As more businesses start using coworking spaces to offer employees flexible work conditions, the number of them has skyrocketed. But as coworking spaces expand, so do the businesses that supply them.
Choosing the appropriate coworking space is crucial when there are so many options available! To make sure you’re doing the right thing for your business, here are nine tips for deciding how to choose a coworking space in 2023.
When choosing a coworking space, it’s crucial to avoid these eight factors
Many business owners fall into the trap of choosing a coworking space with flashy desk setups, entertainment rooms, and yoga classes.
Your initial thought of wanting my team to work from here can quickly turn into a regret. Taking into account the following factors is the best way to be more cautious:
- Bad location
- Unreasonable price
- Limited availability
- Lack of facilities
- Lack of eating and drinking space
- Too loud and distracting
- No privacy
- Security concerns
Bad location
Location is king.
A bad location is the last thing you want to run into, even if your interior conditions are excellent.
Your team’s positive attitude towards going to work will be diminished if they are located far from public transport, which can be inconvenient. It’s not advisable for potential clients to visit a location with poor public transportation, as it will only lead to complications.
Choosing a coworking space requires a good location that has numerous essential stores, restaurants, public transportation, and neighbouring businesses.
Struggling to find a good location? Browse our coworking space locations.
Unreasonable price
Understanding the product fully is necessary to determine if the pricing is reasonable.
Your business is not willing to pay too much for a poor location that only provides a desk and chair for work. Choose a coworking space that offers services that are just right for your work needs at a reasonable price.
Using a coworking space is much cheaper than renting a sales office, but you don’t want to register for a service just because it’s cheap.
Be analytical about what you are getting. Is it necessary for you to attend a yoga class in a coworking space? The more facilities there are, the more the price goes up.
Make certain that it includes the essentials such as a furnished workspace, secure Wi-Fi, incredible technology, team support, and meeting rooms. Finding a balance is difficult, but as previously mentioned, don’t settle for the cheapest option at first glance.
Remember, you buy inexpensively, you buy twice.
Limited availability
It’s not possible to work when you want in some coworking spaces. The workspaces cannot be accessed either before or after their own set hours.
Coworking spaces are designed with flexibility in mind, so it’s crucial to avoid providers that can’t accommodate you. Some providers, like Horizons, offer 24/7 access, allowing you and your team to work around the hours that work best for you.
If you want to work at night or on public holidays, make sure to check if the coworking space provider has flexible business hours.
Lack of facilities
A coworking space goes beyond just a desk and chair.
Our focus is on infrastructure that enhances your business operations, not entertainment facilities. Here are a few installations you should watch out for when choosing a coworking space:
- Fast and secure Wi-Fi, VLAN and other connectivity options
- Ample workspace
- Power outlets
- Printers, scanners and fax machine
- Conference rooms with presentation technology
- Shared kitchen
- Change rooms and showers
Having access to meeting rooms, mailing services, a dedicated landline, and team support is also beneficial.
Lack of eating and drinking space
It is essential to have break areas for non-work-related activities, such as eating and drinking during lunch breaks.
Coworking spaces that lack a kitchen that provides complimentary water, tea, and coffee are not ideal. These shared spaces are excellent for socializing with coworkers and networking. Their location is convenient for taking a break from work and relaxing with comfortable chairs.
Too loud and distracting
Your workspace should not be noisy and filled with distractions that make it difficult to focus.
A calm environment is essential, but many coworking spaces contradict that by playing loud music in the background. Smaller parameters create moderate stress while being stimulated by their environment to create optimum productivity.
On the flip side, there are individuals who find it difficult to concentrate in a noisy environment. It is best for those individuals to secure an office space where outdoor sounds can be heard.
To create an office environment that is conducive to concentration, sound design is crucial. It’s important to have written criteria when taking a workspace tour as everyone has their own preferences.
No privacy
It is crucial to have privacy options.
To safeguard business or client details, it is crucial to have private phone booths and meeting rooms. The shared environment of coworking spaces requires providers to allocate sections with more privacy.
For privacy and safety, it’s important to have layouts that make it tough to see other people’s computer screens in an open space. Learn about confidentiality with any coworking space provider before signing an agreement.
Security concerns
When choosing a coworking space, it’s important to consider the security of business data. Stay away from flexible workspaces that utilize shared bandwidths, as this type of Wi-Fi requires everyone to have the same password.
The best way to avoid security threats is to choose coworking spaces that have wired LAN, unique passwords, custom firewalls, and VLAN capabilities.
Lockers are necessary to store your personal belongings in a secure coworking space. To ensure the safety of belongings, it is important to have a unique key for every locker. Security protocols for the entrance to your coworking space must also be in place.
Due to understaffing in many coworking spaces, anyone can enter the office space. Make sure the reception area is always staffed to prevent random people from entering a business area.