From Fortune 500s to fledgling startups, businesses of all shapes and sizes are evolving to meet new coworking dynamics and expectations. Gone are the days of the partitioned cubicles with those generic motivational poster hanging everywhere. At the same time, the counterpunch, wide-open collaborative office model has been largely rejected as equally unproductive. So where does that leave workspaces in 2017?

Is the Open-Office Already Dead?

While other countries have long embraced the idea of an “open-office,” a space devoid of cubicles and closed doors, they’ve only been prevalent in the States for the past 10 to 15 years.  It seems like we’ve swung to the complete opposite end of the design spectrum to the open-office layout, which sounds great in theory: They foster collaboration, decrease feelings of isolation, and generally promote a more relaxed and productive atmosphere.

However, a quick Google search yields hundreds of results declaring the open-office is dead. But why? If we don’t want to be stuck in cubicles all day, doesn’t an open-office model make sense? As it turns out, not really. Studies have found that sharing an office space with coworkers can lead to a decrease in productivity due to more distractions and noise, wider-spread sickness, and a feeling of a lack of privacy amongst employees.

So what now? Back to those silent, drab cubicles? Hardly. Prepare for the age of the creative coworking space.

What is a Coworking Space?

Many companies are moving to a true coworking model, one that equally accounts for collaboration and focus. Coworking might sound like the same thing as an open-office, but that’s not the case. A true coworking space offers the best of both worlds. There are open, communal areas perfect for collaboration, but there are also designated work areas when you need to knuckle down and finish a project.

In fact, research indicates that a combination of communal and private working space strikes the perfect balance. According to a 2013 study by Gensler, on average, employees prefer to split their work time in half between independence and coworking. In a true coworking space, you have this option.

Perhaps the greatest aspect of a true coworking space is the mutual understanding that open spaces encourage talking and collaboration, while privacy and focus are just a closed door away. Everyone knows these “rules” and respects the environment.

Coworking+

The workplace is an ecosystem in its own right. There needs to be a balance that keeps it running smoothly and efficiently. Traditional offices have taught us that total isolation and silence may not lead to the highest employee morale. On the other hand, the trendy open office turns into a free-for-all.

The solution? The best of both worlds. Maintain the perfect symbiosis in one of Pittsburgh’s coworking spaces. Whether you’re an established business looking for a unique satellite location or newcomers looking to maximize your productivity at the office, Ascender’s 4, 6 and 8-person office spaces are the solution. Close the door and get to work with your team, or enjoy the open areas of our our sprawling workspace for a more relaxed feel.

But it doesn’t stop there. On top of your flexible workspace, you’ll have full access to our kitchen with all the coffee and tea you can drink as well as super-high speed internet, and presentation equipment. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from and share with energetic entrepreneurs incubating at Ascender. All in the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End.

Interested in learning more? Come see our space: