The use of flexible working spaces or coworking spaces is common among freelancers, entrepreneurs, and even larger companies. In addition to offering internet and a desk, these spaces help advance networking and self-development. Attaining these spaces is not easy. Learning and preparation are required.
1. Understand your working habits
Understanding how a coworking space operates, allows the user to make quick decisions on whether it is ideal for them. Do you prefer relaxation zones and calm workspaces? Would you like to meet a client in a space that is fully booked or a relaxed, open space? Only answering these questions ensures that you have maximised your productivity.
2. Commute Time and Selecting a Coworking Space
The commute to a coworking space can be either a convenient advantage or a drawback for your daily schedule. Think about your commute from home to your clients, or even public transport. Long commutes defeat the purpose of portable and flexible coworking.
3. Make Sure to Verify Amenities and Facilities
Along with a desk, a coworking space offers many other amenities. More advanced spaces provide high-speed internet, printers, private phone booths, meeting rooms, and even lounges or nap pods. Make a checklist of essential amenities and prioritize. Visit as many spaces as necessary to find the one that best matches your checklist.
4. Plans for Membership
Different coworking spaces have various levels of membership flexibility. Pay-as-you-go, part-time, and one-month contracts are available with some. Make sure that your budget and workload are in balance.
5. Meeting New People and Building Social Networks
Besides participating in community meet-ups and workshops, making new acquaintances in coworking spaces comes with the job. Because of the type of job you have, community networking is invaluable. Networking brings new clients or partners.
6. Culture and Environment of the Workplace
The work culture and environment of the coworking space are unique and are designed to bring in energy. Professional or calm can also mean energetic and full of ideas. For coworking spaces, you can do a vibe check when they are open, making sure you are looking at the space as you picture it.
7. Safety, Security, and Privacy in the Workplace
Business security is often ignored, but it is essential when it comes to safeguarding a client’s private information. Basic business needs like the internet, cabinets, and locks should all be secure. Ensure that private offices are available and that no blinds or cameras are looking into those rooms. As long as the layout is private, it can be ignored.
8. Smart Budget Choices
As for coworking spaces, the pricing is wide. Additionally, meeting rooms, events, printing, and other services charge extra. Evaluate how the price aligns with the location, services included, and how much flexibility you currently have.
9. Getting to Places and Moving Around
For this one, consider how easy the location is for you and for your team. Is there parking or public transport? Consider your clients and how many times they travel to the office. For your clients, it’s more convenient if it requires minimal effort to come.
An office that is exquisitely located but far from the team can lower productivity and engagement.
10. Before you buy it, try it
Most coworking spaces have a trial period of one or two days. Make sure to take advantage of those offers. Make sure to check the entire environment, from the internet connection and the seating to the community’s warmth.
11. Additional Offered Services
Some people provide business mentoring and even connect to investors, which is offered in some places. It is good to know what services can assist you alongside the coworking services.
12. Business Expectations
Further down the line, the business may need to find an additional office. Some decisions have to be made that revolve around the growth targets, which include new hires, larger desks and offices, or even staying in the same building.
13. Feedback and Recommendations
Reviews may provide relevant data and insights into the specific area of concern. For these, local business networks and friends can be of help. Reviewing the cleanliness and overall presentation of the restrooms and staff, the internet speed, and the overall business environment and office space.
14. Customize your workspace
Once you gain comfort with the new office, feel free to liven it up. It can be done through adjustments to the position of the furniture or by adding personal items such as photographs and plants. Personalization boosts productivity and helps employees cope with demanding workloads.
15. Stay Professional and Mindful
Like other shared workspaces, the coworking space is meant for professional use, so please minimise your quirks and your volume level. Also, courtesy is essential, so please be mindful of noise, shared space usage, and the etiquette guidelines of the community. Even small interactions are helpful for a person’s overall experience.
Final Thoughts
A coworking space acts as a meeting and working space. Think of your preferred work style first before looking for a space. Do you have specific needs, a budget, and long-term goals? For the benefits of coworking to be maximized, pay attention to the venue, facilities, the community, and security as well. Finding the right balance encourages increased productivity and makes it easier to network. Workspaces should not be purely aesthetic. Coworking spaces should have the right balance between private and public spaces to be genuinely supportive.