Before the rise of remote and hybrid work, young professionals were restricted to confining cubicles and old-school office environments. Nowadays, employees can send emails from their dining room tables, present marketing plans from their living rooms, and attend staff meetings from their back porch.
As convenient as this may be, some remote workers still yearn be in a structured, professional environment away from their tempting TV remotes, noisy neighbors, and other productivity-draining distractions at home.
Enter local coworking spaces—shared office spaces where remote workers from different companies and industries can work alongside one another as if they are in the office for the day.
Coworking spaces, with their modern, open floor plans, typically offer amenities that professionals crave,such as: secure Wi-Fi, thoughtful furnishings, convenient printing stations, and private rooms for meetings. Base Camp, First Ascent and Ascend WV's coworking space in Morgantown, for example, even offers standing desks for members to stretch their legs, and a kitchenette to prepare snacks and lunch. They even have a gear library so coworkers can use their flex time for outdoor recreation.
Most coworking spaces offer flexible and cost-effective membership plans, from daily passes to monthly or even annual plans - with First Ascent, coworking is offered at no cost to the member or the employer. So, whether you need an office area for a day or a year, there's likely an option that will fit your needs and budget.
In addition to having amenities and a distraction-free environment, there are other benefits of using coworking spaces as well. For remote workers who feel isolated at times, coworking offers the opportunity to socialize with other local professionals. Being within close proximity to other career-driven individuals can be both refreshing and motivating, encouraging networking, collaboration, and cross-pollination of ideas.
Are you a West Virginia grad who has a remote or hybrid position? First Ascent, our program specifically designed to help young professionals launch their careers in the mountains of West Virginia, offers coworking benefits through free access to our six Base Camp locations across the state. Will wee see you there?