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You’ve probably had co-workers before, but have you ever had Co-Workers? Co-Working is a relatively new option for self-employed individuals who typically work from home, but find that they can’t get enough done because a home environment can be distracting. As someone who works as a freelance writer when I’m not interning for the Chamber, I can attest to the number of distractions that happen when one attempts to work from home – they are limitless! The doorbell rings, the neighbors stop by, the phone is ringing, the dog won't stop barking, the mail carrier needs you to sign for packages. All the while, every little interruption is wasting your time, which for you means it is subtracting fromyour income. Worst of all, when you finally are able to get back to the task at hand, you still aren't able to focus as much as you'd like. According to organizational specialists, every disruption we face during the day steals about eight minutes of our focus. That's per disruption. It's a wonder anything can get done at all.
And that’s where Co-Working comes in. Co-Working spaces allow individuals who are either self-employed or working independently in some other way to share space with other like-minded workers. For a small membership fee, workers can rent a workspace that often includes everything they'll need to get the job done, including computer terminals, Wi-Fi access, and even the use of conference rooms and reception areas. These types of benefits can be a real bargain, particularly for independent workers who do their work at places like Starbucks or Barnes and Noble and, as a result, end up spending their hard earned money there, too!
Co-Working does more than provide a physical workspace for freelancers, work-at-home professionals, contractors and others who use an independent work environment; it also provides a community for those individuals who might not otherwise enjoy the camaraderie of at-work relationships. According to a 2007 survey conducted by the technology corporation CDW, about three-quarters of potential telecommuters employed in the private sector reported that they were concerned about becoming isolated and missing out on interacting with other people. Co-Working also provides networking opportunities. With so many individuals who are employed in a variety of fields under one space, there are endless opportunities for collaborative projects. Co-Workers also get together through events arranged via social media, as well as local Meet-Ups.
Although the Co-Working concept kicked off in the early 2000s, the movement has really taken off within the last couple of years. Co-Working spaces have popped up in the metro areas of San Francisco, New York, Portland, and yes, even the Lehigh Valley. Last year, our friends at the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) started a Co-Working initiative at Hive 4A, located in the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center at 905 Harrison Street. Hive4A also offers an option called Hackerspace, where "hobbyists, artists, makers and geeks" can get together to collaborate on a variety of projects. Hackerspace hosts an Open Hack every Thursday from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
With more than 20 million people around the nation working from home at least once a week, I'm willing to bet that more Co-Working hubs will pop up in and around the Lehigh Valley. What do you think? Is Co-Working just a trend, or is it here to stay?
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