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9 Tips for Choosing an Awesome Coworking Space for Your Startup

Thrive Editorial

Congratulations! After all the brainstorming, planning and plotting, you’re ready to launch your startup. And if your eye is on the bottom line, you’re probably considering a coworking office as a home base. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right hybrid workspace for your new business.

1. Understand the types of coworking space available

Consider what kind of shared office space best fits your company’s needs. Hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices are the three distinct types of workspaces available in the coworking industry. There is typically no reservation system for hot desks: If a desk is empty, you are free to use it. If it’s taken, find a free seat at a nearby desk. If you don’t want to sit at the same workstation every day, a hot desk is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you have a dedicated or permanent workstation, you will always be assigned to the same space. If you choose a private office, it will be just that … your own private office, which you are usually free to accessorize as you like.

2. Always be cautious about affordability

Proper financial planning is essential for every enterprise. Whether you are self-financing or establishing your business with the help of outside investors, you are likely dealing with a limited budget and need to make every dollar count. So why invest heavily in traditional, costly office space? But do your homework first. The amenities provided by coworking spaces aren’t all the same and might fluctuate based on both cost and location.

Cost effective and with a built-in support system, coworking spaces are ideal settings for startups.

3. Educate yourself about the office amenities

While whiteboards, video monitors and chargers are typical in most coworking spaces, be sure to ask about any additional equipment you might need. Check to see whether the price includes printing services and conference rooms, and find out if you have access to a kitchen, phone stalls, a podcasting studio, or any other amenities you may need in a coworking office space.

4. Choose a location that is easily accessible

Location is a key factor to consider while scouting out potential coworking spaces. A workplace in an inconvenient area should be avoided at all costs — don’t squander time and energy each day sitting in traffic. And make sure it’s close to public transit, dining options, and parking. That’s key to attracting both employees and customers.

5. Consider the ambiance of the workspace

One of the most significant factors in establishing the value of a shared-office workspace is the physical environment. Find a coworking space that combines a pleasant vibe with tasteful décor — it should be a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that will allow you to focus and create. The collaborative spirit that permeates a coworking space is another major plus. It’s all about the feeling you get from the office and, more significantly, the people you’ll be working alongside of. Look for a place where you can put in some sofa time and get things done.

6. Look for coworking space where you can easily network

One of the main draws of coworking spaces is the chance for its members to build professional and personal relationships. To get a feel for the type of businesses that call a workspace home, research the tenants ahead of time. Potential customers might come from that location alone. THRIVE | Coworking, for instance, offers monthly catered breakfasts, lunches and happy hours, where there’s lots of opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs.

THRIVE | Coworking’s hosted breakfasts, lunches and happy hours are prime networking opportunities.

7. Think about security

If you’re looking for a coworking space that’s open around the clock, you should be especially concerned with safety. If you want to move with the whole squad, you’re responsible for their safety. The shared office space will most likely be a place where you and your team will be transporting computers, crucial papers, and other such items. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a workspace that takes security seriously. When inquiring about safety procedures, speak directly with the manager of the coworking space. Don’t skimp on safety to save money.

8. Workspaces are not all about work

One of the best ways to meet new people and share ideas is through community gatherings. If you’re only searching for a workplace to put in a few hours and then depart, you might not give it any thought. For others, though, it’s a deciding factor. One of the main purposes of coworking spaces is to facilitate greater interpersonal connections and networking. Participating in gatherings hosted by the workspace is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and expand your social circle. Choosing a coworking space that has frequent activities is essential. It will be crucial to both your development and that of your staff.

9. Scalability of the space

You should also check that your chosen coworking space can expand or contract in accordance with your business needs. Do you have some really exciting growth plans in the works? As you increase your staff, it’s important that your coworking space can accommodate you and the changing needs of your company.

Written by Thrive Editorial

March 24, 2023

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