At SureStore, we understand that keeping running costs low is one of the biggest challenges when growing a small business or launching a start-up. Many business owners and freelancers also choose to work from home but then need to seek affordable rented office space.
In this post, we’ll help you choose between sticking to your home office and exploring the benefits of having your own dedicated office space.
The Pros of Working from Home
The COVID-19 Pandemic has meant more and more people have experienced working from home (WFH). Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working from home compared with the office.
Low Cost
One of the most obvious pros to working from home is that it is cheaper than renting office space. However, you may experience an increased cost in energy bills which you may want to avoid with today’s electricity prices!
If you do decide to work from home, you may be able to reduce your self-assessment tax bill by claiming your energy bills, although this will only be a percentage of your household expenses.
No Commute
For some business owners, the biggest benefit of working from home may be the short journey to your desk each morning! Choosing to work from home can also help you save time and money as you won’t need to commute to the office.
Flexibility
Another advantage of working from home is the flexibility it offers, especially if you have other commitments such as family and childcare. Working from home can sometimes be the best option for new business owners who are still finding their work-life balance as it allows you to be productive but take a break from work when necessary.
The Cons of Working from home
Distractions
The need for self-discipline when working from home is even greater as there may be more distractions from the television being on in the next room to a family member on the phone.
Although the flexibility of working from home may be a positive, you may also feel distracted from your tasks and struggle to stay productive. If you find yourself juggling your time at home, between your pets and household chores for example, then are you really giving your business task 100%?
Loneliness
On the whole, people are quite sociable beings and a friendly chat in the morning, or a catch up by the office kettle can help to boost morale and keep you motivated. However, if you’re always working from home, you may begin to miss the interaction of the office and feel isolated and lonely in your work.
No Meeting Space
On some occasions, working from home may not always be appropriate, especially if you have a face-to-face meeting! Although the flexibility of working from home can be an advantage, if you usually work from your kitchen in a pair of slippers, this may not be the first impression you want to give.
When working from home, you’re not likely to have a dedicated meeting space for potential business partners, investors, clients or customers and will need to rent a space or meet in a public place such as a coffee shop.
The Pros of Dedicated Office Space
The number of workspaces are available in the UK has increased over recent years offering a cost-effective work environment that’s ideal for small business owners and freelancers. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a paid workspace compared with working from home.
A Professional Office Environment
One of the more obvious benefits of working from a coworking space is the professional office environment and a clear distinction between your home life and work life.
Working from home can often blur the lines between your business and personal life, but using a dedicated work space can help to increase your productivity and achieve a more balanced work/life balance.
Socialising & Collaboration
Another benefit is the opportunity to network, collaborate, or even just socialise with a range of different businesses, freelancers and like-minded people. Many office spaces also host networking events.
Starting a business can feel like a lonely task, especially if you’re working from home, but working in in this type of environment can provide you with the face-to-face interaction you need and help you to feel part of your local business community.
Motivation
Going to work each morning to focus on growing your business can also provide you with a much-need structure and routine. By sharing a productive work environment with others and having a dedicated work location, rather than working from different rooms at home, you may experience fewer distractions and feel more motivated!
The Cons of Hiring and Office Space
Cost
The cost of renting a private office space is something you’ll need to consider when launching a business.
Office spaces at SureStore offer all the conveniences and amenities you could need from a modern workspace and many other benefits from just £150+VAT per month.
Dedicated Work Hours
Most office spaces are open for access between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday, which is ideal for establishing a consistent work routine. However, if you often work outside of those hours or have late-night online meetings with clients abroad, then you may prefer the flexibility of working from home.
At SureStore, we offer private meeting rooms which are ideal for impressing new clients, meeting investors and handling sensitive matters. No dedicated desk space also means it is easy to avoid another member’s phone call or find a quiet space if required.
SureStore currently offers professional office space at our Ashton-under-Lyne, Cannock, and Stafford self-storage facilities.
Renting office space from SureStore means you’ll benefit from:
- Flexible rolling monthly agreements
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Tea, Coffee & Espresso making facilities
- Meeting Room access (5 x 1hr credits per month)
- Address registration for virtual office/business address
- Networking Events
Memberships start from just £150+VAT per month. If you’re still considering making the move from working from home to working at a SureStoreg space.
To find out more, call your nearest SureStore location.