Picture your average office and you probably see an old-fashioned, dusty space. Endless corridors with small, individual cubicles on either side. The odd yellow post-it here and there, but any real atmosphere is nowhere to be found. Not exactly motivating. Now throw in the nine-to-five mentality and you've got our worst nightmare. Luckily we're not the only ones who feel this way. So why go it alone when you can do it together?
Why coworking?
Back in the '90s, the term coworking was coined as a cure for the 'lonely work bubble'. And it worked; more and more entrepreneurs and their startups are teaming up under the roofs of all kinds of coworking spaces. And we're fans. Since 2016 we've been the proud 'residents' of a gorgeous work island in coworking space Launch Cafe, on the Herestraat in the heart of Groningen. And it goes way beyond your own office chair and a shared coffee machine.
Straight to work
“You walk in and really just have to flip open your laptop”
When you're hunting for a workspace, you naturally want to get cracking as fast as possible. A coworking space takes a load of chores off your hands straight away; there's a printer ready and waiting, lunch is sorted, and someone will even sign for your parcels. You walk in and really just have to flip open your laptop. On top of that there are no fixed check-in times, so you can start whenever you like. Very handy if you're not a morning person ;)
An inspiring community
A coworking space naturally comes with a community. You become part of an inspiring group of entrepreneurs specialising in all sorts of fields. Programmers, journalists, communications pros; something for everyone. Besides being the perfect place to dream up and build brilliant things, it's also ideal for bouncing ideas off one another. In the famous coffee corner, at the giant lunch table, or on one of the hipster Chesterfields.
Craving some privacy?
Thanks to the community, you're surrounded by good company all day long. Value your privacy a little more? You can always ask about a private space in the building. Alongside the regular spots, there are often enclosed offices you can kit out entirely to your own taste. You'll be able to work there in peace, but do bear in mind it comes with a heftier price tag.
Our very own island
“We work seriously hard, but laugh even harder”
KNALGEEL loves people. And especially their ideas. Which is exactly why our workplace matters: it makes us more positive, more creative and more productive. But there's no place like home; our island is still our favourite spot. With everyone within arm's reach, we can switch gears in a flash and work like a well-oiled machine. Every day we're joined by a spinning globe and our two-metre-tall office plant. We work seriously hard, but laugh even harder. And a good thing too, because when you love your workplace, you love your work even more.
Looking for a workplace where ideas get all the room they need? Or just fancy a good brainstorm? Pull up a chair on our island. Over a nice cup of coffee, we'd love to help you think it through.
Written by
KNALGEEL