The Benefits of Virtual Coworking
Should You Try a Virtual Coworking Session?
The idea of a coworking space is not new, especially if you’ve been working for yourself for a while. Virtual coworking has seen a spike in popularity thanks to those seeking a more nomadic lifestyle and of course a pandemic that saw all of us stuck inside our homes.
As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you likely work alone most days. Maybe you work from home or have your own office space. Either way, you’ll likely experience some sort of distraction throughout the day. It might be some dishes left in your sink. Or the fact that the sun is out and it’s way too nice to sit in your office and tackle a looming to-do list.
You might know you need a little extra accountability. Or you just want to interact with other creative business owners during the day. Either way virtual coworking might be the solution you need.
Virtual Coworking Benefits
- Extra Accountability
- Increased Productivity
- Sense of Community
- Better Accessibility
- Try Virtual Coworking Free
What Is Virtual Coworking?
Virtual Coworking sessions are online meetings. Held with one or more real people sharing the intention of doing the work. If the thought of hopping on 1 more online call sounds daunting, we get it. Especially if you are feeling Zoom fatigue. But don’t worry. Virtual coworking sessions are normally structured with minimal interactions. And these sessions aren’t primarily for socializing. They include a few quick breaks to share what you are working on and the progress you are making. Participants stay muted during the working sessions. Everyone is encouraged to leave their cameras on for extra accountability.
In the Being Boss Community, we meet for 1.5 hours, share our goals and then work in varied Pomodoros. Our virtual coworking events are fun and productive. Plus, anyone can join regardless of their location.
The Benefits of Coworking Online
The state of where and how we show up to do the work continues to get more flexible. The ability to meet up online with other entrepreneurs to get in the flow of your work is becoming more common. You might find the idea of sitting on a silent Zoom call, and sharing your face on video while you work might sound strange at first. But there are many benefits to online coworking.
Extra Accountability
Virtual coworking is an easy way to add accountability to your work day no matter where you are. Knowing that you will be joined by other creatives showing up to do the work at the same time can provide the additional motivation you may need.
Because you enjoy the flexibility of working on your own terms, it can be easier to resist creating a structured routine. Opting instead to take an afternoon off when you aren’t feeling inspired. By adding online coworking sessions into your week ahead of time, you are committing to an expected routine and a bit of structure as well.
When you show up to online working and start the session by sharing your intention for that time, you’ll likely be more driven to achieve that goal. You’ll be less likely to give in to distractions that are going to arise while you are completing your tasks.
Being Boss Virtual Coworking events are hosted by a volunteer facilitator. So you have someone reminding you that it is time to get to work, guiding you through the predetermined Pomodoros. The Pomodoro Technique uses an established unit of time to focus on a singular task or type of task. And when you are supported by short focused work sessions, your brain can begin to concentrate and achieve more.
Increased Productivity to Get Shit Done
Many notice increased productivity when they participate in virtual coworking. We’ve seen Community members get so much done in one session. From handling the emails they have been avoiding to outlining entire programs. Maybe that is because when you connect with others your brain will release dopamine. This elevates your mood and increasing your motivation.
According to social psychologist Floyd Allport, the presence of other people can boost your performance. The “social facilitation” effect showed that a group of people working individually at the same table performed better on a range of tasks even though those people weren’t necessarily cooperating or competing on the same projects. This concept can be seen in virtual coworking sessions, the energy of the other participants can act as a substitute for being part of a team.
This concept might be particularly helpful for those with ADHD as well. Commonly referred to as “body doubling”, working alongside others helps to provide focus and to ease an anxious mind. While no direct research has been done on the benefits of body doubling, much of the supporting evidence is based on word of mouth. Virtual coworking is the perfect space to test this for yourself since the knowledge that someone is present with you and aware that you are doing your intended task increases follow-through.
Find A Sense Of Community
If you are self-employed and working from your own home or office, loneliness can be a challenge. Working by yourself all day can be a drag if you feel like you are lacking a community to connect with. And while networking and making friends isn’t the main purpose of virtual coworking, it is a huge benefit! Who doesn’t want to meet like-minded business owners, share ideas and even make a connection or two.
When you are showing up to do the work with the same faces week after week, you get to know these people, their business, and what they are working toward. Most coworking sessions are structured to provide an opportunity to connect, ask questions or for feedback, and make friends.
Because coworking online is not dependent on a specific location, you have the ability to interact with creatives from all over the world. You can also participate in coworking sessions no matter where you happen to be working from on any given day. So you can always take your virtual coworking community with you!
Virtual Coworking is Extremely Accessible
One of the greatest benefits of coworking online is how accessible it is. The cost compared to a traditional coworking space is much cheaper and in some cases you can find free virtual coworking. This means no matter your income, you are likely to find an option that works for you.
It’s also a great option for those that are more introverted. You might prefer working from the comfort of your own home or a space you have more control of. In this case, taking part in an online coworking session can feel much more comfortable and welcoming. The same is true for those that might not be able to easily leave their home for whatever reason.
Ready To Try Virtual Coworking?
If the benefits of virtual coworking have you wanting to jump in and join a session for yourself, we get it! There are many paid and free options available to you. You can even grab a friend or two and try it out for yourself.
Join the Being Boss Community
Here at Being Boss, we host weekly Virtual Coworking sessions inside the Community. The best part? Our Community tier is completely FREE! You can check out all the upcoming Community events and if you join, we hope to see you in a coworking session soon!
