Imagine a flexible and cost-effective way of running your practice. One in which you see patients on specific days and pay for expenses only on those days.
That is what a flexible workspace offers. And in this article, we’ll explore the advantages and drawbacks of flexible workspace for medical practices.
First, What is Flexible Workspace?
A flexible workspace involves sharing office space with other businesses. It’s similar to a co-working space, except that it offers more privacy.
Each business in a flexible workspace have a designated space or days to use the space. And there are shared spaces, such as patients’ waiting rooms, front desk offices, and restrooms.
For years, startups and small businesses have been using this shared workspace to cut costs and stay efficient. But can such a shared workspace work for a medical practice?
Well, flexible workspaces are becoming popular among individual and small medical practices, and can work in different ways.
A medical practice may use a flexible workspace to consult with patients at particular times or days, while another practice utilizes the same space on other days or times. Alternatively, they may run their practices on the same days at the flexible workspace but use different offices.
Benefits of Flexible Workspace for Medical Practices
Flexible workspace offers several benefits to medical practices, some of which are outlined below.
1. Save money on rent
In a flexible workspace, you only need to pay for the hours or days you use the office space. Also, you’ll be billed for only the number of rooms you use. For instance, if you use a single office to see patients twice a week, you’ll only need to pay rent for using the one office for two days.
2. Access to facilities
A flexible workspace can offer more than just an office space to see patients on specific days. You’ll also have access to other facilities needed to run your practice, such as patients’ waiting room and examination room.
3. Connect with other professionals
Flexible workspaces provide opportunities to network with other medical professionals. This can lead to new partnerships and collaborations. For instance, a general practitioner may refer patients to a physical therapist in the same shared workspace.
4. Reduce recruitment cost
Recruiting and paying staff to handle the admin work can be costly. Even if they only come in thrice a week. In a flexible workspace, you can share admin staff, such as assistants and front-desk officers, with other medical practices.
5. Focus on your patients
You won’t have to worry about managing operational problems like WIFI, electricity, heating, etc. All you have to do is decide your work hours or days and focus on providing excellent patient care.
Potential Downsides of Flexible Workspace for Medical Practices
While there are several benefits to flexible workspaces for medical practices, they are not without downsides, which include:
· Inability to personalize the workspace
You don’t have control over the design and décor of your office in a flexible workspace. Say you’re a pediatrician sharing the workspace with other practice specialties. You’d be unable to redesign the space to make it more child-friendly.
· Disruptions and distractions
With different medical practices sharing the same space, the noise level may cause disruptions and distractions. For instance, crying children that come to see the pediatrician may be a distraction to the other practices using the space at the same time.
· Privacy and security concerns
Medical practices need a high level of security as they handle sensitive information and patients’ personal data. Shared workspaces may not provide the level of privacy and security that a medical practice needs.
So, Can A Flexible Workspace Work for Your Medical Practices?
Yes, a flexible workspace can be a game-changer for your medical practices. Despite the potential downsides, it offers great benefits, especially to individual and small practices.
The key is carefully researching and choosing a flexible workspace that meets your needs. If you need help recruiting staff for a flexible workspace for your medical practice, contact us at RG Staffing.
