Perspectives on the Future of Work: July 18

Upwork’s weekly column brings you the latest news on hiring and working with freelancers, freelancing, and the future of work.

Fast Company | Are Empty High-End Restaurants The Next Coworking Trend?

In metropolitan areas with large freelance and entrepreneurial communities, the creation of dedicated coworking spaces has been a growing trend that gives individuals an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment and share resources. Much like the rapid growth we’ve seen in the freelance workforce in recent years, coworking continues to evolve in interesting ways, too, freelancer Susan Johnston Taylor reports.

To save money and make better use of building resources, some entrepreneurs are experimenting with a new approach by adapt existing spaces for use as functional coworking environments. Their prime target? Restaurants and cafes—during non-business hours.

“Having a place that’s relaxed and comfortable is very good for creative type work,” said CoworkCafe co-founder David James. “There’s a certain feeling that you get in a place like this you can’t get in an office-type building. They really love the feeling of the space; they don’t want to be in a traditional office setting.”

Working in a creative environment with ambiance and a unique vibe that’s very different from typical office culture is one benefit, writes Taylor, but these arrangements also utilize existing furniture, tables, and shared resources for a cost savings, too. And there are other perks to partnering with restaurants.

“There’s a different mood when you leave your home office versus a restaurant,” said NYC content strategist Angela Pham. “I can either leave when I’m done with my work or I have a choice of staying for happy hour. It doesn’t feel like I’ve left a long workday.”

Freelancers Union | Take an “Alterna-cation”

Lamenting the quick passing of summer’s warm rays and those fleeting opportunities to enjoy being outdoors can be a common complaint for freelancers who find themselves swamped with work. When going on a fancier getaway for some much-needed R&R isn’t a realistic option, creative entrepreneur Mica Scalin says taking an “alterna-cation” might be your next best option.

“Taking intentional time off from your day-to-day affairs could be the most important thing you invest in all year–and for creative professionals all the more so,” said Scalin, citing scientific studies that underscore the positive impact vacation time can have on your overall health, wellness, and productivity levels.

“Beyond that, for creative freelancers, the opportunity for off-task thinking and self-reflection that vacations provide is key to generating the new perspectives that keep your work fresh.”

Scalin suggests not putting off taking time for yourself and offers a few recommended options to consider as alternatives to a more traditional vacation, including:

1. Day-cation. Try taking one day a week off to unwind completely. If that’s too frequent to fit your schedule, once a month is also a good starting point.
2. Stay-cation. Invite an out-of-town friend to visit and unwind with them by showing them unique sites, restaurants, and local hotspots.
3. Health-cation. Spend a week taking time to tend to your health and wellbeing, whether that means exercise, yoga, a spa, or some other body and mind energizing activity.

What changes have you noticed in the way we work? Tell us about them in the comments below!

The post Perspectives on the Future of Work: July 18 appeared first on Upwork Blog.

from Upwork Blog http://ift.tt/29PuMrJ