Tips For Choosing A Coworking Space

Benefits of being in a coworking space

Coworking refers generally to a facility where a common floor with workstations and cubicles is leased out to tenants in short or long term contracts, typically issued on monthly plans.

Such packages include the room you're renting out, as well as the facilities. The facility has to offer such as power backup, IT and maintenance support, front office services, network connection, etc., so you wouldn't spend setting up your office; just plug in to a structured system to start your job. With the advent of the coworking model, mass investment and lengthy time to wait since conventional offices were completely eliminated.

The existence of such cost-effective and streamlined alternatives offers a highly welcomed benefit for freelancers, solopreneurs and modestly-budged SMEs to launch and build their operations, not to mention the innovative and open work environment that catalyzes networking and collaboration with fellow employees.

Keeping that in mind, we've listed nine key factors that will help you identify the work space for you and your company.

9 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COWORKING SPACE

1. OFFICE AMENITIES

Most of the spaces will be fitted with standard office equipment but be sure to ask for anything special, such as meeting facilities, telephone rooms, private spaces, projectors, etc.

2. ATMOSPHERE

Focus on finding an office space that is equipped to work together and grow. These days, workspaces are becoming more user-centric to ensure a better work environment.

3. FAST INTERNET

You want internet that provides speed and reliability when selecting a room, so be sure to ask about and check the wifi speeds to make sure they're up to scratch.

4. PERKS

Most shared office spaces offer things like free tea and coffee, which is worth testing if you drink it every day. Some offer benefits such as lunch areas, gymnasium areas, working outdoor areas and even free beer.

5. SECURITY

You want a room where you feel secure to leave your work overnight, so check what the security protocols are and if any specific security measures are taken by your preference space.

6. ACCESS

Is the space open 24/7, or do they close at night? Figure out what the hours of work are so that you can schedule your time more efficiently and stay flexible if necessary.

7. SURROUNDS

As important as the location is for commuter routes, it is also important that your space is close to the amenities of your choice, so that you can easily step out for lunch or hit the gym. Remember what potential customers might think about the surrounding area too, coming in to see you.

8. HIDDEN COSTS

Make sure to ask upfront what are all the hidden costs, from printing and using meeting rooms to cooking space and coffee machines.

9. TRIAL PERIODS

Does your space of choice offer a trial period before requiring you to commit to a contract? If so, test it out to see if it meets your requirements.

Some of the other benefits of coworking and shared office space include:

• Cost-effective – only pay for the space you need
• Collaboration and networking opportunities
• Occupy as little as one desk, with the flexibility to expand
• Contracts are available for as little as one month
• Offices are furnished, pre-cabled and offer various amenities
• Move-in on the day you sign

Certainly, the popularity of the coworking spaces is growing. The number of coworking centers is estimated to reach more than 26,000 by 2020, according to research conducted by Instant Offices and CoreNet Global in a study entitled' Coworking, A Corporate Real Estate Perspective.'

The largest coworking markets established today are the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, with the largest potential coworking markets being India, Brazil, Malaysia, China, Germany, Mexico, France, Turkey, Singapore and Italy. It's probably time you got on the coworking bandwagon too!