Future-Proofing Your Work: Virtual Coworking Strategies

Key Highlights:

Virtual coworking can… 

• create accountability while increasing productivity
• build company culture and foster employee engagement
• reduce feelings of isolation

What is Virtual Coworking?

Virtual coworking is a way of working collaboratively in an online space. The virtual aspect allows for cross-collaboration and the opportunity to work with colleagues worldwide. 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. 

What Can Virtual Coworking Offer? 

1. Gaining a Sense of Accountability 

Virtual coworking offers a convenient solution to increasing accountability in a workday, regardless of location. 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, ensuring organized and productive days.

In each session, after sharing a goal or intention, a coworking dynamic can offer more drive and incentive to complete what was proposed. You can find yourself less likely to give in to distractions that may arise as an accountability partner or team is present. The shared commitment to productivity can enhance performance, build work habits, and foster a stronger sense of community and accomplishment.

2. Increased Productivity

Virtual coworking can offer remote and hybrid workers more productivity as there is a chance to collaborate to share ideas, pose questions, and present information. Employees who take advantage of the benefits of remote work and virtual coworking spaces can find themselves more focused and 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. This simple practice can boost productivity by providing a sense of accountability and focus. 

When someone is virtually present, it often helps individuals stay on track with their tasks and minimize distractions, ultimately leading to improved work efficiency in a remote work environment.

3. Cost and Commute Savings

Virtual coworking offers a cost-effective alternative for employers when compared to traditional physical offices. With physical offices, there are expenses such as rent, maintenance, and office supplies to consider, all of which can be eliminated or reduced by opting for virtual coworking spaces and hybrid remote work models. 

This shift allows employers to allocate their resources more efficiently. Moreover, virtual coworking spaces eliminate the need for commuting, saving employees both time and money. Virtual coworking enhances productivity while reducing expenses.

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 strengthens company culture and creates a sense of community by allowing teams to work together seamlessly and celebrate their successes. 

This sense of belonging is further enhanced through open communication channels and the recognition of employee contributions. By reinforcing company values and vision through platforms such as Litespace, remote employees can stay aligned with the organization's culture and goals.

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.

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 can offer solutions and alleviate the lack of in-person connection. Litespace offers event planning recommendations based on AI-powered analytics, suggesting the best event based on team composition, interests, and goals. Optimized best times for a team or company based on everyone’s schedule are also recommended. 

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
• Timely

…goals.

Setting SMART goals not only enhances individual concentration but also fosters realistic and specific accountability within a time frame. It can help systematically keep track of progress, ensuring that efforts align with the broader goals of a virtual coworking group. 

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 effective way to maintain productivity and virtual coworkers successfully. A work-oriented environment is key to getting into the mindset of working and productivity. By eliminating distractions and being in an intentional space, remote virtual coworking sessions can be far more successful. 

4. Leverage Technology

Platforms dedicated to hybrid and remote work can create organization and structure when navigating hybrid models. Based on existing schedules, Litespace recommends the best days to go into the office based on a team’s schedule, but also indicates who is working remotely. Leverage and make the most of the technology available to streamline your remote working experience. 

Key Takeaways

Virtual coworking is emerging in a post-pandemic era as a productive solution in the future that is hybrid remote work. Virtual coworking offers benefits such as increased accountability, enhanced productivity, cost savings, as well as a sense of community. It's essential to identify and tackle challenges with connectivity and isolatedness while leveraging platforms such as Litespace. By following recommended best practices such as setting SMART goals and creating dedicated workspaces, individuals and teams can leverage virtual coworking moving forward.

‍Ready to use Litespace to supercharge your hybrid remote experience? We’re here to help you succeed.