Now that the shock is over and we are settling into a post coronavirus world for the long haul, many are reevaluating the logic of working from home or commuting to New York City. Others are moving out of The City for homes in the suburbs, including Fairfield County — Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford.
Big businesses are affected too. Some who have started resuming operations have had to cut their daily level on-site capacity by 40-50% or follow alternating or rotating work schedules for employees. Employers are allowing people to work permanently from home. Many companies have started rolling out Work From Anywhere Policies.
All this activity has people exploring options to ensure business operations run smoothly and optimally in the mid-to-long-term as they evaluate what is best for my employees and customers. Whether you are accountant, lawyer, professional services, marketing, financial analyst, business coach, etc., — or you are a remote worker, a freelancer, a small company, a mid-sized company, or you work for an enterprise — flexible workspace options are available.
Private and Quiet Workspace for Productivity. For some, two months of working from home made them realize it is not always ideal (working from home with dogs, kids and chores is not optimal). Carving out a schedule to work at a local coworking space is the most viable option. Heck, it can be the only way any work will get done at all, for some!
Space Allocation and Social Distancing. Work-from-Home arrangements have changed especially for those who have had to downgrade to a smaller home or have kids moving back in. A two-bedroom apartment or full house may not offer a conducive space for work. In an office, consider the ideal space allocation or ratio of 1 person to 53 square feet. Social distancing should be enforced with masks required and signage clearly marking out foot traffic, among other best practices.
Health, Sanitation and Safety Practices. What are the Rules and Plans? Ensure the facility provides additional value under the circumstances: hand sanitizers, alcohol, air purifying, frequent cleaning schedules–if not hospital-grade practices. The new normal emphasizes the need for not just workspaces optimized for productivity, but vigilance on health and safety.
So what’s the difference between shared workspace, coworking space, and private offices? Here is a cheat sheet if you are caught in the middle of evaluating options or getting ready to gradually resume work in the new normal:
Option 1: Shared Workspace
These workstations are spaces designed for remote employees, freelancers, mobile workers and consultants. Desks are not assigned permanently to any one individual. These rentals allow customers to occupy any vacant spot in the assigned common area. Shared Workspace is most affordable, also you may want to socialize a little bit if you have been stuck at not speaking to anybody for months. You also get access to all workplace resources – meeting rooms, kitchen space, printing services and reception – in a professional setting.
Average Area/Ratio: 1 individual : 6 square feet distance
Benefits: Shared with Safe Protocols For Social Distancing, Fully Furnished, Local, Easy Parking, Super Strong WIFI, Beautiful Lighting, Stand Up Desk Options, Professional Daily Cleaning, Quiet + Productive Environment
HAYVN Shared Workspace Photo (The Branch)Option 2: Coworking Space
You have your own space but much less expensive than a private office. These workstations are spaces designed for remote employees, freelancers, mobile workers/consultants. Desks are assigned permanently to any one individual for the duration of the rental period. With a dedicated desk, you can bring in that large monitor, your foot roller, etc. and you get to lock up your belongings so you don’t have to carry them back home each day. All workplace resources are also available to you with this option.
Average Area/Ratio: 1 individual : 6 square feet distance
Benefits: Shared with Safe Protocols For Social Distancing, Fully Furnished, Local, Easy Parking, Super Strong WIFI, Beautiful Lighting, Stand Up Desk Options, Professional Daily Cleaning, Quiet + Productive Environment
HAYVN Coworking Space Photo (The Perch)Option 3: Private Offices
Private offices are ideal solutions for remote-working executives who need friction-less short-term office space. These are typically small rooms separated from the open office by walls or partitions. A walled office is best if you have a lot of private phone calls or zoom rooms. Usually offered on quarterly or bi-annual rental arrangements, these can also be rented on a weekly or monthly basis. All workplace resources are available to you with this option. Two additional niceties are the chance to lock the door for peace and quiet and decorate your office to your heart’s content.
Average Area/Ratio: 1 individual : 53 square feet
Benefits: Dedicated/Private, Fully Furnished, Lockable, 24/7 Access, Local, Easy Parking, Safe Protocols For Social Distancing, Super Strong WIFI, Beautiful Lighting, Stand Up Desk Options, Professional Daily Cleaning, Quiet + Productive Environment, Flexible Lease Terms
Shared workspace, coworking space and/or private offices are three great ways to ensure you and/or your employees’ can work safely, productively and cost-effectively. The best coworking spaces offer companies of all sizes a smart business productivity decision as well as a means to provide the highest standards for employees’ health and safety measures.
HAYVN Private Offices Photo (The Nest) HAVYN, located in Darien, CT, is a local coworking space that offers the convenience and security of a full-serviced workspace that has grown into a thriving community under the leadership of founder, Felicia Rubinstein.
The flexible workspaces at HAYVN offer elegant, yet relaxed decor in a light-filled and modern setting that’s powered by informative, women-focused – but men-friendly – professional and networking programs for members. There are 20 private offices and 16 coworking desks. The professional environment caters to many Fairfield County business leaders as they come out of their shells, but recently, she’s been getting Big Apple-sized inquiries. If this sounds like a place you’d like to work, drop HAYVN a line or call (833) 429-8659 to arrange a private tour.
HAYVN Coworking
Founded in 2018, HAYVN is a flexible workspace for enterprising women (and men) to connect, create and grow. Along with a vibrant & engaged coworking community of entrepreneurs and business professionals, HAYVN is a business HUB, offering short- and long-term office space leases, meeting rooms rentals, and events to support local businesses. HAYVN is proud to be a Certified B Corporation™ and a CTNext partner. We believe in using the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy and have met the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. HAYVN’s workshops and signature programs encourage women of all colors and ages and acts as an incubator for developing skills and pursuing funding. HAYVN Launch incubator is a 2021 winner of the SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC), and the only 2021 winner in Connecticut.
Visit our beautiful safe ‘HAYVN’ in Fairfield County, CT at 320 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT, 06820. Arrange a private tour today, or to learn more about our health and safety response, read through our detailed guidelines here.
