Introduction
Choosing between a private office and shared space is often the first major question when deciding to join a coworking space. Whether you are a freelancer, remote worker, startup founder, or consultant, this choice will have a direct impact on your productivity, well-being at work, and even your professional network. It’s not always easy to decide between the intimacy of a closed office and the dynamic atmosphere of an open space. So, how do you choose? What criteria should you consider? What are the advantages of each solution? And what if you could even mix the two?
Understanding the different types of workspaces
What is a private office in coworking ?
A private office in coworking is a closed office, typically reserved for one person or a small team. It offers privacy, calm, and confidentiality, while providing access to the shared services of a coworking space. You can personalise your space, leave your belongings, have a designated desk, and work in complete peace.
What is an open space or shared space ?
The shared space or open space is an open environment where several workstations are available, often in a flexible office arrangement. You can set up where you want, when you want, in a dynamic setting. It is a friendly, flexible solution and generally less expensive. Ideal for freelancers or those who enjoy collaborating on a daily basis.
The advantages of a private office
1. Privacy and concentration
You need privacy, you often make sensitive client calls, or you have to manage confidential documents? A private office is clearly made for you. No eavesdroppers, no one passing behind you… just your space, for you.
2. Better soundproofing and acoustics
In a closed office, you often benefit from significantly better sound insulation than in an open-plan space. Less noise, fewer interruptions, more concentration. And for many, this is a real luxury on a daily basis.
3. Professional privacy for calls and meetings
You can organise a Zoom meeting, make business calls, discuss strategy with your partner… without disturbing or being disturbed. A significant advantage for professionals who need uninterrupted speaking time.
Private office: who is it the best option for ?
Freelancers needing confidentiality
Are you a lawyer, coach, therapist, or consultant? Do you handle sensitive data or need absolute quiet? A closed office is made for you. You establish your professional privacy and work at your own pace.
Small businesses and growing startups
From 2 to 4 employees, a private office becomes more cost-effective. You maintain team synergy without the constraints of shared office space. It’s also simpler for managing internal meetings.
Activities requiring confidential exchanges
Accounting, legal, human resources, or sensitive project management… as soon as confidentiality is at the heart of your activity, a closed office is a given.
The benefits of shared space
1. Friendliness and community spirit
Working in an open space means joining a community of professionals. You exchange ideas, find inspiration, and collaborate. The atmosphere is lighter, more relaxed, more human. You meet people and develop your professional network without even thinking about it.
2. Collaborative dynamics and exchanges
Need a helping hand? An opinion? You throw out an idea, and someone responds. Shared coworking fosters constant stimulation. It’s ideal for startups, creative independents, or freelancers who no longer want to work alone.
3. Flexibility and all-inclusive service
Shared spaces often operate with flexible contracts, short-term rentals, and everything is included: internet connection, access to meeting rooms, furniture, coffee, etc. No paperwork, no rigid commercial lease. You set down your laptop and get to work.
Shared space : who is it ideal for?
Freelancers, nomadic entrepreneurs, and remote workers
Do you want an affordable workspace in a lively location without worrying about managing a premises? The open space is perfect for mobile profiles and independents.
Startups seeking a community spirit
Do you want to exchange ideas, learn, and be inspired? The open space is brimming with human resources and potential synergies. It's ideal for a company that values exchange and adaptability.
Professionals looking to expand their network
Do you want to meet new people, create collaborations, participate in workshops or professional events? Shared coworking is an accelerator for professional relationships.
Criteria for choosing between a private office and an open space
Nature of professional activity
The type of activity you engage in strongly influences your choice. If you are one of those professionals who must handle confidential information, such as lawyers, coaches, consultants, or even writers dealing with sensitive content, a private office is highly recommended. It provides the necessary environment to work without interruption and with complete discretion.
On the other hand, if your daily routine involves creation, brainstorming, collaborative projects, or if you are part of a startup that thrives on a flurry of ideas, the open space is your ally. It allows for inspiration, quick exchanges with others, and fosters a true team spirit.
Need for confidentiality and quiet
Some individuals require absolute silence to concentrate. If you are one of those who "lose the thread" at the slightest noise, then a private office, with good sound insulation, is the environment you need. You can make client calls, hold meetings, or have video calls without worrying about the volume of your voice or that of others.
On the other hand, if you can concentrate despite the ambient background noise, the open plan office, especially when well designed, can also offer quieter areas, or even slightly isolated dedicated offices.
Networking and interactions
Coworking is also a lever for developing your network. If you want to meet people, expand your address book, chat at the coffee machine with a developer, a marketer, or a designer, then choose a shared space. There is often a strong community spirit, with regular events, shared lunches, and even professional workshops.
However, if you prefer to focus on your work without being disturbed, a private office allows you to maintain control over your relational environment while enjoying the community when you wish.
Focus on associated services
Bubble rooms and phone boxes for more privacy
Even in an open plan office, you can find your calm space thanks to bubble rooms and phone boxes. These soundproof booths are perfect for making a confidential call, holding a private meeting, or simply refocusing. It’s a good compromise for enjoying the shared atmosphere while having moments of silence.
On-demand meeting rooms
Most coworking spaces offer meeting rooms that you can book on demand. Whether you’re in a private office or an open-plan space, you can organise a professional meeting, a team briefing, or even a client presentation in a professional setting, often equipped with ergonomic furniture, a screen, a whiteboard, and a video conferencing system.
Relaxation areas to foster conviviality
Working is good. But taking a break is essential. The relaxation areas are designed for unwinding, exchanging ideas, or simply recharging your energy. Cosy lounges, sunny terraces, reading corners, or coffee spaces: here, you can build connections, break the routine, and humanise your workday.
The hybrid choice : mixing private and open spaces
Why opt for modular solutions ?
In professional life, nothing is set in stone. There are days when you need to attend confidential meetings back-to-back, others when you simply need to focus intensely on a project, and then there are those moments when you seek to exchange ideas, collaborate, or just share a coffee to clear your mind. This is where the hybrid model truly shines.
Choosing a formula that combines private offices and shared spaces is like having a wardrobe suited to all seasons. This solution is perfect for those who do not want to choose between tranquillity and dynamism, between useful isolation and a stimulating office life.
Flexibility in daily life according to needs
An unexpected client ? An important call ? A deadline to meet? No problem. With a hybrid offer, you can navigate between both worlds without constraints. In the morning, you can start in the open-plan office, soak up the group's energy, exchange a couple of ideas by the coffee machine… then move to your private office in the afternoon to finalise a quote or have a video call in complete tranquillity.
You are free to adjust your work pace. Want more silence? Head to the closed office. Need a boost or a social moment? Aim for the shared space. It’s a professional space à la carte, designed for those who do not want to sacrifice their comfort or productivity.
Conclusion
There is no universal answer. It all depends on your personality, your profession, and your needs. The private office provides you with concentration, confidentiality, and calm. The shared space, on the other hand, offers you friendliness, inspiration, and opportunities. And why not mix the two? The essential thing is that you feel good… to work better.
Q&A
Can you have a designated desk in a shared space ?
Yes, some coworking spaces offer fixed desks in the open-plan area. You find your desk each day.
What is the minimum duration to rent a private office in coworking ?
Generally, a minimum of 1 month. However, some spaces offer rentals by the week or by the day.
How to maintain confidentiality in an open-plan office ?
Utilise the phone boxes, noise-cancelling headphones, and choose quiet moments. And if necessary, rent a room on a temporary basis.
Is a private office always more expensive than an open-plan space ?
Generally speaking, yes. But it all depends on the location, the services included, and the duration of the rental.
What services are generally included in coworking spaces ?
Internet, coffee/tea, cleaning, furniture, meeting rooms, secure access, printer, and sometimes even professional events and activities.
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