Coworking is a relatively new concept that is gaining traction since it provides a professional community without the hassles of the typical office setting. It gives flexibility, provides networking opportunities, and has the potential to increase productivity. Understanding how the notion works might help you determine whether it is appropriate for your tasks. Here, we’ll explain what a coworking space is and how you can find one in areas like Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.
What Is A Coworking Space?
A coworking space includes all of the conveniences necessary for project completion, such as furniture, high-speed internet, printers, entertainment, conference facilities, and an appealing environment. It can have a cafe-style design or a relaxed office setting.
Coworking spaces are not always intended to foster community. Certain groups, such as programmers or industrial designers, are frequently drawn to community-based coworking facilities. Those developed for corporate use merely provide the facilities required for users to do their duties. However, the residents might build a community around their work over time.
Who Needs A Coworking Space?
Individuals, enterprises, and nonprofits who require a flexible and cheap workspace with all the amenities they require to fulfill their objectives use coworking. The following are some examples of professionals who may benefit from adopting coworking spaces:
#1. Remote workers
Remote workers aided in the rapid growth of the coworking idea. Coworking allows remote professionals to maintain regular interactions with others, especially if they do not encounter other people in their firm on a regular basis. It provides a diverse and rich community as well as a collaborative workspace.
#2. Travelers
If your job requires you to travel frequently, coworking is a wonderful way to complete your projects. Coworking spaces offer all of the technology and professional services found in a traditional office setting. This helps you work in a productive setting with other productive people. Coworking facilities are also more private than public Internet cafes and coffee shops.
#3. Freelancers
A freelancer’s schedule is more structured when they cowork. Despite the independence that comes with freelancing, many freelancers may find that networking opportunities are restricted. Coworking spaces provide access to facilities that promote productivity as well as a community where people can learn, connect, and enhance their abilities.
#4. Corporations
Many businesses embrace coworking to boost employee well-being and productivity. It offers all of the benefits of a traditional office without the competition and internal politics. Coworking provides an open environment in which to interact, share ideas, and network. It also assists corporate renters in lowering the cost of office rent, printers, furniture, and other administrative expenses. Businesses usually pay for what they utilize.
#5. Students
If you are a student, coworking might provide significant benefits. It gives a venue for experts from many industries to socialize and collaborate. This provides fantastic networking and mentorship possibilities, which can help you advance in your profession once you finish your education.
#6. Collaborators
Coworking allows businesses in the same industry to pool resources and skills. The setup allows for a more flexible work style, improved cooperation, and lower overhead expenditures. It also reduces the amount of time that businesses need to innovate because they can exchange ideas and resources as a community.
#7. Entrepreneurs
Many small enterprises and entrepreneurs grow their ideas in coworking spaces. A few coworking facilities provide entrepreneurs with office space and equipment in exchange for equity in their company. They provide an environment that stimulates inspiration and mentorship programs to assist them in becoming successful businesses.
#8. Startups
Coworking is perfect for startups since it provides low-cost space and a flexible work environment. This is ideal for the startup culture, as many new businesses hire contractors from all over the world. It also allows them to network and share their company’s ideas, as well as meet potential investors or partners who can help them expand faster.
The Advantages of Coworking
#1. Flexibility
The main advantage of a coworking space is flexibility. A coworking space often provides a range of alternative office and workstation configurations that employees can reserve based on their own work needs. Because office spaces are generally shared by multiple individuals and teams, a company may simply alter their coworking plan to fit a decreasing or increasing number of coworkers, therefore only paying for what they require.
#2. Sense of belonging
Face-to-face interactions between employees and the community they built in the office used to be the core of a “company culture.” This can be more difficult to achieve in today’s remote-first world when colleagues are all working in their own secluded spaces.
A coworking space allows employees to recreate the sense of community that they may lack in the virtual office. A coworking space allows employees to interact with people who share their interests as well as those who have different points of view, providing a well-rounded experience.
#3. Networking opportunity
A coworking space is a social atmosphere, and being able to interact and share ideas with other employees ultimately leads to important friendships. In order to begin networking in a coworking space, give assistance or swap services in a casual conversation. Keep it as light as polite as possible, and avoid pushing sales or forcing talks – both of which can put connections off.
Workers, however, have the option to have an open mind while meeting their coworkers. A simple problem-solving chat can rapidly become a commercial opportunity, and a casual working relationship can blossom into a solid friendship.
#4. Increased productivity and inventiveness
Interacting with different people helps professionals come up with the most inventive solutions. Working with a variety of teams in diverse disciplines and industries provides numerous opportunities for new thought processes and insights.
Some employees are more driven when their coworkers are busy, and they rely on a fast-paced office atmosphere to meet their deadlines. A GCUC poll discovered that 84% of coworkers report feeling inspired and involved in coworking spaces.
#5. Cost savings
A coworking space enables businesses and employees to share common business expenditures. Participants in coworking spaces can share reception services, internet, printers, workstations, laptops, break room space, and restrooms. Because the fees for these services are shared, the office space’s quality can be considerably increased for a fraction of the cost. Why work in a cramped office when you can work in a bright, modern space?
Because coworking space is not a long-term real estate contract, it must remain appealing to tenants. As a result, property maintenance is more frequent and timely, sites are concentrated, and parking should be easily accessible.
Coworking Spaces In Lagos
#1. Co-Creation Hub
Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) launched in 2010 as one of Lagos’ earliest innovation hubs, and it is now at the center of the city’s startup scene.
It features four storeys in a six-story structure in the heart of vibrant Yaba. The Sixth level, a coworking area on the sixth level, is where members such as technologists, entrepreneurs, creatives, and students may experiment and collaborate.
Many finance and ecommerce companies, as well as design studios and creatives, operate from the facility. The CcHUB team organizes frequent events such as hackathons, pitch competitions, and workshops. Membership is flexible, with obligations ranging from daily to yearly.
The area is brightly colored and has comfortable, flexible office spaces, meeting rooms, a fully equipped event space, and a lounge. A rooftop patio and a library are also available.
#2. Impact Hub Lagos
Impact Hub Lagos, a member of the worldwide Impact Hub network, debuted in 2017. Founders Solape Hammond and Bolaji Finnih noticed that while the average Nigerian was motivated to start a business, they lacked substantial support and were unable to obtain traction or opportunity.
Impact Hub Lagos was established to provide access to a variety of forms of support in one location, including a welcoming work environment, a supportive community, inspiring events, collaboration opportunities, incubation and acceleration programs, and business consultancy services. It draws a wide range of people, including government representatives and multinational CEOs, as well as social activists and artists.
Impact Hub Lagos is located in the affluent Ikoyi area, in a friendly green space. It has a coworking space, dedicated offices, a nursing mother’s room, a rooftop patio for gatherings and parties, and a hardware lab with 3D printers and laser cutters. A food truck visits three times per week, and the building itself is part of the impact-driven purpose, with a hundred solar panels decreasing its carbon footprint by approximately 30%.
#3. Leadspace
Leadspace was formed in 2016 by the team behind Passion Incubator, who recognized that entrepreneurs require infrastructure, office space, consistent internet connection, and a support system in order to flourish.
The hub in Yaba is bright, vibrant, and intended to inspire young people, whereas Leadspace Ojodu is filled with inspiring artwork of disruptors such as pictures of Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg. Hub One, a third location established in collaboration with First City Monument Bank, has a simple and beautiful design to promote a tranquil working atmosphere. Each location is open to startups of all stages and focuses on community and collaboration.
Long-term contracts and hourly desk rentals are also available for membership. Leadspace is home to a diverse range of entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on technology. Members currently work in software development, education technology, health technology, agritech, travel technology, and logistics technology. Members value the collaborative environment, and there have been cases where persons who joined as independent freelancers joined forces with other members to form startup cofounders.
#4. Seedspace GrowthLab
Seedspace is a coworking venture of Seedstars, a private collection of firms located in Switzerland with a mission to improve people’s lives in emerging countries through technology and entrepreneurship. The company opened the first Seedspace facility in Lagos in 2015.
The second facility in Nigeria, Seedspace GrowthLab, was established in collaboration with GrowthLab, a Nigerian organization that assists entrepreneurs in scaling their enterprises. It opened in late 2019 and is located on the second level of Circle Mall in Jakande, a rapidly developing neighborhood.
The decor is contemporary, with plenty of plants and natural light. It has glass-walled offices, fixed and flex-desk workstations, and a pleasant cafe that can accommodate up to a hundred people. There are two meeting rooms with conferencing technology, as well as personal lockers.
Members are mostly technology firms, however the facility is available to startups from any industry. Seedstars hosts a multitude of events, mentorship sessions, and hackathons at Seedspace GrowthLab, some in collaboration with partners such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange, MTN, and UNICEF, to assist companies in becoming investment ready.
#5. Workstation
Fareed and Farouq Arogundade, brothers, identified the need for a nexus to service Lagos’ rapidly rising number of freelancers and businesses, so they founded Workstation in 2016.
Its two locations provide both fixed and flexible membership levels, and the spaces are brightly colored in black, white, and yellow. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and members have access to meeting and conference rooms outfitted with projectors, televisions, and video-conferencing equipment.
Workstation has over 4,000 members and can accommodate over 650 people between the two spaces. Despite its marketing as a location for tech entrepreneurs, it welcomes and helps businesses from many industries. The idea is to establish an environment where entrepreneurs may feel like they are part of a community, collaborate, and flourish, rather than just a coworking space.
Coworking Spaces in Ibadan
#1. theBUNKer Ibadan
This is a welcoming and appropriate Co-working space for people of all personalities. The store is located at 49 MKO Abiola Way, Ibadan, Nigeria.
#2. Wennovation Hub
Wennovation Hub is another intriguing co-working location in Ibadan, especially if you are in the Mokola area. The Wennovation hub is located on the third floor of the Alpha and Omega Building, Queen Elizabeth II Road, Mokola, Nigeria.
#3. Fobespace Hub
Fobespacehub is one of Ibadan’s fastest-growing co-working spaces. It can be found at 12, Ogunsola Street, Off Aare Avenue, New Bodija, Ibadan, Nigeria.
#4. Workspaces by MF8
This coworking space offers some of the greatest service offices and virtual offices in Ibadan, Nigeria. Plot 22, Block 34, Adjacent Total petrol station, Alaafin Avenue, Oluyole Estate Road, 234200, Ibadan, Nigeria, as normal.
#5. Techroom Innovative Hub.
Another rapidly growing center in Ibadan is Techroom Innovative hub. It may be found in Technology Park, Tech Room, Poly Road, 200284, Ibadan, Nigeria.
#6. iBridgeHub
This coworking space can be found at 110 Abeokuta Road, off Iyaganku-Alalubosa Road, GRA 200263, Ibadan.
#7. Tech-Space Solutions
This co-working area is conveniently accessible near Bola Ige International Market, next to Wema Bank in Ibadan.
#8. AnqaHub
This co-working space also serves as an event center, as well as Meeting Rooms, Seminars, Private Offices, Boardrooms, Workstations, Virtual Offices, and an Incubation/Acceleration Hub. However, they have a really decent service provider altogether. You may find them in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, at Block B, plot 2, Army Children Primary School Road, Mammy Market, Iwo Road.
CoWorking Spaces in Port Harcourt
#1. TechCreek
If you want to study, connect, and create, Tech Creek is the place to be. TechCreek is Port Harcourt’s largest ICT center, and it is located directly across from the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.
Whether you like working outside in the fresh air or indoors, Tech Creek has you covered.
TechCreek provides workspace users with internet connectivity to provide a pleasant experience and an economical daily payment plan.
#2. Hub 10
If you are in the Ada/George region of Port Harcourt and looking for a pleasant working environment or a location to network with other techies, Hub 10 is the place to be.
Their costs are calculated on a weekly and monthly basis and include Wi-Fi charges.
Hub 10 may provide you with either an open conference workspace or a private office workspace.
#3. RootHub
If you live near Rupokwu/SARS and are looking for a quiet co-working space, consider roothub. Roothub provides two types of working environments: open space and private office space with internet connectivity. Root hub provides numerous payment alternatives with low daily fees.
They also provide IT training, such as digital marketing and website construction.
#4. FutureSphere BI Hub
Futuresphere BI hub is located in the matoris place plaza Eliozu, thus if proximity to food is a criterion for choosing a co-working space, this hub checks that box. This co-working environment is calm and offers the impression of being in a traditional business.
#5. Tech Bridge City
The TBC co-working area is more than just a desk. It is a community of forward-thinking innovators, ambitious entrepreneurs, tech rebels, and professionals who want to help individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies build networks, collaborate, and form strategic collaborations.
To Summarize,
Coworking has grown in popularity as an alternative to working at coffee shops and home offices in recent years. Coworking spaces offer constructive work cultures in which employees can share tools, services, and facilities. According to studies, coworking causes 70% of members to get healthier, 68% to become more focused, and 64% to complete tasks more quickly.
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