Shared workspaces are growing rapidly in Brazil. Even though they are a relatively new activity in the country – less than 10 years old – there are already almost 400 so-called coworking spaces, with more than 10,000 jobs. Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul are just behind the state of São Paulo in the ranking of states with the most shared spaces, increasing the number of cities with this type of service. In 2016, there was a 52% growth in coworking spaces compared to the previous year, according to the Brazilian Coworking Census . These numbers reveal that Brazilian entrepreneurs are looking for a pleasant place to exchange experiences to develop their projects, in addition to, of course, the savings that these spaces provide.
By the way, the cost reduction is really significant. Companies that are willing to have their own space, calculating expenses for rent, condominium fees, energy, telephone, internet , furniture, consumables, among other expenses, end up with a value up to 40% higher, compared to the amount spent on coworking space. In addition, shared space is the ideal model for entrepreneurs who do not want to worry about managing their own office, which demands time, interest and some talent. The idea is to focus only on working on your business, without having to dedicate yourself to administrative details.
The economic advantage is clear, but there are other benefits that can bring immeasurable gains to companies that choose to share space with other organizations. By working alongside startups from other segments, the company develops an organic network , meeting professionals and solutions that open up possibilities for new projects. Mutual collaboration between companies that work together in a coworking space is becoming common.
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The environment is conducive to innovation
Alternative to the traditional model
The environment is conducive to innovation
Innovation is a natural result of coworking spaces. After all, companies that would not normally work together in the same structure have the opportunity to cooperate on collective projects. The architecture itself works as an incentive for exchanges. Coworking spaces are usually spacious, with canadian ceo email list large circulation areas, long tables without dividers, a well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable lounge. All of this contributes to conversations being heard and, occasionally, interrupted by an idea. And what is interesting: it does not always come from someone from the same company. The common physical space provides these moments, where companies merge and create together.
Certain that the coworking environment stimulates innovation, large companies are starting to seek out these spaces, as they see the need to innovate in their businesses, but they cannot find opportunities within their own structure. According to Sílvio Kotujansky , vice president of the market at the Santa Catarina Association of Technology Companies (Acate), this is a trend that should be taken advantage of. Shared offices function as an open innovation laboratory , where traditional companies have the chance to “drink from the source” of startups and, thus, also develop innovation.
In addition to a physical environment that provides business opportunities, coworking spaces promote meetings and scheduled activities, differentiating offices that thrive and gain more and more followers from those that had to close their doors shortly after opening. The difference lies in the provision of knowledge and the promotion of events that facilitate networking.