8 Thing to Look for in a Coworking Space

Coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular as people are looking for ways to escape the isolation of working from home. If you're thinking of renting a space in a coworking environment, here are eight things to look for: ample desk space, Wi-Fi, quiet hours, strong community ties, good coffee, lounge areas, printing/scanning capabilities and on-site storage.

What are Coworking Spaces and Why are They Becoming More Popular

Coworking spaces are becoming more popular as people are looking for ways to escape the isolation of working from home. Coworking spaces are shared office spaces where people can come to work, meet with clients, and collaborate with other professionals

There are a number of reasons why coworking spaces are becoming more popular. First, they provide a sense of community and collaboration that is often missing from home offices. Second, they offer a number of amenities, such as Wi-Fi, printing and scanning capabilities, and on-site storage, that make it easier to get work done. Finally, they offer a sense of flexibility and freedom that is often missing from traditional office environments.

The 8 Things to Look For In a Coworking Space

When looking for a coworking space, it is important to consider what is important to you. Here are eight things to look for:

Ample desk space & professional design

One of the biggest benefits of coworking spaces is the ability to work in a collaborative environment. Make sure there is enough desk space and it is furnished to working standards.

Whether you are hot desking or using a dedicated desk, your coworking space should be an environment which makes you feel professional and productive. People get memberships for coworking spaces to either have flexibility, reduce costs or increase productivity, and this means have more than just a plain desk with a chair.

When selecting your coworking space, look at the décor of the workspace and decide if it inspires you to work. Ideally a professional fit out will help separate your work life from your home life, making it easier to be productive.

Fast Wi-Fi

Every coworking space should have a strong and consistent Wi-Fi connection. But it shouldn't stop there, the ideal coworking space should also provide custom Wi-Fi security.

Most coworking spaces utilise shared networks which means everyone is using the same password. While this may be convenient for the coworking space provider, it's not safe for the user as it makes your data vulnerable.

Some coworking space providers such as Servcorp offer custom Wi-Fi connections including VLAN, DMZ, VPN. These connections are highly secure and a unique password is provided to each client.

This security is paramount for employees which work in law, accounting, finance, I.T. and marketing industries.

Location

The old real estate adage is just as important when it comes to choosing a coworking space. The location of your shared office space is important for a number of reasons.

Firstly, your coworking space should be conveniently situated with ease of accessibility. There should be train stations, bus stops and car parks within walking distance to ensure a hassle-free commute. This not only benefits you, but also any clients that visit your for business.

Secondly, your coworking space should have an abundance of cafes, restaurants, shops and all necessity stores within the area. Remember to not only check the coworking space itself, but also the surroundings since this is a place you will be frequently visiting.

The last, yet arguably most crucial, reason your coworking space's location is important is to impress your clients. A coworking space located in the business hub of London such as One Mayfair Place, Dashwood House, The Leadenhall Building or Canary Wharf are all powerful locations which are certain to impress clients.

Receptionist

A professional call answering service is a must for any coworking space. Not only does it make the space look more professional, but it also makes it easier for members and clients to get in touch with the right person.

A good call answering service will have a team of experienced receptionists who are able to handle any enquiry. They will be able to forward calls to the right person, take messages, book appointments and ensure no call is ever missed.

This type of service is especially important for coworking spaces that offer meeting rooms. By having a receptionist on hand, members and clients can book meeting rooms quickly and easily without having to wait on hold or leave a voicemail.

The importance of a professional call answering service should not be underestimated. It can mean the difference between a successful business relationship and one that falls apart. Make sure your chosen coworking space has a local receptionist in place.

Mail Handling

Mail handling services are important for a number of reasons. Firstly, they ensure that all mail is handled in a timely and professional manner. This is especially important for businesses that frequently send and receive mail.

Secondly, mail handling services can help to organise and manage your incoming and outgoing mail. This includes sorting your mail into different folders or pigeonholes so you can easily find what you're looking for.

Thirdly, by having a designated area for mail handling, it helps to keep the workspace organised and tidy. This is especially important when you're working in a shared office space where there is limited room to store belongings.

Fourthly, mail handling services provide a sense of professionalism and organisation to your business. It shows your clients that you're a serious business with a well-run operation.

Lastly, mail handling services are an essential part of any good office administration system. They make it easier for businesses to keep track of their expenses and manage their budget effectively.

I.T. Support

Ensuring that your business runs smoothly with no technical downtime is a large perk in coworking spaces. Not all workspaces have I.T. support, but some providers such as Servcorp have an in-house I.T. team which are always available.

I.T. support can be extremely beneficial for businesses as it provides peace of mind that there is someone on hand to deal with any technical issues that may arise. This can save a lot of time and money in the long run, as well as avoid any potential disasters.

It's also worth noting that I.T. support can be a great selling point when it comes to choosing a coworking space. If you know that your business will benefit from having I.T. support, then make sure to look for a provider that offers this service.

The community

When you're looking for a coworking space, it's important to consider the community. A strong community can provide a number of benefits such as networking opportunities, social events and access to resources.

Often times when networking you may find yourself a new client within the coworking space, and gains insights into other industries which can benefit your business

Price

Of course, price is always going to be a factor when choosing a coworking space. However, it's important to remember that the cheapest option is not necessarily the best.

When comparing prices, make sure to consider the value for money that each space offers. This includes factors such as the location, facilities and services provided.

How to Find the Right Coworking Space For You

Looking for a coworking space can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help you find the right space for you:

1. Consider your needs – What is important to you in a coworking space? Do you need ample desk space? Wi-Fi? Quiet hours? Make a list of your needs and priorities so you can focus on spaces that meet your requirements.

2. Do your research – There are a number of websites dedicated to listing and reviewing coworking spaces. Read reviews and compare different spaces to find the one that is right for you.

3. Visit the spaces – Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to visit the spaces in person. This will give you a sense of the vibe and community of the space, as well as how much desk space is available.

4. Talk to other members – One of the best ways to figure out if a coworking space is right for you is to talk to other members. Ask them about their experience with the space and get their honest opinion.

5. Try before you buy – Many coworking spaces offer trial memberships so you can test out the space before making a commitment. This is a great way to see if the space is right for you without having to commit financially.

Overall, the final decision will be based on what your business requires the most and what you believe will assist productivity on a short and long term basis.