Future-Proofing Your Work: Virtual Coworking Strategies

Key Highlights:

Possible aims to test through virtual coworking:

• accountability and focus
• connection and employee engagement
• less isolation

What is Virtual Coworking?

Virtual coworking is an agreed online arrangement for working alongside others on individual tasks or explicitly planned collaboration. The virtual aspect allows for cross-location participation when shared availability, connectivity and access needs permit. It can promote a sense of community and accountability in the comfort of one’s home. Virtual coworking can be structured with minimal interactions, or less structured with more opportunities to lend and share ideas. 

Try the suggested session flow.

What Can Virtual Coworking Offer? 

1. Gaining a Sense of Accountability 

Virtual coworking is one way to try adding accountability to a workday. For those who appreciate the flexibility of working at their own pace and may struggle with establishing a routine, online coworking sessions can structure a workweek. By scheduling these sessions in advance, pairs or teams can commit to a planned routine and see whether it suits their work.

In each session, after sharing a goal or intention, you can test whether a coworking dynamic offers more drive and incentive to complete what was proposed. Check whether you are less likely to give in to distractions that may arise when an accountability partner or team is present. The shared commitment to productivity is something to try as you build work habits and look for a sense of community and accomplishment.

2. Exploring Productivity

Virtual coworking offers remote and hybrid workers a way to explore productivity through planned collaboration to share ideas, pose questions, and present information. Employees who try virtual coworking spaces on suitable tasks can check whether they find themselves more focused or create higher-quality work. 

Virtual coworking offers a space to “body double”. The concept of body doubling involves working alongside a colleague or peer, even if only through a video call. Try this practice to see whether it supports your accountability and focus. 

When someone is virtually present, check whether you stay on track with your tasks and minimize distractions in a remote work environment. Adjust or stop if the arrangement isn't useful.

3. Cost and Commute Savings

Virtual coworking offers an alternative for employers when compared to traditional physical offices. With physical offices, there are expenses such as rent, maintenance, and office supplies to consider; savings depend on actual changes to office commitments and use, not simply holding a remote session. 

Before making this shift, compare costs actually avoided with subscriptions, equipment/connectivity, setup/support and paid session time. A remote session may avoid a commute you would otherwise make, saving that trip's time and money.

4. Building a Sense of Community and Company Culture

In a post-pandemic era with hybrid remote work, it can feel difficult to connect with a new company or team. Virtual coworking is an opportunity to support company culture and explore a sense of community by allowing teams to work together on agreed tasks and celebrate their successes. 

This sense of belonging is something to explore through open communication channels and the recognition of employee contributions. Discuss company values and vision directly, and confirm current suitability before choosing platforms such as Litespace.

Challenges in the Virtual Coworking World

1. Connectivity or Technical Issues

Working remotely with technology can result in a variety of connectivity challenges. Whether it be slow internet or a software glitch, it's good practice to ensure that all technology is up to date and to check with internet providers in the event any connectivity issues arise. Before starting, check session access and audio. Agree a fallback: use permitted written communication to check in, then work independently if the connection fails.

2. Lack of In Person Connection

Working remotely or in a hybrid model can often lead to feelings of isolation from colleagues. Without daily in-person interactions in a shared workspace, employees may sometimes feel detached from their colleagues.

Platforms dedicated to hybrid remote work are one option to explore for connection. Litespace currently presents an AI recruiting assistant; confirm current suitability for your needs. 

Blueprint for Success & Best Practices

1. Set SMART Goals

Setting effective goals is the key to achieving a successful coworking session. The acronym ‘SMART’ refers to setting…

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

…goals.

Setting SMART goals defines a specific task and a time frame. It can help systematically keep track of progress and check whether efforts align with the broader goals of a virtual coworking group. 

Illustrative goal: Using the notes already available, draft three bullet points for tomorrow's team update by the end of a 30-minute session.

2. Establish a Routine

When approaching remote work, it's important to consider personal preferences and how you work best. Individuals should figure out when they're most productive and plan their schedules accordingly, prioritizing important tasks for the most productive hours. It's also a good idea to include short breaks for rest and stepping away from work periodically. 

3. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Minimizing distractions while working remotely is an option to try when participating in virtual coworking. A work-oriented environment may help you get into the mindset of working. By limiting distractions and being in an intentional space, remote virtual coworking sessions may feel more manageable. 

4. Leverage Technology

Plan accurate captions or equivalent text for meaningful audio, and descriptions or text for meaningful visual information as needed. Check automatic captions for accuracy rather than assume they meet everyone's access needs.

Platforms dedicated to hybrid and remote work can create organization and structure when navigating hybrid models. Before choosing Litespace, confirm current suitability. Leverage and make the most of the technology available to streamline your remote working experience. 

Use an employer-approved platform where applicable. Agree camera, audio and chat expectations and a suitable participation route. Share only permitted nonconfidential task descriptions. Recording or screen sharing should match participant expectations and applicable employer policy and requirements.

Suggested session flow

1. Agree purpose, participants, available time and a specific nonconfidential task target. Confirm platform approval where applicable and the participation rules above.
2. Work quietly for an agreed, bounded period with planned breaks or check-ins. Keep optional social or collaborative time separate from focus work. Change or stop an unhelpful session.
3. Compare useful work completed with the task target and agree a next step. With voluntary feedback, decide whether to continue, adjust or stop. Do not treat attendance or online presence as performance measures.

Key Takeaways

Virtual coworking is an option to try in remote or hybrid work. Evaluate whether it supports accountability, focus and connection, and weigh costs actually avoided. Identify and tackle challenges with connectivity and isolation, and confirm current fit before choosing platforms such as Litespace. By following recommended best practices such as setting SMART goals, planning a routine and creating dedicated workspaces, individuals and teams can test what works for them.

‍Want to confirm whether Litespace fits your current needs? We’re here to help you succeed.