Introduction
This statement will have you experiencing a brain-freeze similar to the one caused by quickly drinking a very icy and chilled slush. We put forth before you one of our out-of-the-box analogies- Cyber Cafes are the beginning of coworking spaces.
If you break down the concept of a coworking space to the basic digits, it’s a cyber cafe, in a way. Let us enlighten you with our theory for the same. A cyber cafe allows people to use their electronic devices like computer, printer, xerox machines and other stationery for whatever purpose necessary.These were started because back in the day, computers were not common in every household in India.
Resemblances
That being said, they indirectly also provide their customers a desk or a booth to carry out their work. Sounds much like coworking spaces renting out desks to their customers? Yes. Another uncanny resemblance is that these cyber cafes are a shared space, the customers use the computers and other services only as per their need. And so their resources are plenty enough for each customer and their requirements, just like at a coworking space.
Members of a coworking space like OurDesk in Khar, Mumbai follow this habit similar to that of cyber cafes. They utilise services/resources only pertaining to their necessities, resulting in every member benefiting from the services. For example, consumption of printers, coffee, restrooms, pantry and other such services.
Coworking spaces operate on renting their space based on a stipulated time period just like cyber cafes operate their booths on an hourly basis. All of these common features led us to link the evolution of coworking spaces to cyber cafes.
Differences
The only thing that has changed between now and then is electronic devices and style of work. Today, each household has either a personal computer or a laptop, reasoning in lowering the popularity of the cyber cafes. Style of work as most of us have witnessed in the last few years has drastically moved from being strictly work-on-site to work-from-home and coworking.
This means you don’t need to pay a cyber cafe on hourly basis to use their computer, rather work from your own device for however long you need to, a day, month or year. No restrictions on usage since it’s your personal device/device allotted to you by your workplace.
Booths here are replaced by desks which are more inclined towards providing space than that of a cyber cafe. One can also access the internet to perform various tasks rather than just surfing through the internet and getting printouts and cutouts. In a nutshell, coworking spaces are multipurpose while cyber cafes are mostly for surfing.
It also means not standing in long queues whilst waiting for your chance when the only ventilation available is a table fan or two. Coworking like OurDesk provides flexibility and comfort to its peak. Say bye to plastic chairs and say hello to ergonomic chairs, top-notch air conditioning and a positive work environment. Not to mention free WiFi and beverages!
Conclusion
This is why we believe coworking is an evolved version of cyber cafe. Earlier people rented computers for their work, today they have the devices but not the work environment they wish to have. And so coworking spaces come into picture. We provide you with various forms of work setups like flexi desks/meeting rooms/executive cabins/seminar hall to name a few. So, are Cyber Cafes a stepping stone for the modern day Coworking Spaces? Let us know your thoughts.
About OurDesk
OurDesk - A brand new 52-seater coworking space/reading room is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Located in Khar West, OurDesk is just a short walk from Khar railway station (300m) & near SV Road (75m). High-speed internet, ergonomic furniture & abundant natural light are on the house! We also have an on-site pantry & separate toilets for men/ women on the same floor. Flexible membership plans are offered to solopreneurs, freelancers, entrepreneurs, management consultants, chartered accountants, marketing agencies, small businesses, startups, and professionals seeking shared office space or a flexible workspace for remote work.
OurDesk is more than just a coworking space; we are an initiative of Mataji Rampyari Bai Trust, a registered not-for-profit organisation with a rich history of assisting members of the community for over 50+ years. Our commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the business community is driven by our longstanding mission to empower professionals like you. By choosing OurDesk, you not only gain access to a dynamic workspace but also contribute to the meaningful initiatives and support provided by the trust. Together, let's positively impact the business world while uplifting our community. Join us on this journey of empowerment and transformation.
To inquire:
Call: +91-88507-84440
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Email: hello.ourdesk@gmail.com
Click here to visit our website or here to visit our Instagram Profile.
Explore our modern office space in Khar West, Mumbai, conveniently situated near the Khar Train Station, offering location advantages for professionals seeking work-life balance in a community-driven space. Take advantage of our meeting rooms, hot desk options, dedicated desk setups, virtual office services, and business support offerings. Join us at OurDesk for networking events in a professional environment, and experience an affordable workspace designed to boost productivity and collaboration.
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