Working from home became the new normal after 2020. But after a few years of experience, more and more freelancers, sole proprietors and remote employees are realising that the home office is not always the ideal solution. So where is the line between the comfort of home and the productivity of a coworking space? In this article we honestly compare both options.
The advantages of working from home
Let’s be honest – working from home has undeniable advantages that many people would not trade for anything:
- No commute – you save both time and money on getting to the office.
- Complete flexibility – a load of laundry between meetings, lunch from your own kitchen.
- No extra costs – at first glance at least (electricity, heating and internet do add up).
- Comfort – your own chair, your own coffee, your own quiet. Whenever you want it.
Where working from home falls apart
Problems usually only show up after a few months. The most common pitfalls of working from home are:
- Isolation – days without a single live conversation eat away at your motivation and creativity.
- Distractions – family, flatmates, deliveries, chores. Every interruption can cost you up to 20 minutes of regained focus.
- A blurred line between work and free time – when the office is three metres from your bed, the workday never really ends.
- An unprofessional impression – a video call with clients from your bedroom or a meeting in a café doesn’t look serious.
- Ergonomics – a kitchen chair and a laptop without an external screen mean back and neck pain in the long run.
What a coworking space offers in return
A coworking space isn’t just “an office you rent”. It solves exactly the weaknesses of working from home:
- A community and networking – you’re surrounded by people, you exchange ideas, you find clients and partners.
- A professional environment – meeting rooms, quiet phone booths, a real address for your business.
- Structure and a routine – coming to the space clearly separates “work” from “home”.
- Ergonomics and infrastructure – proper chairs, monitors, fast internet, coffee and printing.
Comparison: working from home vs. coworking
| Criterion | Working from home | Coworking |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Low (utilities) | Fixed fee |
| Social contact | Minimal | High |
| Focus | Depends on the household | High |
| Professionalism | Lower | High |
| Flexibility | Maximum | High |
| Networking | None | Built in |
A third path: the hybrid approach
You don’t have to choose only one option. Many people combine both: a few days a week at home for focused, solo work, and a few days in a coworking space for meetings, networking and a change of scenery. A flexible membership (for example a few days a month) is often the most cost-effective and mentally healthiest solution.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is working from home really cheaper than coworking?
At first glance yes, because you pay no membership fee. But once you factor in higher heating and electricity bills, poorer ergonomics and lost networking opportunities, the difference is much smaller than it seems – and for many the coworking membership pays for itself.
How do I know whether coworking is for me?
If you feel isolated at home, struggle to concentrate or want to grow your network, it’s worth trying. Most spaces offer a day pass or a trial day, so you can test it without any long-term commitment.
Can I take confidential calls in a coworking space?
Yes. Good coworking spaces have soundproof phone booths and meeting rooms designed specifically for calls and video conferences, so you don’t disturb others and your conversations stay private.
What if I work at unusual hours?
Many coworking spaces offer 24/7 access with your own key or card, so you can work early in the morning or late at night, whenever it suits you.
Conclusion: home for living, coworking for working
Working from home and coworking aren’t enemies – they’re tools for different needs. If you value flexibility and quiet, home works well. If you’re missing community, structure and a professional image, a coworking space fills exactly that gap. The best solution is often a combination of both. If you’d like to try what focused work in an inspiring environment feels like, take a look at the makerSP_CE coworking space and drop by for a coffee.