Why the “Third Workplace” is the Future of Work
Work from home has become the norm over the last few years. And while some people are returning to their offices post-pandemic, many others will continue to work remotely.
A lot of remote workers, along with entrepreneurs and self-employed people, are getting tired of their houses or apartments. Sure, it’s nice to have quick access to your kitchen and avoid the commute, but productivity and focus can seriously suffer.
Enter: the third workplace. This is any place besides the office and your home where you can get to work.
And, it’s quickly becoming the norm. The third workplace is the future of work—let’s explore what it’s all about.
What is “the third workplace?”
The third workplace could be in your hometown or close to your company’s location. But, it could also be in another city or country! Some examples or third workplaces include:
- Coffee shops or restaurants.
- Local community centers or libraries.
- Flexible offices or coworking spaces.
- Hotels and conference rooms.
As long as you have a computer and WiFi, you can work from just about anywhere! But not all third workplaces are created equal. Some are noisy and distracting, or you can’t stay very long. Others are built specifically for a quiet, productive work environment.
Benefits of the third workplace
Working from home or the office both have their own challenges. Do any of these scenarios sound familiar?
- Children, roommates, and pets interrupt work from home.
- Noisy workplace environments with colleagues pulling you out of deep, focused work to attend another meeting.
- Chores and personal tasks at home keep you from truly separating home and work.
- Loneliness and isolation away from colleagues and friends.
A new solution is in order. There are tons of benefits of the third workplace:
- Getting physically out of the house helps you develop work-life balance.
- Opportunities for networking and socializing as a remote worker.
- Distraction-free environments are made for busy professionals.
- Office needs like mail services or meeting rooms for those without office space.
- Boosted creativity and inspiration by going somewhere new!
The third workplace can make a huge difference in productivity and work-life balance for remote workers.
Choosing your third workplace
You probably already have a third workplace, TBH. When you “just need to get out of the house,” where do you go? Maybe to the local coffee shop or cafe down the street. And while it is sufficient for a few hours of work, it’s not ideal for focus and putting in a full day’s work.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right third workplace. Axios reports on the rise of third workplaces across the country. Examples include:
- Hotels offering workspaces in their conference or meeting rooms.
- Dinner-only restaurants opening up during the day for professionals to work in.
These options are ideal for a day’s work. You can have access to a quiet environment, internet, and—if you’re lucky—unlimited coffee!
Coworking spaces are another option as a third workplace. Coworking spaces have a long history and are designed for working professionals. They offer all the necessities: office supplies and services, meeting or conference rooms, and other like-minded professionals to network with.
Flexibility is an important feature of any third workplace. Coworking spaces offer a variety of options and monthly memberships, so you can easily come and go as you would your home or office.
The Future of Work
The pandemic shifted how we do work. We thought the move out of offices would be temporary, but it’s here to stay. Employees aren’t going back to the office, but they’re not staying at home either. There are more options than your kitchen table or makeshift home office. One of the best ways for remote workers to waste less time and maximize the workday is to get out of your house and go somewhere new! The third workplace is a way to do just that. It’s a solution that truly works in 2022 and beyond.
If you’re looking for your own “third workplace,” book a tour of Co-Balt today.
