You want to cut operational costs? Is the commuting time too long to the office? Do you want to work in an office and interact and meet other like-minded people? Whatever the reason is why you want to work from a coworking space, you now must be wondering which factors you should consider before choosing one. Below, we've outlined key considerations to guide your decision-making process.
Type of Workspace
Photo: Innospace - Tirana, Albania
A terrace like this one would be nice. But by type of workspace we mean the space and environment that suits your work and team needs. In general, coworking spaces offer the following: hot desks, fixed desks, and private offices.
Hot desks
Perfect for those who travel light, these workstations are usually available on a first-come-first served basis. Basically, good for anyone with much flexibility. Even if you are not traveling every week, this is a good option if you only want to work from a coworking space from one to eight days per month. So if you want to switch up your view, get the stimulation that comes from different environments, meet different people every time, or just explore the coworking spaces in your city, this is an ideal choice - all you need is a laptop. But if you have never been there before, we have prepared a list with items to bring to a coworking space to make the best out of it!
Fixed or dedicated desks
For those who want to have their own spot at all times - guaranteed.
Private offices
Perfect for those needing complete privacy as well as lots of space for physical files and folders, private offices may be the best option even though they tend to be more costly. Some coworking spaces even offer private offices for just one person! For more insight, have a look at our post on how coworking spaces can save costs - and jobs.
In the end, there is no one size fits all. You can have a mix of the three of them. For example, if your start-up has 15 employees and only some of them want to go every day to the office, you can rent a private office for that amount of people. The rest of the team who likes working from home can opt to choose hot desks at the coworking space to meet the team in the office. For more perspective on this, you can explore our Startup Success Guide: Leveraging Coworking and Flexible Workspaces for Rapid Growth here.
Photo: Pexels
Only one day per week working from home, office everyday or flexibly choosing the days to work in a coworking space. Whatever your routine looks like, choosing a good location is very important when choosing a coworking space. So the right location will not only help you avoid a long commute, but will make it convenient in other aspects too. For example, consider choosing a space which is located close to where you hold meetings with clients, near your child's daycare center, or simply a space surrounded by multiple restaurants.
Cost
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By utilizing coworking spaces, you can save yourself a great deal of money and time. Maintenance fees, IT support needs, power backup measures, air conditioning costs and furniture expenses are already taken care of for your convenience – perfect for startups! But before signing up for a coworking space, make sure you consider your budget and weigh the cost against the amenities, services offered and commuting time. That way, you can select an option that is within your means while still providing what you need to be successful.
Amenities
Photo: Work'n'Kid - Berlin, Germany
When searching for the perfect coworking space, make sure it includes all of the necessary amenities you need to feel comfortable and productive. Take a look at each option from different angles - cost, location, size - before committing; you want to ensure that finances won't be disturbed after signing up. Here's just some of the amenities that should be included in your membership: maintenance, high-speed Wi-Fi, some hours of meeting rooms usage, printing and scanning services, heating and A/C, power backup, kitchen or cafeteria. Keep in mind that some spaces charge additionally for some of those amenities, so to avoid any extra expenses, make sure to discuss all the details with staff members before renting the space.
High-Speed Internet
Photo: worq.space
A reliable internet connection is essential to any (remote) worker. Inadequate internet connections can be the source of much frustration and cause tedious tasks to take far more time than anticipated, which may make you appear unprofessional during video meetings. Prioritize speed when searching for a workspace solution - ask them upfront or test out their connection yourself before committing!
Flexibility
Photo: Marcela Donato, by Sara Herrlander
As remote working becomes increasingly popular, employers are beginning to realize the importance of offering flexible workplace options and hours. Now more than ever before, hybrid work models have become an expected norm in many businesses around the world. So take into account the amount of versatility you need when it comes to workspaces, memberships and operating hours. Certain coworking spaces offer round-the-clock (yes, 24/7!) access whereas some may have fewer operational hours. If you're wondering why flexibility is key in the modern workplace, click here.
Noise Level
Photo: Industrious Office
The environment of the workplace has a profound effect on the productivity and motivation of its employees, making it essential to create an atmosphere that motivates them and keeps them focused.
Take the noise level of the space into account, especially if you are on the phone or in meetings for most of your work day. While some coworking spaces may be bustling with activity and loudness, others could provide a more peaceful atmosphere to stay focused. But be aware you might not be able to use your phone in the latter case. Tell the coworking provider all your needs and describe how your workday and tasks look to make sure you will be able to perform well in the space. For example, if the coworking spaces offer phone booths for people who have online meetings, you can ask the following: how many phone booths are there? Can I book it in advance? What happens if I suddenly need to use the phone and all phone booths are occupied?
Security and Privacy
Photo: Pexels
To maximize productivity while still maintaining work connections, it's essential to select the right kind of workspace. Private offices with lockable doors are best for those teams seeking to keep confidential data in a secure environment or simply for those who want minimal socialization whereas a community-oriented coworking space can foster increased networking opportunities. With careful consideration and thoughtfulness when selecting your working environment, you can achieve an optimal balance between efficient workflow and professional relationships.
Last but not least - make sure to consider the security measures to guarantee that you, your team, and your items remain safe. To ensure your data is secure, be sure to lock your computer whenever you're away from it. This simple practice can help protect against any malicious activity or misuse of information.
To ensure that your productivity and overall success are maximized, consider these points before selecting a coworking space to suit your needs. If you need help finding the right coworking space for your team, send us an email to help@onecoworking.com. We will be happy to help you find the best match where your need it as per your requirements!
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