For those of us born in the last millennium, we have seen pretty significant transformations in the ways in which it’s possible to make a living. Thanks to the reliable and ever-present level of digital connectedness, many people are able to work remotely. While obviously this has been possible for many years now, it has been exacerbated due to the COVID19 pandemic with many people from a range of industries shifting to working anywhere with a wifi connection.
Technology platforms have been key to making the modern remote-work landscape possible. Tools like cloud storage and computing, communication platforms, and efficient project management tools have not only made it all possible, but in some cases increased productivity and peoples’ overall well-being.
On the other hand, a common stumbling block many remote workers face is the problems associated with always working at home. It could be distractions like kids, pets, or other responsibilities that interrupt focus. More sociable personalities may get lonely with limited in-person interactions and none of the “water cooler talk” that is found in an office environment.
Coworking Space | Cr: Shridhar Gupta
One popular solution which solves some of these problems is coworking spaces. These shared spaces vary greatly in form and function. All around the world there are cafes that use “coworking space” as a buzzword to attract customers when in reality it’s simply a coffee shop with a printer. On the other end of the spectrum are the corporate chain commercial coworking spaces which are basically a shared commercial space of workers from unrelated companies or industries. This communal approach shares the costs associated with rent, office equipment, and other expenses enabling people to have access to better resources for less money than if they were on their own. It also provides other networking opportunities and necessary human interaction.
Coworking spaces have been around for years in other places, but it’s a more recent phenomenon in Phuket. Many people were, and still are, happy to just make the rounds loitering at coffee shops with a laptop. On the other hand, coworking spaces are a great option for many remote workers.
Here are a few coworking options that can be found across the island.
BAYACO Coworking Space Phuket
BAYACO Coworking Space Phuket
Located along Chao Fa West across from Central Festival, BAYACO has plenty of floor space and rooms to meet most coworking needs. From small tables to conference rooms capable of hosting 100 people, you likely don’t have to worry about running out of space. There is a nice atmosphere and it is more office than cafe vibe which is good for some.
They have many private meeting rooms of varying sizes with whiteboards, fast wifi, free tea and coffee, clean facilities, very attractive prices, and perhaps the most important feature of all…a ping pong table.
Let’s Work
Cr: Facebook Let's Work - Phuket
For the southerners of the island, you can get your coworking on at this great spot right along the Rawai beach road. Here you’ll find much less space than BAYACO but more stylish beach vibes, a seaview, and the basics necessary for getting some work done like super fast wifi, good coffee and snacks, and a conference room. They offer hourly, daily, monthly, and membership options and other perks like helping you arrange a rental car or weekend trip.
Grind Time Co-Workspace & Cafe
Cr: Google my business Grind Time Co-Workspace & Cafe
A little north of Chalong circle on Chao Fa East is where you’ll find this Google-style coworking space. Grind Time ticks a lot of boxes that a modern remote worker/digital nomad may find desirable. They have car and motorbike parking, free coffee/tea/snacks, private offices, meeting rooms, phone booths, and more. They’ve divided it up into three areas for fun, networking, and “grinding it out”. One distinct mega bonus for those working on the other side of the world is that they offer 24-hour security card access.
Those are just a few of the coworking options available now around Phuket. If coworking is your jam, there will inevitably be more of these spaces opening up soon.