Celebrated in June each year, National Freelancers Day is a time to reflect and observe the incredible contributions of freelancers to the economy in today’s workforce. These independent professionals offer specialised services, drive innovation across a range of sectors, and represent the exciting future of work in the 21st century.
In the wake of COVID-19, the demand for coworking and flexible working spaces has soared. Professionals are seeking structure, community, and essential resources all under one roof. By the end of 2024, the total number of flex spaces across the UK and Ireland exceeded 3,000, revealing the growing preference for agile, cost-effective workspace solutions.
At Old Street WorkRooms, we proudly support the freelancer community with our thriving coworking space, which provides members with the foundations to grow their business, connect with others, and maintain a healthy work life balance.
In this article, we explore our top tips for helping freelancers to thrive.
The Power of a Professional Space
With hybrid work now the norm, coworking spaces demonstrate a vital link in the new workplace ecosystem, blending the best of home, office, and collaborative environments. By supporting freelancers, startup businesses and entrepreneurs, coworking spaces offer an environment where professionals can focus, connect, and grow.
Large coworking and shared spaces can also be used at a fraction of the cost of renting larger, traditional office buildings and feature a mix of open areas, hot desking, private meeting rooms, and serviced offices, with the potential to scale.
Whether you are looking for a space for regular meetings, conducting interviews, or simply completing individual work in private, coworking spaces offer the perfect middle ground between home and traditional offices, balancing affordability with flexibility.
Set a Boundary Between Home and Work
Freelancers often struggle to maintain focus at home, where a multitude of distractions can blur the line between their work and personal life.
A coworking space provides a level of routine and structure, offering a refreshing change of environment that helps those mentally transition into ‘work mode’ each day. This shift boosts output, sharpens attention, and encourages a healthier routine.
Design Your Day Like a Pro
Planning your day within a coworking space enables more efficient time-blocking. With fewer distractions and defined areas for different tasks, freelancers can prioritise their most important work, plan meetings around important tasks, use quiet zones for concentration, and still take necessary breaks – all within a structured, productivity-driven setting
Building a Business Network
One of the most powerful advantages of coworking spaces is the community they cultivate. In a shared workspace, freelancers can organically expand their networks. By regularly interacting with those on a similar journey, our coworking members can create lasting business partnerships or friendships.
Significantly, coworking spaces often bring together people with shared interests or complementary goals, which can open doors to collaboration, mentorship, and even new business ventures.
Use Communal Areas to Connect
Using a coworking space brings together solo workers, teams, and businesses made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultural values, and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry.
By using a coworking space, you can expand your social network and join a welcoming community that can help you form meaningful, lifelong connections. Meeting others with similar schedules can also help coworkers to build social bonds and can often lead to valuable connections and shared ideas that might not happen working alone at home.
Attend Onsite Events or Workshops
Flexible coworking spaces can be used to host community events and social activities, helping freelancers feel more engaged and supported. From professional workshops to casual breakfasts and social events, these networking opportunities can enhance your professional life, job opportunities and provide a welcome break from solo work; it could even lead to further business opportunities that can help you to stay connected, learn new skills, and grow your career.
Impressing Clients
For those looking to make a professional impression, coworking spaces offer a polished, convenient alternative to coffee shops or home offices. Our meeting rooms are equipped with everything from whiteboards and screens to soundproofing and high-speed internet. Booking is often quick and easy, allowing you to focus on your meeting, not the logistics!
Private offices are another key asset. When deep focus or confidentiality is required, such as during video calls, strategic planning sessions, or client consultations, our quiet, secure spaces provide the perfect setting.
Book Meeting Rooms to Look More Professional
Clients notice the difference when you host them in a clean, thoughtfully designed meeting space. It shows you’re serious, organised, and prepared – qualities that build trust and credibility.
Leverage Private Offices for Deep Work
Whether you’re conducting an interview or finalising a client deliverable, a quiet space ensures quality output and peace of mind.
Wellness & Balance in Freelance Life
The most successful coworking spaces focus heavily on the health and wellbeing of their members. Increasingly designed with wellness in mind, coworking spaces feature areas that encourage rest, recharge, and social interaction. From a kitchen stocked with healthy snacks, a chill-out lounge, to access to outdoor spaces, such as our sunny rooftop terrace, these environments promote positive physical and mental wellbeing.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks during the day can improve your focus and prevent burnout.
Step away from your desk, clear your mind, and return to work feeling refreshed.
Don’t Eat Lunch Alone
Instead of eating at your desk or in isolation, consider joining others for a meal or coffee. This can become a simple but powerful routine that combats loneliness and can lead to lasting friendships and collaborations.
Choose the Right Coworking Space for You
As you explore coworking options, consider what truly supports your freelance lifestyle. Look for spaces that offer natural light, comfortable seating, and calming environments, a far cry from the harsh lighting and cramped cubicles of outdated offices. Convenient locations with 24hr access, as well as access to outdoor spaces and great transport links, can also make daily routines easier and more enjoyable.
A well-stocked kitchen, excellent Wi-Fi, reliable services, and designated zones for quiet work or social interaction also contribute to a productive and enjoyable experience. At Old Street WorkRooms, our coworking spaces place a strong focus on community, wellness, and professional development, creating the ideal setting for freelancers to flourish.
Celebrate National Freelancers Day with Us
This National Freelancers Day, experience a coworking space designed with your success in mind. Whether you’re seeking a productive place to work, opportunities to connect, or a supportive community, come and see what makes our space special.
Drop by for a tour and discover how the right coworking space can transform your working environment today!