My Experience Working from a Co-Working Space
Exploring the productivity boost and networking potential of working from a co-working space.
I've often watched videos of people working out of co-working spaces and always wondered—why would anyone spend money to sit in a shared space, especially when working from home is free? To understand the appeal, I realized I had to experience it myself. As fate would have it, an opportunity arose when I needed to attend a serverless conference the following week. This meant I had to work remotely for a day, and instead of working from home, I decided to try working from a co-working space.
The conference was in Bengaluru, and after a quick search for popular co-working spaces nearby, I found one that stood out: WeWork. Given its international reputation, I thought it would be the perfect place to test the waters. The day pass cost around Rs. 800, but since it was my first time booking, I received an offer through the MyHQ mobile app and managed to get a seat for just Rs. 400—a great deal! The process of booking was smooth, and the space was available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving me ample time to immerse myself in the experience.
Setting Up and Initial Impressions
When I arrived at WeWork, I was pleasantly surprised by the spacious and well-designed environment. I got a sizable desk, set up my work equipment, and grabbed a cappuccino from the coffee machine.
Within minutes of sitting down, I noticed something remarkable about the people around me—they were all from different professional domains. Some were tech professionals, a few freelancers, startup founders working on their products, students preparing for competitive exams, and others who seemed equally engrossed in their tasks.
But the most important observation was the level of focus in the room. Everyone seemed fully invested in their work, which had an unexpected effect on me. The collective productivity in the room gave me a nudge to focus harder on my tasks. There was an unspoken energy that encouraged me to dive deeper into my work.
Lunchtime and Conversations
By 1:00 PM, I decided to take a break for lunch. One cool aspect of co-working spaces is the sense of security—you can leave your belongings at your desk without worrying. I headed out for a quick meal, and within 45 minutes, I was back at WeWork with my second cup of coffee in hand. I decided to relax in the common seating area, which is designed for people to unwind and take a break from their work.
As I continued working through the afternoon, I noticed another great aspect of co-working spaces—the networking potential. I met some interesting people: startup founders, senior software engineers, and freelancers sitting at desks next to mine. These impromptu conversations made the workday more dynamic and less isolated than it would have been had I been working from home. By 3:00 PM, I took another break in the open lounge area, enjoying my third cup of coffee and soaking in the atmosphere.
Afternoon Productivity and Final Thoughts
The workday wasn’t over yet. I had a couple of meetings scheduled around 4:00 PM, so I headed back to my desk to prepare. The meetings went smoothly, and by 5:00 PM, I was back to handling my regular tasks—going through my Jira tickets and planning the next day’s work.
When the day finally came to an end, I reflected on my overall experience. The co-working space had exceeded my expectations in more ways than one.
Overall Experience
I wouldn't say co-working spaces can fully replace having a dedicated office, especially for larger companies, but they serve a specific purpose incredibly well. For frequent travelers, freelancers, and remote contractors, they provide a productive and professional environment that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
What stood out to me the most was the atmosphere—it was calm, focused, and highly motivating. At no point during the day did I feel the need to push myself to focus or get work done. The environment naturally inspired productivity. For students preparing for competitive exams or people needing a break from their regular workspace, I’d highly recommend giving a co-working space a try.
The structured yet flexible nature of co-working spaces makes them perfect for those seeking a balance between focus and interaction.
Final Thoughts
Would I work from a co-working space again? Probably! It may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a game-changer for those who value a mix of autonomy and community.