7 Things to Lookout For When Choosing a Co-working Space
Choosing the right coworking space is more than just finding a place to work—it’s about creating an environment that supports your productivity, creativity, and business growth. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or established business, the right coworking space can significantly impact your work experience. In this article, United Co. explores seven crucial factors to consider when selecting a coworking space, from the importance of community culture to the flexibility of workspace options.
A good co-working space is conducive to both collaborative work and quiet head-down time. In one full productive day – we have the needs for both types of work. Open-plan offices can be great for community and creativity, but when it comes to needing to bash out that proposal or take a quiet call, there can be nothing more frustrating.
You’ll want easy access to private phone booths to have a phone conversation that is soundproof, if not sound-isolated. You’ll also want to be able to book meeting rooms easily in or close to the co-working space to host a client or hold a team meeting.
Where you work matters, and who you work with also matters!
A great co-working space will have a community manager who is a natural connector. They listen, know who needs what, and are there to help members help each other solve problems. The role is to help the community help itself to flourish and make business happen.
Some spaces can be quite stagnant, and quiet and not have the connected culture that makes the place conducive to ideas, creativity, and growth. Having a culture where you can bump into similar-minded people in the kitchen and know it’s ok to say ‘hey’ means you will be more likely to be able to reap the benefits of working in a collaborative space.
A well-designed space is a lot more than a couple of bean bags thrown against funky-colored walls and lots of plants.
When you’re visiting a co-working space, test by taking a seat at the desk. Does it feel comfortable? Do you feel inspired in the space? Is there lots of natural light? Will your guests, partners, and collaborators feel welcomed and warm coming to meet with you?
What makes a co-working space so great is also the use of the common areas. So make sure to see that there are ‘third spaces,’ such as hang-out areas, tables and chairs in open spaces, and lots of seating areas around the kitchens.
How much value you get from your co-working space can sometimes be dependent on its location. Is it easy to get to for your potential clients? Are there convenience stores close by?
The value of a co-working space – other than sharing the bills and heavy overhead costs – is in the people that you share the space with. So you’ll find a lot more value in co-working spaces that create many great opportunities to connect with other members through events. The value of events also lies in the education and support that comes from them. Some of the events might be fun, entertaining, and centered around connecting with others, but many events in a great co-working space will support you in the growth of your business and yourself.
As your business grows, are you able to take more seats in the co-working space or expand your private office? If there is a waitlist, you may likely have to move offices when it’s full. When your business scales down, are you able to give up seats without penalty? This one is easy to forget, but it is a must to consider for future planning and growth.
At United Co., we’re excited that we have another 5 floors coming on top of our current offering so your growth will easily be accommodated here!
Many co-working spaces offer many different perks, and of course, they all come at a price. If you want a massage at lunchtime, a private mailbox, access to a gym, and a hair stylist you can expect to pay quite a premium rate. If you don’t want such a dreamy package, then of course there are some very minimal offerings out there too. So make sure you understand exactly what is a ‘want,’ and what is a ‘need’ for you.
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Selecting a co-working space that aligns with your needs can be a game-changer for your business. By prioritizing factors such as community culture, workspace design, and flexibility, you can find a space that not only meets your current requirements but also supports your future growth.
At United Co., we offer thoughtfully designed spaces, a vibrant community, and the flexibility to grow with your business. Ready to find the perfect co-working space? Visit United Co. today and explore how our spaces can help you thrive.
425 Smith St. Fitzroy VIC 3065 Melbourne, Australia Wurundjeri Country