Half of people say they are less productive in coworking spaces

According to a new survey from software marketplace Capterra, 83 percent of UK coworking and other flexible office spaces are currently occupied. Companies say they are drawn to coworking spaces for cost reductions (38 percent), flexibility (30 percent), and shared amenities (27 percent). However around 53 percent of people who work in flex space say they are less productive in such spaces, 35 percent of respondents appreciate the collaborative atmosphere and the locations and facilities these spaces can provide and 38 percent say they are  concerned about confidentiality and privacy.

Around two-thirds (66 percent) of employees working in shared workspaces say they prefer private offices. Safer IT security (47 percent) and enhanced privacy (40 percent) are cited as key advantages. A third 36 percent) of respondents say they are equally productivity regardless of whether they are working remotely or on-site.

For the 23 percent who felt less productive when working alone remotely, challenges were diverse. Distractions at home (56 percent), lack of social interaction and collaboration (45 percent), and the difficulty of establishing a work routine (32 percent) were identified as the primary impediments to productivity. This finding emphasizes the need for businesses to provide support and resources for employees adapting to remote work.

While coworking spaces are championed for fostering collaboration, the survey suggests that they can also present challenges to productivity. Among the 53 percent who felt less productive in coworking environments, distractions in the office were cited as the main issues. This includes noise concerns (52 percent), privacy challenges (39 percent), and difficulties accessing meeting rooms (14 percent). Striking a balance between collaboration and individual focus becomes crucial for businesses considering or already implementing coworking solutions and software.

However, 83 percent of employees expressed satisfaction with security in the workplace. Businesses can deploy various security measures to enhance the safety of their workspaces. Simple actions such as locking laptops when not at desks, implementing a clear policy for reporting security incidents, and ensuring employees follow a clean desk policy contribute significantly to creating a secure work environment. Additionally, to safeguard sensitive data businesses can benefit from using software tools like antivirus software, password management software, two step authentication software, network security software and VPN (Virtual Private Network).