Studio 42 Workspaces   •   June 22, 2020

Take some time to think about what the word “home” means to you. Really think about it. Typically, the word conjures up feelings of relaxation, a place to recharge and reset, a safe haven from the demands of the outside world, it’s warm, inviting, a place you spend quality time with your family, friends and pets. What it isn’t, is a workplace.

Not convinced? Read on:

The “where do I sit?” conundrum

This question has a long list of possibilities attached, and if you don’t have a dedicated office in your house it can get more complicated. You’ll most likely find yourself rotating frustratingly from the dining table, the lounge, the kitchen bench or one of the kid’s desks until finally you’ve been in almost every room in the house and are feeling frazzled. You have a business to run, ideas to bring to life, challenges to address and problems to solve. Where to sit shouldn’t be on the list.

Maintaining focus

Now that you’ve chosen a spot to set up for your working day, enter countless distractions that come with being at home. An online delivery, the neighbours kids yelling (the neighbour yelling at their kids), you pets want your constant attention, the dishwasher breaks, its too cold, its too hot, the kitchen is a mess and you can’t stop thinking about the million things that need to be done in the backyard. What you’re not doing is focusing on building your business.

Looking the part

You might be super comfy in your old running jumper and sweats, but are you at your best? When no one will see you, the temptation to dress down or not dress for the job you’re doing is strong. Are you really going to raise all the VC funds you need when you don’t look or feel the part? Strong evidence suggests that the simple act of dressing for your job helps you to be more professional and diligent. Forbes Magazine quotes – “A recent stufy shows that people who dress better have more confidence, feel more powerful, and are more focused on details. More importantly, people perceive well-dressed people as leaders, and go to them for support at a faster rate than those not as well dressed.”

It’s lonely and can be an Innovation and Creativity graveyard

Starting a business can be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be an isolating one. Having the time and space to think deeply about your business is crucial, but so is finding the space for innovation and creative thought. It’s good for the soul.

A recent article in the New York Times says “Steve Jobs, for one, was a famous opponent of remote working, believeing that Apple employees’ best work came from accidentally bumping into other people, not sitting at home in front of an email inbox. ‘Creativity comes from spontaneous meetings, from random discussions,’ Mr Jobs said. ‘ You run into someone, you ask what they’re doing, you say ‘wow’ and soon you’re cooking up all sorts of ideas.”

In short, collaborating and sharing with like-minded professionals will help to keep your mental, innovative and creative muscles in shape.

So, what are your options?

If you’re reading this in your Ugg boots and nodding your head in agreement, why not consider a coworking space? What is a coworking space? I’m so glad you asked…

Studio42 is a flexible coworking space offering a range of affordable solutoins from booking a boardroom, to hotdesking or permanent residency in a safe, professional, modern environment. Forget the cost and hassle of setting up your own office, give yourself more time and space to focus on growing your business. Contact us today, we’re ready to help you and your business thrive.