No matter the size of your business or what industry you’re in, it’s essential to establish flexible and appealing co-working spaces for your team. Coworking spaces come in all shapes and sizes, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. For example, having a coworking space can help:
- Promote creativity and collaboration. When team members are working in close quarters, they’re more likely to bounce ideas off of each other and come up with new solutions to gaps.
- Encourage productivity. A designated workspace can help team members stay focused and on task, rather than getting sidetracked by personal obligations or distractions in their home offices.
- Foster a sense of community. Co-working spaces offer a sense of community and connection that can be hard to find in traditional office settings. This can be especially beneficial for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who often feel isolated from the rest of the workforce and want to discuss various topics, whether about generating 1099, creating W-2 forms, or making money out of your passion.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Co-working Space
Location
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the location of the coworking space. Ideally, it should be close to your office so team members can easily pop in and out. It should also be in a desirable area, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for when team members need a break.
Price
Price is always an important factor in coworking spaces. You’ll want to find one that’s affordable without compromising on quality or location.
Amenities
Amenities are another key consideration when choosing a coworking space. Make sure the space has everything your team needs, such as Wi-Fi, desks, private offices, and conference rooms.
Size
The size of the coworking space is another important consideration. Make sure it’s big enough to accommodate your team but not so big that it feels overwhelming or impersonal.
Type of Coworking Space
The type of coworking space is also important to consider. Do you want a traditional co-working space with open desks and shared amenities? Or would you prefer a private office with all the amenities included?
Once you’ve considered these factors, it should be easier to choose the right coworking space for your business.
Types of Co-working Spaces
There are many types of co-working spaces to choose from depending on the needs and standards of the tenant. What’s important is that you should do your research before settling on one.
Conventional
Conventional co-working spaces are characterized by permanent desks, cubicles, or rooms that are rented by individuals or groups. They usually come furnished with internet, printers, and other office amenities. The conventional co-working space is more formal and professional than other types because of its setup and lease agreements.
Full-Service
Unlike other co-working spaces, the full-service type has nicer amenities, as well as office equipment and furniture. In addition, they often provide cleaning and security services. This setup is perfect for those who want a more professional work environment without having to worry about the small things.
Corporate
This type caters to a more professional type of tenant, as it has dimmer lighting and less of a playful atmosphere. The furniture is also typically more expensive and less relaxed. Corporate co-working spaces are great for those who need to be near other professionals and want a quiet, focused work environment.
Private
Suppose you want a flexible space for employees concerned that being with other departments negatively impacts their work, or you want to keep everything under wraps for a project that is still in stealth mode. In that case, a private office is the answer.
In private co-working spaces, occupants are the only ones with access to the area and its contents. This type of office also includes conference rooms and other shared amenities.
Shared Space
This type of space is best for those who want a budget-friendly area. After all, this has been the original concept behind co-working spaces! In a shared space, you can expect to have a desk, chair, and access to common areas like the kitchen and lounge. You will also likely be sharing the space with other professionals, which can be great for networking opportunities.
Industry-Specific
This is a niche type of co-working space best suited for freelancers and entrepreneurs in the same industry, such as web designers, accountants, or lawyers. This type of co-working space offers the opportunity to collaborate with others in your trade, share ideas and get advice.
Virtual
If your company works in a remote environment, having a virtual co-working space is a great way to connect with other professionals in a similar situation. Here, you can communicate and collaborate with others online without leaving your home.
Some virtual co-working spaces even offer face-to-face meetings, so you can get the benefits of working in a physical area without ever having to commute to the office.
Co-working Spaces: Final Thoughts
To summarize, having a co-working space can help with productivity, networking, and more. However, there are some things to keep in mind when looking for a space and using one.
For example, it’s important to find the right co-working space that fits your conditions, budget, and location. So, do some research on the different types of co-working spaces available now and see which one would be the best fit for your needs.
