ARLINGTON ADVOCATE

Shared workspace should be encouraged

Staff Writer
Wicked Local

There’s a saying that two minds are better than one. We would say not only is that true, but the more minds that are brought to bear on a problem, the better the chances are that an innovative solution will be developed.

So we would like to congratulate Arlington officials, including Economic Developer Ted Fields, for trying to encourage the creation of shared workspaces here in town.

Small startups, or perhaps even one person with a great idea, could rent space alongside other small startups or one-person entrepreneurs, benefitting from being able to use professional meeting space, having office equipment available and, best of all, networking with others and sharing ideas.

A person or a team of people would act as the tenant and deal with the landlord, and then charge the individuals and small companies individually for the space they need.

Nearby Cambridge has already benefitted from incubators and shared workspace, and this is an ideal time for Arlington to encourage landlords to consider making space for budding entrepreneurs.

One need only stop by Kickstand Café or Starbucks on any given weekday to see just how many people are choosing to work around other people instead of staying home. The company of others, experts tell us, is often what brings people to these spaces. A few desks and air conditioning available for rent on the cheap may be all that’s needed for a successful shared workspace.

If this is what they want, Arlington’s home office entrepreneurs should make their presence known and join town leadership in urging property owners to consider leasing collaborative workspace. While having planning committees set goals is important, experts have said successful shared spaces start with home workers themselves getting organized.

It has the potential to boost the local economy by providing budding business owners an inexpensive alternative to working from home. Business owners could work from a professional space when they need to and also have a professional meeting space, adding to their credibility.

Also, moving more startups out of living rooms and into Arlington Center or other areas with space to fill can be a boon to local restaurants and stores, as so many of them would be within walking distance of new offices.

Because the spaces provide flexibility regarding the amount of space available andhow long the spaces can be rented, they are very attractive to businesses and individuals starting out.

With a strong knowledge-based economy in the Boston-Cambridge area, Arlington would be a natural extension of the concentration of technology and/or artistic based entrepreneurship that has firmly embedded itself in those nearby cities.

As the Master Plan progresses, it will likely include zoning changes that may easier to start such a space, and grants are also available to fund new collaborative spaces.

It would also provide a side benefit, allowing them to use fewer resources, both in the office by sharing the amenities and by allowing them to work close to home so they use less transportation and energy resources.

So, we encourage landlords to think seriously considering a use such as a shared working space and we thank town officials for looking to the future and encouraging new ways of bringing businesses to town.