How Do I Choose a Coworking Space in 2023: Essential Factors to Consider

With the ever-growing popularity of coworking spaces, finding the perfect workspace for your business needs can be a challenging task. As remote work becomes the norm and more professionals turn to coworking spaces for their daily office environment, it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of “how do i choose a coworking space” for you. From different coworking space types to location and amenities, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider to achieve the perfect balance of productivity, comfort, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• Understand different coworking space options and prioritize essential features such as high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, private meeting rooms, and a conducive work environment.
• Consider location factors including proximity to public transport for increased convenience and accessibility.
• Ensure security measures are in place with CCTV surveillance systems & workspace locks with keyless access control for protection of belongings & data.

Understanding Different Coworking Space Options

Coworking spaces cater to various professionals, from freelancers to startups, and offer a diverse range of options to suit individual needs. The first step in finding the ideal workspace for yourself or your team involves examining the various coworking space options available, like hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices.

Hot Desks

Hot desks are a popular choice in coworking spaces for their cost-efficiency and flexibility. With no designated seating arrangement, hot desks operate on a first-come, first-served basis, promoting collaboration and an agile work style. Reliable coworking operators provide hot desk users with essential amenities, including:

• Open seating
• Power outlets
• Wi-Fi connection
• Clean restrooms
• Access to shared equipment

This option is perfect for the remote worker who enjoys a dynamic and collaborative environment while still maintaining a professional atmosphere.

Dedicated Desks

For those seeking a more consistent and private workspace, dedicated desks are the ideal choice. Equipped with partial walls between desks, they offer reduced visual distractions and a sense of personal space. Amenities typically include 24/7 access, access to common areas, business-grade internet, printers, and complimentary coffee and tea.

Dedicated desks cater to freelancers, startups, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and remote professionals who value having their own designated workspace within a shared office environment.

Private Offices

When the highest level of privacy is required, private offices are the best option. Offering a sense of seclusion and ample storage for physical documents and materials, private offices cater to businesses with more specific needs. Coworking spaces that offer private offices typically provide:

• Fixed seating arrangements
• Access to meeting rooms
• Printers
• High-speed internet
• 24/7 access

This option is perfect for businesses that require confidentiality and a more controlled environment.

Location Matters

The location of the right coworking space greatly influences your choice. The ease of access for you, your team, and potential clients can significantly impact your overall experience and success. It’s important to consider factors such as proximity to public transport, availability of nearby parking, and the characteristics of the surrounding area when evaluating your options.

Proximity to Public Transport

Proximity to public transport greatly enhances commuting convenience for both employees and clients. Employees benefit from increased accessibility, flexibility in their daily commute, and reduced carbon footprints by relying on public transportation instead of private vehicles. Moreover, choosing a coworking space near public transport options broadens the potential pool of members and makes the space more accessible to those who rely on public transportation for their daily commute. Ideally, a coworking space should be located within 500 meters of public transport.

Amenities and Services

Nearby amenities and services contribute to a convenient and enjoyable work environment. Some amenities that can boost the overall experience for coworking space users include:

• High-speed internet
• Meeting rooms
• Communal kitchens
• Ergonomic furniture
• Leafy roof terraces
• Sleep pods
• Coffee shops
• Gyms
• Event spaces
• Restaurants

These amenities create a conducive and comfortable atmosphere for work, foster productivity, and offer opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Client Accessibility

When choosing a coworking space, the ease of access for clients should be taken into account, especially for businesses that require frequent client meetings or visits. Factors to consider include:

• Location
• Transportation options
• Parking availability
• Building access
• Amenities provided
• Contract options

All of these factors can impact the accessibility of a coworking space for clients.

Coworking spaces that prioritize client accessibility can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Creating a professional environment
• Enhancing user experience
• Increasing market reach
• Improving reputation
• Ensuring compliance with legal requirements
• Promoting innovation and creativity.

Evaluating Amenities and Perks

It’s worth assessing the available amenities and perks when selecting a coworking space, such as meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and networking events. These factors can help you determine if the space meets your individual or team requirements and can contribute to a successful and productive work experience.

Meeting Room Availability

For businesses that often host team meetings or client presentations, the availability of meeting rooms is a key factor. They provide privacy, confidentiality, and a professional atmosphere for collaboration and teamwork. Coworking spaces can ensure efficient use of meeting rooms by raising awareness, introducing a reservation system, providing flexible scheduling, setting out clear guidelines, incorporating technology, and carrying out regular maintenance.

When selecting a meeting room in a coworking space, consider factors such as:

• Desk space
• Wi-Fi
• Quiet hours
• Stylish and comfortable furniture
• Inspiring artwork
• Access to printing and scanning services

High-Speed Internet and IT Infrastructure

For productivity and data security, dependable high-speed internet and IT infrastructure are paramount. A coworking space with a stable internet connection ensures smooth communication and efficient workflow.

The minimum internet speed requirement for professional tasks such as video conferencing or downloading large files is 1 Mbps upload speed per person. To assess the actual internet speed in a coworking space, consider using tools like the Ookla Speedtest, which offers a user-friendly and reliable broadband speed test.

Networking and Community Events

Networking and community events significantly enhance collaboration, learning, and business growth. Participating in these events can lead to:

• Forming connections and collaborations
• Providing peer support and advice
• Enhancing productivity and creativity
• Honing skills
• Increasing marketing and visibility

Coworking spaces often organize networking events, workshops, and meetups to provide members with opportunities to connect and build valuable business relationships, ultimately contributing to the success of the coworking community.

Balancing Budget and Requirements

When selecting a coworking space, it’s critical to strike a balance between budget and requirements. Setting a realistic budget, prioritizing essential features, and considering flexible membership plans can help you find the ideal coworking space that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Setting a Realistic Budget

It’s important to establish a budget that aligns with your preferred location, amenities, and workspace type when selecting a coworking space. The average cost of coworking spaces varies based on location and amenities, with limited-access memberships starting at approximately $200 to $300 per month and dedicated desks or private offices costing up to $600 or more.

It’s important to be aware of the impact of location on the cost of coworking spaces, as a central location, city, neighborhood, and access to transportation hubs or business districts can all influence pricing.

Prioritizing Essential Features

It’s crucial to give precedence to essential features when selecting a coworking space and be willing to compromise on less important amenities if necessary. Some essential features for optimal productivity in a coworking space include:

• High-speed internet
• Ergonomic furniture
• Private meeting rooms
• A conducive work environment

Supplementary amenities, such as fitness studios and shower rooms, can be considered a bonus, but should not overshadow the importance of the essential features.

Flexible Membership Plans

Flexible membership plans can help you save money and adapt to changing needs. Coworking spaces offer a range of membership plans that can be tailored to suit individual requirements and preferences, such as:

• Hot desk membership plans
• Dedicated desk membership plans
• Private office membership plans
• Weekend or hourly membership plans

Customizable plans, where members can choose specific services or amenities to be included in their membership, provide even greater flexibility.

Assessing Workspace Atmosphere

Evaluating the atmosphere of the workspace plays a pivotal role in selecting the suitable coworking space. Factors such as office aesthetics, community, and privacy levels can impact your overall experience and satisfaction.

Finding a space that aligns with your preferences and promotes a productive, comfortable, and inspiring ambiance is crucial.

Office Aesthetics and Ambience

Office aesthetics and ambience can greatly impact productivity and overall satisfaction in an office environment. A thoughtfully-designed workspace with modern furniture, inspiring artwork, and ample natural light can boost employee satisfaction, increase productivity, and leave a positive impression for clients and visitors. Natural elements, such as plants, water features, and natural light, can create a tranquil and productive office atmosphere in a workspace.

Proper lighting, heating/cooling, healthy humidity and CO2 levels, soundproofing, and good air quality should also be taken into consideration when evaluating office aesthetics and ambience.

Community and Collaboration

A strong community and collaborative environment can foster creativity and networking opportunities in a coworking space. Some benefits of collaboration in this environment include:

• Encouraging creativity
• Promoting innovative thinking
• Providing a platform for knowledge sharing
• Facilitating networking opportunities

Coworking spaces that emphasize community building and provide a platform for members to interact and collaborate can contribute to a more engaging and productive work experience, making them the best coworking spaces among the many coworking spaces available. In fact, most coworking spaces strive to create such an environment to attract more members.

Privacy Levels

Privacy levels vary depending on the type of coworking space and individual preferences. Some people may prefer a more open and collaborative environment, while others may require a higher degree of privacy for focused work or sensitive projects. When evaluating privacy levels, consider factors such as:

• Private meeting rooms
• Breakout zones
• Lounge areas
• Soundproofing or acoustic treatments
• Privacy screens or dividers between workstations

Scalability and Future Growth

When choosing a coworking space, both scalability and potential for future growth should be carefully weighed. As your business grows and evolves, your workspace needs may change. It’s crucial to select a coworking space that offers expansion possibilities and flexible lease terms to accommodate your growing team and changing requirements.

Expansion Possibilities

Choose a coworking space that can accommodate your growing team and changing business needs. Consider the following factors:

• The average size of coworking spaces in major cities varies, but in North America, the average size is around 9,799 square feet with an average capacity of 100 people.
• Evaluate whether the coworking space can accommodate future growth.
• Check if there are possibilities to extend the workspace if required.

Flexibility of Lease Terms

Flexible lease terms allow you to adapt to evolving business plans and requirements. Coworking spaces typically offer month-to-month agreements, short-term leases, and customizable lease options. This flexibility allows businesses to respond to market conditions, scale up or down as necessary, and make informed decisions that support their evolving business plans.

Security and Safety Measures

In the selection of a coworking space, factors like security and safety measures, including CCTV surveillance and workspace locks, hold importance. Ensuring the protection of the workspace and its occupants is essential for a safe and productive work environment.

CCTV Surveillance and Workspace Locks

Adequate security measures are vital in protecting personal belongings and sensitive information in a coworking space. CCTV surveillance systems and workspace locks can help to deter theft and unauthorized access, as well as provide a record of activity in the space.

Smart locks, which provide keyless access control and can be quickly set up and installed, are commonly used in coworking spaces.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness, such as fire safety and evacuation plans, is essential for a safe work environment. Coworking spaces should have:

• Well-defined emergency plans
• Worker training
• Emergency equipment
• Regular review and updating of emergency plans

Ensuring that proper fire and safety systems are in place can minimize potential risks, protect lives, and minimize damage to property.

Summary

In conclusion, selecting the right coworking space for your needs involves considering various factors such as different coworking space options, location, amenities, budget, workspace atmosphere, scalability, and security measures. By carefully evaluating each aspect and finding the perfect balance, you can create a productive, comfortable, and inspiring work environment that fosters growth and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to consider when choosing a coworking space?

When choosing your co-working space, it's important to take into consideration the location and accessibility, amenities and facilities, culture, membership prices and budget, and flexibility. All of these elements will help you to determine the ideal workspace for you.

What makes the best coworking space?

The best coworking spaces offer amenities and benefits, such as natural light, varied seating arrangements, and inspiring wall art, while providing the right financial commitment, hours of access, networking options, security, work environment, and other colleagues.

What are the disadvantages of coworking spaces?

Coworking spaces can have several disadvantages such as decreased efficiency, lack of confidentiality, inadequate telecommunications network, expensive and unprofitable, reduced productivity, lack of privacy, and opening hours. They may also be noisy and distracting with limited opportunities for quiet and confidential conversations.

How do you plan a coworking space?

Define your vision, solve a specific problem, define your space, list your business goals, and pick your team to create a successful coworking space business plan.

What are the main types of coworking spaces available?

The main types of coworking spaces available are hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices.