In other words, why from home, why not from a coffee shop? Starting in 2018, in Romania, there is also a legislative framework that details the concept of telecommuting.
Law nr. 81/2018 — Telecommuting is a form of organizing work whereby the employee can fulfill their role as an employee (perform the duties mentioned in the job description) from a location other than the employer's organized place of work. Specifically, employees will be able to work from home, using information and communication technology. SmartBill has a detailed article on this subject that you can read here. - Advantages of working from home:
- great flexibility that allows you to start working when you want
- eliminates commuting time to work
- it's FREE! Or, better said, it's included in the costs you already have
- every day is "casual Friday" because you can always work in socks and pajamas
Disadvantages of working from home:
- you are isolated, which may sound like an advantage, but after a while, it may become a negative aspect because you are no longer exposed to interaction with others
- there can be many distractions, from the classic "I'll just watch one more episode" to "I'll finish everything I have to do in 10 minutes anyway"
- home should be the place where we rest, spend time with family, the place where we disconnect from work activities
- it's not the environment where you can meet a client or a partner
2. Working from coffee shops
A very common alternative to working from home, for those who only need a laptop and an internet connection, are cafes. They have always been "convenient" and everywhere.
They offer you the best coffee, and if you are a big coffee enthusiast, I'm sure this will be a basic criterion in choosing the location. They are a place where you can work, with an internet connection and access during working hours. Often the above can be sufficient arguments to carry out your activity on a daily basis in such a space.
However, working from cafes also comes with some drawbacks. What if you need a moment of peace? Or when the internet connection does not have the speed you need? After all, they are a cafe, not an office. If you need a place to charge your laptop or phone? Or if you just want to go to the bathroom? Do you leave your things on the table or... pack them in your backpack, quickly run, hoping that when you return, the table will still be available? Lifehacker has an interesting article about working from cafes, here. Coworking spaces are a continuously growing trend, currently providing access to more than 20,000 such spaces. Whether you are planning to work remotely from a beach in a tropical country or on a project in a city in Romania, coworking spaces can be the solution.
Usually, working in such a space involves a subscription (per day / flexible / month) that gives you access to the space's facilities, such as meeting rooms, recreational areas, access to local, national, or global communities.
Coworker has a global database of coworking spaces that includes contact information, photos, subscriptions, facilities, and the possibility to get in touch with the space administrators. - Flexible or dedicated desk where you can leave your belongings, ensuring a workspace you can always use.
- Many coworking spaces have 24/7 access (come and go as you please).
- It's an all-inclusive office, so you don't have to worry about utilities, internet, cleaning, coffee, etc.
- The community created around coworking spaces encourages development and provides support along your journey as a freelancer, entrepreneur, or employee.
- When you become part of a large team, you will most likely want your own office space to create your own culture.
- Some coworking spaces are niche, so they may not suit your needs (you can look for a general space or one tailored to your field of work).
The role of coworking spaces is to provide support to the community and offer a solution for freelancers or entrepreneurs starting out. It is an ideal alternative for small and medium teams in need of a space to carry out their activities.
Many believe that coworking spaces have the potential to change the world, encourage and help communities to develop, thus actively contributing to the local ecosystem. A very useful infographic created by Collab compares working in traditional offices, cafes, from home, and in coworking spaces and effectively summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each:
Coworking spaces are often welcoming. Anyone can come to visit, see the space, and discuss over a coffee about the facilities and services offered. At Cowork Timișoara, you are always welcome. Schedule a tour now!
