate this stress in more ways than one. 

1. Be Part Of A Non-Competitive Community

Being in a coworking space makes you part of a community that is collaborative and non-competitive. There’s no one trying to overshadow you for a promotion or take credit for your work. You can share ideas, ask for help and give help freely. You could even find a mentor to guide you. This makes it a more positive space to work in. This is also something that you cannot practice, if you are working with people who are always competing with you.

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

2. Shorten Your Commute Times

A survey found that 54% of workers felt that workplace stress had a negative effect on their life at home. The frustration experienced in the office coupled with a long commute and no way to express it often leads to excessive venting at home. Coworking spaces are typically closer to residential sectors and hence the daily commute required lessens considerably. This gives them more time and home and, in turn, improves their work-life balance.

3. Take Advantage Of Flexible Work Hours

Not everyone is their most productive self at 8 am. Coworking spaces are open for extended hours. This gives professionals the flexibility of setting their own work schedules. For example, let’s say someone has to take time off during the day to attend their child’s PTA meeting. He/she can start the day earlier so that their tasks get done on time with minimal additional stress. 

Flexible Work Hours

Source: Flex Jobs

4. Work from home #WFH

During the Covid pandemic, several companies shifted to #WFH as a preferred way to work. The initial #WFH experience was good and gave a much needed break to the employees but it came at a big long term cost. The line between office timings and personal time became blurred – the work kept coming – with complete dis-regards to agreed working hours. A Coworking space helps in drawing a line between work time and personal time. This helps in achieving a good work-life-balance which in turn reduces stress.

5. Get Access To Break-Time Facilities

One of the most common tips for managing stress in the workplace is to take a break from time to time. Coworking spaces are designed as large open-format workplaces with dedicated break spaces. At any time, you can get up from your desk and take a quick walk around or sit down with a friend in the common spaces to take a break.     

Managing Lack Of Support: Human beings are social creatures. They rely on others for support, strength and guidance. A coworking space helps to manage lock of workspace support in many ways.

6. Brainstorm With A Friend

Facing a problem for which you don’t have a solution makes the work more stressful. In a coworking space, there’s always someone you can brainstorm with and seek help from to overcome such challenges. Knowing that help is available eases your stress levels and helps you achieve more in a day.

7. Sip A Cup Of Tea / Coffee

Having a cup of tea or coffee can drop stress hormone cortisol levels by 53% of the baseline levels within an hour. Most coworking spaces have self-service tea and coffee vending machines where you can get a cup of tea anytime you’re feeling stressed out. You don’t have to worry about going out to the neighborhood tea shop.  That said, try picking a green tea, having too much caffeine can make you more agitated. 

8. Find Like-Minded Company

A growing number of companies are adopting a hybrid work culture. Loneliness experienced while working remotely is one of the downsides of this new work culture. Working out a coworking space addresses this issue and the effect it has on stress. You can have plenty of like-minded professionals to work with and you don’t have to feel disconnected just because you aren’t in the company’s central office. 

Managing Changes At Work: Frequent changes at work is an important stress factor for employees. A coworking space is ideal in managing this.

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

9. Participate In After-Work Activities

Coworking spaces regularly organize post-work activities for their members. From pitch meetings to game nights, there are plenty of stress-busting activities you can participate in for stress management in coworking offices. You could also find someone to teach you yoga and meditative breathing techniques. Not only does this ease stress, but it also helps forge stronger bonds with other professionals working in the space. 

10. Pick A Seat To Suit Your Mood

Your immediate surroundings can have a big effect on stress management. There are times when you don’t want to have people around you and others when you want to be part of a group. With the flexible seating options offered by coworking spaces, you can pick where you sit each day according to how you feel. Thus, there’s less risk of being disturbed on days when you have tasks that demand your focused attention. 

Finding The Most Stress-Free Coworking Space

If you’re looking for a coworking space in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon where you can work in a stress-free environment, take a look at the facilities managed by The Office Pass (TOP). Each coworking office is designed to be a bright, friendly space with a host of amenities ranging from tea and coffee machines to break-out areas. Reach out to us at 089998 28282 to take a tour of the space and see how moving here could lower your stress levels.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

5 Ideas To Seamlessly Transition From Work From Home (WFH) to Coworking

by | posted in: Coworking, Work From Home | 0

Work From Home (#WFH) is no longer an unusual concept. It has proven beneficial for corporates as well as their employees. That said, it has its downsides too.

Keeping yourself motivated when you are the only one working and other family members are watching movies or the maid is asking for instructions can be challenging. Balancing work and personal life can also become harder.

What is your biggest struggle with working remotely?

Source: Better Up

For team managers and corporates, having team members follow a WFH concept may mean that they have to do without access to tools like high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, etc. At the same time, having experienced the benefits of remote working, not everyone wants to move back to the traditional workspace.

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

Many organizations are struggling to bring employees back to work and coworking has emerged as the ideal solution. Here are 5 ideas to smoothen the transition from WFH to Coworking.

5 Ideas To Seamlessly Transition From WFH to Coworking

  1. Find A Coworking Space Close To Residential Areas
  2. Choose A Space That Is Easily Accessible
  3. Prioritize Employee-Centric Facilities
  4. Create A Transition Plan
  5. Design Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

1. Find A Coworking Space Close To Residential Areas

One of the biggest WFH benefits is the time saved in commuting to work. It has given employees more time to spend with their families and made them more productive. Hence, coworking spaces need to be closer to residential areas of the city. It’s one of the reasons for the fast growth in the number of coworking spaces.

A study found that 64% of coworking space providers consider their location to be their most important USP. 

Source: Coworking Statistics

Ideally, look for a coworking space provider with multiple coworking spaces spread out across the city. This can empower your employees to choose coworking locations that are closest to their homes while centralizing your lease management.

2. Choose A Space That Is Easily Accessible

Accessibility is as important as location when choosing a coworking space. While it may be close enough for some employees to work, others may have to drive or ride the metro. For those walking to work, ensuring that the roads are well-lit and clean is a priority. 

Similarly, for people driving to work, having adequate parking is essential. This is also important for clients who may come to the coworking space for meetings. Further, you need to make sure, it is at a walkable distance from a metro station or on a road where public transport is easily available.

3. Prioritize Employee-Centric Facilities

Printers and meeting rooms may help with productivity but they don’t do much for employee happiness levels. A study showed that happy employees can be as much as 20% more productive as compared to unhappy employees. Being happy in the workplace for employees translates to feeling heard and valued. Hence, when you’re comparing shared workplace solutions, make sure you pay adequate attention to your employee’s needs. 

They need ergonomic furniture, a kitchenette with a microwave to heat lunch, a coffee machine, lockers, a vibrant cafe and so on. Having access to a gym, pet-friendly amenities and access to after-work networking events are valuable perks too.

Most popular coworking space perks

Source: PR NEWS WIRE

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

4. Create A Transition Plan

To ensure that your team experiences maximum coworking model benefits, you need a plan. This transition plan must be well-thought-out and designed keeping your employee’s work commitment and well-being in consideration. You then need to inform your employees of the plan and make them aware of what to expect from the environment in the coworking space.

You can show your employees photographs of the selected coworking spaces as well as share detailed plans of the location, layouts and available infrastructure. Some coworking spaces will also be willing to give your employees a tour of the offices so that they can get a clearer picture of what working in the space will be like before they actually sit down at a desk.

5. Design Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

While technology-related issues are resolved, some WFH challenges carry forward to coworking spaces too. Communication and collaboration are probably the most important. Some employees may also find it difficult to access certain company resources. 

What problems you have faced while working from home?

Source: Zdnet

The solution lies in creating SOPs that put all stakeholders on the same page. Giving employees step-by-step instructions and reporting structures can streamline processes and minimize work interruptions. This should ideally cover all aspects of the business such as operations. HR, legal, accounts, etc. 

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

Finding The Right Coworking Space

As the coworking space demand grows, so does the number of options available. According to a newspaper report, 2021 alone saw the coworking sector grow by almost 5 million sq ft. With so many options to choose from, finding the right coworking space becomes important. You need a space that meets your infrastructural needs as well as employee comfort requirements.

If your company is based in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon, The Office Pass (TOP) has the ideal coworking space. Choose from one of the 14 locations. Each coworking office is easily accessible, safe, secure and designed to boost productivity while giving members the opportunity to become part of a professional community. To know more, reach out to us at 08999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR

5 Top Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Tech Startups in India

Why Tech Startups Scale Up Faster In A Coworking Space Environment?

by | posted in: Coworking Spaces, Indian Startup | 0

From education and food delivery to telemedicine and financial transactions, technology plays a role in almost everything we do. It isn’t surprising to note that entrepreneurs are leaning towards establishing tech startups. 

Of the 72,993 recognized startups established in 2022, 4,500 were based on emerging technology such as robotics, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, etc. And, many of them have become well-known success stories that started from coworking spaces. 

When it comes to India’s unicorns, tech-driven companies are in the spotlight. Their founders had the right idea but also, it is the environment that the team works in that has influenced their growth. Let’s look at some of the coworking benefits for tech startups and how they fuel growth.

India Unicorns

Source: Statista

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

5 Amazing coworking benefits for tech startup Companies

  1. Increased Investment Budget
  2. Access To Robust Facilities
  3. Knowledge Spillovers
  4. Talent Acquisition
  5. Expanded Market Reach

1. Increased Investment Budget

The higher a startup’s operational costs, the lower the budget available for investments in product development. Shifting to a coworking space helps drastically lower operational costs by reducing rents payable as well as infrastructure costs. As per some estimates companies can lower their office operations expenses by 18-22% merely by moving to a coworking space.

All the basics required to set up an office space for tech startups such as furniture, internet, kitchenettes, air-conditioning systems, meeting & conference rooms, cafe’ etc. are already in place and will not cost you anything extra to use. Low prices were identified as the key selling point for 32% of survey respondents.

Source: Coworking Statistics

This is money that can be directed towards getting specialized equipment, product research and innovation, expert consultations, etc. 

2. Access To Robust Facilities

A survey found that having access to basic office infrastructure was the main reason for 57% of respondents to choose a coworking space. 

Survey

Source: Statista

Along with desks and chairs, tech startups also require infrastructure such as high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, scanners, etc. These are typically seen as standard features of a coworking space. Some coworking spaces targeting tech startups also provide access to expensive specialized equipment such as 3D printers at a nominal cost. This empowers the team to work on innovative ideas and experimentation without locking in too much financial capital. In turn, this gives the enterprise leeway to invest in scaling up the business.  

3. Knowledge Spillovers

Researchers studying the exchange of ideas between tech startups found that ‘knowledge spillovers’ were highest when dissimilar startups worked within a 20m radius of each other. This distance allows socialization and idea-sharing. 

A simple conversation could lead to one startup using technology tested and adopted by the other to build applications quickly without going through a technology testing phase. Thus, the time to launch reduces. 

Sharing a work environment with other entrepreneurs and experienced professionals offers more opportunities for brainstorming and getting immediate feedback. Many coworking space providers organize events such as investor Q&A sessions, product demo days, skill-building seminars, hackathons, etc. for purposeful networking.  

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

4. Talent Acquisition

Moving to a coworking space influences talent acquisition in many ways. Firstly, it makes it easier to meet and interact with others. 

Coworking Space Users

Source: Whattobecome

Along with people working with startups, you’ll also meet freelancers, remote workers from enterprises of all sizes, digital nomads and so on in a coworking space environment. So, when it’s time to hire someone, you can spread the word more easily or may even find your ideal candidate working on the same floor.

Secondly, since leasing desks in a coworking space is more cost effective as compared to renting an independent office, you have a larger budget for salaries. Thus, startups are able to attract more experienced candidates. 

Thirdly, coworking spaces are designed to be a professional working environment with aesthetics, ergonomics and layout given comparable importance. This makes a good first impression on candidates coming in for interviews and projects the startup as a good place to work. Thus coworking helps attract and manage talent for tech startups.

5. Expanded Market Reach

You may have an excellent product but for your company to be successful, it must reach the market. Startups in coworking spaces have found that along with exchanging ideas on product development, they can also help each other reach a wider audience. 

There are a number of cross marketing opportunities to be taken advantage of. For example, new products can be mentioned in emailers with links to the startup website. Or, new launches can be bundled with proven successes. As the market expands, so does the company’s profitability and in turn, company value. 

💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282

Finding The Right Coworking Space For Your Tech Startup

There are a number of coworking spaces wooing tech startups. However, they are not equal in terms of service or quality. Ideally, visit the workspace before signing your lease. Along with the facilities provided, see who else is working in the space and how the working culture matches your company culture. 

If you are in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon, The Office Pass (TOP) is the ideal space for your team. Designed as vibrant spaces with open plan seating to facilitate collaborations as well as dedicated desks to allow people to focus on their tasks, these coworking spaces boost productivity and help startups grow. To know more, reach out to us at 08999 828282.

BOOK A COWORKING TOUR