Are Virtual Co Working Platforms a Better Alternative to the Physical Ones?
One doesn’t have to flick a coin in order to come to a conclusion about whether or not virtual is the new reality and the year 2020 has further fuelled the fire in that aspect.The most recent way of working that kept on seeing an increase in its popularity, before the global pandemic was the idea of co working, with co working spaces booming and rising to the top of the ladder.However, after the spread of COVID-19, remote working was more of a must than an option and hence, the concept of “virtual co working” came into being.
The sound of virtual co working does sound a little contradicting, doesn’t it? Because when we take into account the whole concept of co working, it means socializing and networking with other independent professionals in an office space that’s open to all. On the other hand, the term virtual can be associated to working remotely since the whole concept revolves around getting on the internet through a smart device, at home or at a place that may not necessarily be your place of work.
So how do the two fit in together? Well, virtual coworking involves socializing and networking in cyberspace. By exchanging ideas and concepts, one can still learn and grow and a virtual co working space gives independent professionals such a platform.
Is Virtual Co Working going To Replace the Original Concept?
It is undeniable that physical co working outlets have taken a back seat due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But does that mean that it’s time to bid adieu to them already? In most likeliness, the answer is no. We humans are accustomed to being social since that in some way or the other, affects our mental well-being. If it weren’t so, a regular Wednesday evening wouldn’t see every basic bar around the corner being totally jam-packed. Virtual coworking spaces may certainly cater to our lethargy but that doesn’t take away the fact that we would certainly like to be part of a physical co working space every now and then in order to get rid of the monotony.
Both concepts can go hand in hand if physical outlets decide to offer virtual co working as well which is certainly not the most tedious feature to implement while factoring in how advanced technology is these days that the option of a video call is part of even our most commonly used social media platforms. This can be done by extending their services to those who prefer working from home, which may not only give them a whole new set of clientele but will also help increase revenue without having to incur a great deal of expenses. Offering the option of a mix and match between the two types of coworking can also work well, where their clients can choose when they’d like to work out of the office and when, from home or elsewhere.
The digital doorway gives endless opportunities to network and grow, due to its unique characteristic of being able to connect people from one part of the globe to another and trying to ignore that won’t do anybody any good. That’s why people involved in the working culture accept it with open arms instead of trying to beat it and work around the idea, thus giving us a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to our preferred way of working.