Factors to consider when choosing a coworking space


Choosing the right spot to work from is one of the keys to your business success. After all, we often spend more than several hours a day at the office. Coworking has become very popular in recent years for the many benefits it offers compared to renting a traditional office space. That is why this option is attractive not only with freelancers and startups but also with some more prominent companies and organizations. Now, what are the main factors to consider when choosing a coworking space?

Location

Location is the number one factor to consider when choosing a coworking space, office space, a home to buy, or an apartment to rent. Well, it is essential for pretty much everything and anything under the sun! An attractive location is beneficial for your image if you are running a company or an organization. On the other hand, if you are a freelancer or you are just starting your career, the location you will work from might not be that important in that sense. Be that as it may, everybody has their reasons to prefer one area over another.

Every person looking for a coworking space has one thing in common – everybody wants to feel safe in the neighborhood where their office is located, and nobody likes commuting for too long. If you have a problem with any of the two, it is time to empty out your old office spaceOpens in a new tab. and hunt for a new one as soon as possible.

What kind of neighborhood is a coworking space in?

Neighborhoods with a low reputation will probably be more affordable to rent coworking space in, but will you and your coworkers feel relaxed and inspired to do your best there? Probably not. That is why you should be suspicious of any space in a not so popular part of the city.

How will you get there?

Not everybody is lucky enough to have a place to work within walking distance, especially if they live and work in a big city. However, with the growth in popularity coworking spaces face, your chances of finding a perfect spot will increase.

You will find that some locations are more attractive than others, not only because of their vicinity to your home but due to their infrastructure as well. If a neighborhood is well-connected to other parts of the city, it will be more popular than those closer but with poor commuting or parking options.

You should also consider the nature of your job when looking for a new office space. For instance, if your job requires you to meet many clients, you have to choose an easily accessible area.

Are there parking spots reserved for those who rent the coworking space? This can be a deal-breaker too. Locations in the city center are usually too expensive, even if they do not offer parking spaces. Sometimes it is better to rent a place with the designated parking space included in the membership fee, even if that means traveling a bit longer.

Amenities nearby

Working in a district that offers a variety of restaurants and take-out options is genuinely bliss. Not only will you be able to choose what you will have each day, but you will spend more time at work, again meaning that you’ll finish your assignments sooner.

If you are a fan of daily work-outs, a gym nearby can be a dealmaker. Some coworking spaces even have it at their premises and/or included in their membership plan. It is possible to stay healthy withOpens in a new tab. aOpens in a new tab. busy working scheduleOpens in a new tab., especially when you have a gym next door.

Your choice of coworking space should depend on your daily habits. If you have a child attending kindergarten or school, it would probably be practical to find a coworking space that is nearby.

The vicinity of great grocery stores and markets can be a time-saver not only when you need to grab a snack during working hours but also before you head home.

If you are a fan of nature, maybe you will want your new office to be located near a park or a botanical garden. That is also something you should consider if you are not into the urban jungle lifestyle.

Amenities within your new coworking space

Coworking spaces can be rather expensive to rent when they are fully equipped. Before committing to a particular space, ask yourself: “What do I really need in my workspace?” Some amenities are a must, while some are extras you will pay for and never really use. What you should expect a decent place to have included in their membership plan is:

• water and electricity
• heating and A/C
• maintenance
• some basic office furniture and equipment (desks, chairs, computers, printers, scanners, etc.)
• Wi-Fi connection
• security
• snack bar or a cafeteria

Those would be some of the majors. Now, if you need a 3D printer, a place to store your documents or equipment, or a designated space where you can have some privacy with your clients, be prepared to pay more. The recreation room (table tennis, treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, trampoline, etc.), showers, childcare services, restaurants, and cafes within the facility are the amenities for which you will have to pay extra.

Budget is often the determining factor to consider when choosing a coworking space

All of the factors listed above (location, amenities in and out of the facility) will form the price of your new workspace. The price tags go up to several thousand dollars a month, with some offering living accommodations included in the price. Can you imagine living and working in the same facility and still not working from home? This arrangement is perfect for people who often move for work. Once you find your future coworking space, you only have to give Mod MoversOpens in a new tab. a call, and while the crew is packing your boxes, you could be in your office, not wasting a minute of your time.

Some coworking spaces will charge you by the hour, so consider that if you are on a tight budget. Also, there are types of coworking spaces that are less expensive than others, but we will get there soon.

The layout matters

The layout is even more critical in a coworking space than it is in a traditional office. You will probably be working next to people from different professions and with different needs, which is not the case in a company with its own space and where workers know each other.

Are desks too close to each other? What if your neighbors are too loud or if they are used to listening to music and you are not? Is there enough room for you to work? Are the chairs comfortable enough? Is the overall hygiene of the place satisfying? Is there enough light for you? How much natural light does your desk get? Do you have enough fresh air in a coworking space you will be renting? – These are just some of the questions you can only get an answer to when you go and visit the place. And it would help if you did that if you can, since you’ll probably be spending several hours a day in that room and with those people.

Is the type of coworking space right for you?

When hunting for a new space where you can perform your business activities, you can usually choose among three main office types:

• Hot desks – this option is very popular these days. When you come to work, you get to choose the desk. That also means that your favorite spot by the window will not wait for you and some days you will get the desk by the door or facing a wall. The worst-case scenario happens when all spots are occupied, and you have nowhere to sit. This happens with this type of coworking space since owners tend to sell more spots than they can accommodate persons.

• Fixed desks – You are the only user of the chosen desk as long as you regularly pay for it. This option is a bit more expensive than hot-desking, but exclusiveness has a price. Be careful when signing the contract and read the membership plan thoroughly since the same desk can be used by someone else outside your working hours. What if you decide to work late or change your hours?

• Typical office – if you need a separate room for your working crew or yourself only, you should be looking at cabin spaces. This is the most suitable option for you if your work requires visits by clients or conference room calls. Of course, this is the most expensive of the three.

Flexibility

FlexibilityOpens in a new tab. is a factor that people often overlook. But, what if you choose to (or you simply have to) work on holidays or weekends? Will your workspace be available? Will it even be open? What if you would like to change a desk you have already paid for using? Or, if you need more room than you have at the moment? Will you be paying for your work spot when you are on vacation?

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a coworking space. Take your time to choose one that you like most and that you can afford.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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