I'll Have the Cheesesteak, Tech Support on the Side
An interesting trend is wending its way through IT: coworking. Although "coworking" sounds like the name of a third-rate romantic comedy, it's anything but. Groups of remote IT workers, from the Pacific Northwest to the suburbs of Atlanta, have set up shop in local pubs and eateries with wi-fi access, essentially turning these establishments into make-shift offices that smell like last night's beer and chicken wings. Not sure about you, but nothing motivates me like the scent of barbecue in the morning.
It's an interesting concept, but one that draws forth several questions. These workers -- who muddle their way through database tweaks and software testing -- say the need to connect, in person, is what drew them to coworking. And as an added bonus, they're able to bounce work questions off one another, perhaps solving problems before the need to contact one of their real co-workers arises.
The benefits to your work and worklife of collaborating and socializing are obvious, but the concept throws up some red flags. For one, if you feel the need to work among other like-minded techies or writers and often need help with a project you're working on, why not simply go into the office? Perhaps of greater concern, what of bringing strangers inside the company's kimono? This might give your superiors heartburn. Is it Kosher to allow a person outside of your company to see what you're working on? I doubt there's any fodder for a technology espionage novel brewing in these places, but still, you can't be too careful.
I like the idea of coworking, especially if you're a business of one or if you live 600 miles from the main office. But I'm still a bit reluctant to test it. Probably because I'd end up sharing a two-top with this guy.
Do you buy into coworking? Let me know.
Comments? Complaints? Fallen and can't get up? Shoot me an e-mail at pat.burke@ziffdavisenterprise.com.
