Since the pandemic hit, homeworking has been the daily routine for many of us. And even know that some employers are asking their employees to come back to work, others give us the possibility to choose for ourselves. Do we go back? Or do we stay home? Let’s be honest, before Covid-19 we would’ve all been dying to work from home. It seemed like the ultimate goal, the ultimate luxury. Yet know, about 1,5 years later, we’re not so sure anymore.
Of course there are a lot of positives when it comes to working from home. You don’t have to get up early to commute, you can spend the whole day in tracksuit bottoms and you can sneakily squeeze in some household chores in between your professional to do’s. All in all, it saves you time and effort, that’s for sure. But there’s a downside to it all too. Our social contacts took a big hit when we didn’t have to go into work anymore. And if you’re one of those people who don’t like their colleagues, this might seem like a good thing at first, yet talking to yourself starts to get old quite soon.
Just like with everything in life, there are multiple solutions to the problem. This wasn’t especially the case when we were in full lockdown but now there’s nothing holding us back anymore to go out there and leave our home office for a bit. Maybe you regularly work from home with friends who do the same, organizing a mini office in your living room. Maybe you find your social contacts in your free time, taking drawing lessons or yoga classes. Or maybe you’ve decided to exchange your ‘normal’ office for a coworking place, where you can connect with other people and even do some networking. And honestly, while doing so, why not choose a stunning place to work from? These five coworking places definitely deserve a visit.
We’re starting off at this Fosbury & Sons location in Brussels. The modernist architectural landmark by Constantin Brodzki definitely won’t leave you indifferent. The concrete façade is made out of 756 prefab convex oval modules, with windows made from orange tinted glass. Honestly, it looks from something out of this world. And of course, the interior is completely in line with the aesthetic exterior too. From the chairs to the plants and the food, everything is just a pleasure to look at. When can we move in please?
1. Le 10h10 Coworking Café Paris
Are you one of those people who gets a lot of work done when you’re working in a café? Then Le 10h10 in Paris will be just your cup of tea. Their two branches are set up just like any other café yet with just enough tweaks to make your work a bit easier. Think power outlets, fast wi-fi, free coffee and tea… It’s all in the details guys. Oh and of course, doing some work and then going for a drink in the city of love? Life could be worse.
2. Knackeriet Coworking Space & Member’s Club Stockholm
When it comes to designing interiors and, by extension, work spaces, Scandinavians seem to have some kind of innate advantage. Therefore, it doesn’t exactly come as a surprise that Knackeriet in Stockholm has a very relaxed yet aesthetically pleasing vibe. Earlier this year, it was even elected the best coworking space in Stockholm by SurfOffice. Apart from the place itself, we can’t deny the fact that we’re a bit jealous of all their team outings (skiing and kayaking, just to name a few).
3. Village Underground coworking Lisbon
When you know that Forbes has pointed towards Village Underground as one of the most disruptive coworking spaces in the world, you know this will be something different. The coworking spaces are actually housed in old shipping containers, while two double-deckers have been turned into a restaurant and conference room. And during your breaks, you can go all wild on the skating ramp on-site. A place fit for creatives, that’s for sure.
4. A Lab Amsterdam
Are you seeing things big? And do you want an easily reachable space because you prefer taking the public transportations? A Lab Amsterdam fits all the cases. Located just in front of the central station in Amsterdam and housing more than 300 members, this place is perfect for a bit of networking. When it comes to bigger meeting rooms, they’ve got something for everyone, whether you want to organize a yoga class or a creative brainstorm session. Let loose that productivity.