We can all agree that it has been a very challenging 12 months, but where there is adversity, there is determination, drive, and triumph of the human spirit. We see it every day in ordinary people who have decided not to let this pandemic break their stride or their spirit. We are all more than ready to get back to work and drive this recovery forward. However, with this “new normal,” our business decisions matter when it comes to being productive and interacting with clients or coworkers in this new virtual workplace.

Working from home or working remotely has been a requirement during the outbreak under less than ideal settings. Whether it’s dogs barking in the background, children wandering in and out of your video, or poor lighting and sound quality, we can’t truly be our best with these distractions on either end of the conference call. We are all ready for additional workspace options to become available and to finally be able to interact with like-minded professionals in a coworking environment.

However, the big question continues to be, is it safe to go back to this type of interaction?

The answer: YES!

This blog covers the current CDC guidelines for Covid-19 and explains the many benefits of coworking spaces that are not affected by these guidelines.

The CDC’s Guidelines

One of the main concerns many people have about working in an office setting, whether it’s a traditional office or a coworking space like Blue Mind, is safety. The first step is knowing the general guidelines issued by the CDC. When it comes to a coworking space, there are a few key areas that you should be aware of:

Social Distancing

The concept of social distancing quickly swept the world in 2020. Suddenly, we all knew how far 6 feet is. Stores added dots to show customers where they should be standing. Signs were posted to show people how far apart they should be. Some even took drastic measures with pool noodles when out in public.

Social distancing is now a part of life and is equally as important in a coworking space. Maintaining a 6-foot distance from those around you is still one of the top guidelines the CDC has for minimizing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This includes distancing in common areas, like meeting rooms, break rooms, parking lots, entrances and exits, and other shared rooms.

Sanitization

Never before in our lifetimes has the sanitization of our physical areas been so important. Think back to this time last year when stores were rationing cleaning and sanitization supplies. Store shelves were cleared out, and people were selling sanitizing sprays and wipes online for many times their normal price.

In a coworking space, sanitization is extra important. That’s why Blue Mind staff takes it so seriously. Making sure that all surfaces are clean and sanitized after each use is of the utmost importance. We have engaged with a local cleaning and disinfection company, Squeak, to provide the best non-toxic cleaning option. We have cleaning/disinfection stations situated throughout our coworking space and are continuously wiping down desks, chairs, and work surfaces both after use and on a nightly basis.

Virtual Interactions

Another aspect of the pandemic has been a sudden reliance on the virtual world. We’ve been able to transition our work lives to the digital realm, with Zoom meetings, online chats, and more digital file-sharing than ever before.

To facilitate a tremendous digital work experience, Blue Mind has high-speed internet that will keep you going through every last Zoom meeting you have for the day. In order to keep your surroundings more conducive to a productive working environment, our private conversation booths and virtual presentation studio will allow you to have the calls and video chats to keep business moving. If you need to, you can even spend the day in a private office.

Face Masks

Another big recommendation – and one that caused a bit of controversy – was the face mask. For better or worse, it has become a standard accessory for everyone going out in public.

Blue Mind Coworking requires wearing a mask while entering/leaving our facility, but also provides a number of different work environments and options to be able to distance oneself from others effectively. In this case, you have the option to remove face masks when stationary and in a work location.

Vaccinations & Continued Education

Along with social distancing and wearing masks, staying informed is key in reducing and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Vaccination volumes continue to gain momentum and have an impact on reducing infection rates, but we still need to remain highly vigilant to ensuring safeguards remain in line with CDC evolving guidelines.

We know education is important, so Blue Mind is committed to staying informed about changing regulations and recommendations. As we stay informed, we are also resolved to update our regulations for those who rely on our coworking spaces.

Benefits of a Blue Mind Coworking Space

As much as the pandemic has caused disruption around the world, especially when it comes to working in an office and interacting with others, more than ever, there are huge benefits to considering utilizing a coworking option.

Here are a few ways that utilizing coworking space could begin to bring things back to normal and impact your productivity and well-being (and that of your employees!).

Reduce Feelings of Isolation with Interaction and Connections

One of the most crushing parts about working remotely for many workers is loneliness. As a large number of workers suddenly found themselves working remotely, rates of anxiety and isolation being reported went higher and higher. And with that isolation comes less creativity and productivity.

As we feel part of a community, we feel valued and take our job more seriously with higher creativity and productivity. This was the inspiration for us to create Blue Mind Coworking.

Professional Networking & Community

Think about the many reasons you would interact with people in a traditional office setting. Chances are you’re sharing ideas, triumphs, challenges, and ways to be more effective and productive, or your networking and exchanging ideas. And why? Because professional interaction and networking improve your work life and mental health. In a coworking space, this is a natural outcome of the environment. You get to work around a variety of people that can change daily, yet we all share this vital sense of community and validation through our professional connections.

Coworking spaces also provide the opportunities needed for essential collaboration. These collaborations can bring about new ideas or the next big thing for your company, and it all starts with the networking and community found in a coworking space.

More Flexible

One of the best parts about working remotely is the flexibility. However, working from home eliminates the separation between work and life. This “flexibility” at home can quickly turn into increased levels of stress and overworking yourself. With traditional office space, you could be limited to rigid working hours and have times that you’re not allowed to be in the office. The happy middle ground would be a coworking option that allows you to come and go as you please. With Blue Mind’s 24/7 access and flexible membership agreements, you can enjoy the feel of remote work without having the blending of your worlds.

Increased Productivity

Traditional offices are still relevant because they are meant to keep people productive. They offer a separation from home life and the ability to interact with colleagues to collaborate and feed off each other’s energy. Most importantly, you are able to jump into work mode easily. Good news: you can have all of these benefits with a coworking space like Blue Mind for a fraction of the price.

When you combine a traditional office structure with the freedom of a work-from-home or remote work agreement, you have a fantastic recipe for productivity. Along with that, the variety of spaces available cater to different work styles and tastes, all designed to optimize a member’s productivity. Do you work better at a desk? Those are available! Prefer a comfy chair? That’s an option, too! Blue Mind has everything you need to maximize your productivity all the time.

Cost-Efficient

As a business owner, one of the key things on your mind is cost-efficiency. Think about how expensive it is to rent an entire office and sign a long-term commitment. Now add in all the amenities your employees expect. The dollars add up. The big benefit of a coworking space for business owners is cost efficiency that traditional office spaces can’t match.

Not only will your employees have the space to work, but they’ll also have built-in amenities in their membership. With Blue Mind, you’ll have conference rooms, a lounge, exclusive discounts, access to printing, standing desks, and even networking events. All of these help boost your employees’ productivity while cutting costs to you, meaning higher revenue in the end.

Wrapping Up

The days of the COVID-19 pandemic are finally starting to ease, and we sense there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, the end of that road is still a ways away, so many individuals and businesses will find that coworking spaces like Blue Mind are much more conducive to creating a happy, healthy work culture. There is a way to stay safe while still having all the benefits of a coworking space. We believe we have that perfect balance in place at Blue Mind Coworking.

Ready to get back to work and start being more balanced and productive? Reach out and get your space at Blue Mind today.