In the past few years, more companies have been considering how their office space setup could change. Some are building new buildings to accommodate an all-remote workforce or they're renovating existing spaces and adding amenities like coffee shops and gyms. One option that many business leaders find appealing is transitioning your team into a co-working space instead of completely outsourcing everything at home--obviously, there are pros and cons to both sides but what might seem weird this way can also be great!
Many people used to think that working remotely would never work - while in reality, it has proven quite successful; only 4% said they wouldn't feel comfortable exclusively working from home in the future as opposed to 43%.
Here are 5 Questions You Have to Ask During the Tour
1. How does the place make you feel when you first walk in?
It may seem like an odd question but it's important to know if you're walking into a place that feels welcoming and calm or stressed out. The way you feel when you walk in could set the tone for your day and even affect how productive you are so this is worth taking note of.
The first impression your co-working space delivers matters. From the lobby to the elevator to the reception desk, every element will construct your daily experience and impact guests' impressions of your business.
2. Is the workspace conducive to your company's growth in the ways you require?
You need to consider if your company's ever-changing needs are being met by the co-working space and that you won't be outgrowing it.
The workspace must evolve with a business as they grow, meaning its layout should change when necessary; this could mean adding more rooms or conference spaces for larger meetings or even do away with desks altogether in favor of open floor plans. It is also important to note what other amenities exist at the property--are there meeting rooms? A coffee bar? Is there an onsite fitness center? These all factor into how well space will meet your team’s needs down the line.
Regardless of whether you're looking for a shared office where everyone can collaborate together, private offices so people can focus at the most needed times, or spaces with amenities to help your employees stay motivated throughout their day; you'll want to make sure that whichever space you choose has everything on this list.
3. Does the physical and digital security of the workspace fulfill your requirements?
In today's digital world, it's important to ensure that your business has a safe and secure work environment.
You'll want to know if the space is well-lit, clean, and safe for everyone in your office or company; you can also ask about what security measures are in place like cameras outside of buildings or at doors as well as how employees access their computers--are they using passwords? Are there any firewalls present? It might not seem like much but these questions could really make a difference when it comes down to it.
With hacking becoming increasingly common among other cyber crimes such as identity theft, viruses, and malware, physical safety isn't enough anymore - with technology being so sophisticated now hackers will find ways around anything!
4. What are you spending your money on? Take into account the requirements as well as the benefits.
Some coworking spaces will add charges to plug in your phone. Some require that you pay for parking separately; others include a certain number of available guest spaces in their contracts.
For some people, these little extras can be all the incentive they need to switch from one space with an amazing community vibe and excellent coffee machine (yes please!) to another without any additional services at all!
5. Do the terms of your lease correspond to your business strategy?
It's important to make sure that the terms of your lease are aligned with what you're looking for in a space.
Some leases require a considerable investment upfront while others include high monthly rates; or there may be an option where you can select from one month, six months, twelve months, and so on until it suits your needs. Some co-working spaces will provide options like this within their contracts whereas another facility might not have any such flexibility at all.
Are You Ready to Find Your New Coworking Space?
Victory Workspace has been serving professionals in the Walnut Creek, California area for over ten years, and even after the Covid 19 Shelter in Place is over we will be here for you. We offer a large variety of coworking spaces, short-term office rentals, meeting rooms, and welcoming event space with plenty of free parking for you or your guests. All that while providing our clients with daily opportunities to network with other business-minded professionals just like you! To learn more, set up your free tour, or inquire about which one of the services might be right for you, reach out to one of our amazing Community Guides at Victory Workspace for more information.
