Working from home on the kitchen table? Distracted by unfinished chores or children underfoot? The dream of WFH is not always so sweet. A coworking space may be the answer.
Many people consider Choosing a Coworking Space a dream come true to be able to do their jobs from the comfort of their own home. But the reality is that space constraints and the constant distractions of a home office may not be as conducive to work as you would like.
If you’re looking for an alternative, though, consider a shared office space. Here’s what you need to know before signing up for a coworking space.
What is a coworking space?
Coworking is an office arrangement where employees from various organizations use a single workspace, sharing expenses (such as rent, utilities and maintenance staff) and sharing perks (such as kitchens, catered meals and mailrooms).
Benefits of using a shared workspace or coworking location
- When you work in a shared workspace, you’re more likely to run across individuals who share your passions and values, which can only help your company grow; you can also network with professionals from several fields. In addition to promoting a feeling of belonging, mingling with accomplished people may enhance your own confidence and lead to new opportunities to better serve your community.
- Members of a coworking space can expect to be at a prime location in the city, accessible to a variety of amenities like public transportation and dining options. Coworking locations provide tenants with a professional environment, including conference rooms, which are invaluable to entrepreneurs who would otherwise conduct business from their homes or local cafes.
- In a shared office space, you are free to explore different locations to see what works best for you. Depending on your mood or the time of day, working from a different location might help you get more done.
- There are several upsides to renting a desk in a coworking space instead of opting for a day pass. The biggest reason is that members save significantly if they are frequent users. And extra money always makes work/life balance a little easier to manage.
- Many of today’s coworking spaces distinguish themselves with extensive event programming. Take part in these activities and you can expand your knowledge and social circle at the same time. Holding events in a coworking space is a terrific way for members to network and build relationships that can lead to future partnerships. Getting out there and meeting new people is the first step in building your network, which in turn may lead to new opportunities and contacts.
- To succeed at coworking, you need to be adaptable. You just pick a workday and time and show up, it’s that easy. For the flexibility of running your own day without the overhead of an actual office, consider renting space from an agile workplace. There’s essentially one less key you need to keep track of.
Key points to remember when you choose a coworking space
Cost Effectiveness
It’s far more cost effective to use a coworking space than it is to lease space in an office building. Getting a wonderful private office is a terrific milestone in anyone’s freelance career, but a budget should be established and adhered to.
If you think the expense of renting an office is manageable each month, try projecting it out over a full year. Is it a worthwhile investment? Or maybe a comfortable permanent workstation makes more sense, both practically and financially.
Location
Choosing the right coworking space requires careful consideration of several factors, but location is of the utmost importance. If you’re providing a service to the public, finding a convenient location for your customers is essential. When seeing a potential client for the first time, you want to make sure you pick a spot that will make a good impression. A site closest to your home may also be the best choice.
Other Occupants
When deciding on a location, it’s helpful to look at the current members. If you’re a freelancer on the hunt for new contacts, joining a coworking space that attracts people from a wide range of industries is a great first step. Working with enthusiastic coworkers is the best part of any job.
Amenities
The facilities offered by a shared office are a major selling point. Most coworking spaces provide perks on par with those found in traditional corporate offices. Contemporary shared office spaces have amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and phone booths for private conversations. Choose what best suits your tastes.
Internet Connection
Since a slow connection can hinder efficiency, it’s a good idea to research the available internet speed, bandwidth and security settings of a potential coworking space before committing to it. The Wi-Fi in most public places is protected by a password, but if you want more security, you can always use an IP VPN.
Commuting Distance
Perhaps you quit your job because you were spending too much time in transit. Now that you’re your own boss, you can eliminate that annoying part of your day. Your productivity will increase and your mood will brighten if you are able to get a head start on the day without having to deal with delays caused by traffic or public transportation. Also, if you want to recruit people, a convenient location will be high on their list of priorities.
Growth
You ventured out on your own and it’s worked out great for you! Your team will require additional personnel sooner than you think. When deciding on a coworking space, it might be helpful to look for one that has ample office space that leaves room for growth. You don’t want to constantly be moving your base of operations.
Availability
Deadlines wait for no one, so it’s crucial that you are able to enter your preferred coworking space whenever you like. It’s important to remember that some coworking spaces restrict access to their facilities outside of normal business hours to registered members exclusively.
Budget
This is a crucial consideration when selecting a shared office. A large amount of money is usually needed to launch a new company, so keeping your costs down is an absolute must. So, pick a coworking area that is both convenient and affordable.
Culture
Each coworking area is full of life and character. The atmosphere might be technologically advanced, like a think tank, or artistic. If you want to achieve your goals, you need to pick an environment that reflects them.
