When establishing a small business or a sole business, you may not have the resources to rent an office space right away. Still, you may need an office-like environment to meet clients, hold meetings, collaborate with team members, or just keep the motivation. This would warrant getting a coworking space. After all, coworking spaces are becoming more commonplace.
According to a Gartner poll conducted in 2021, the majority of respondents predicted that more than 25% of the workforce will be using shared seating within the following 1-2 years, and 36% believe that shared seating would be used by the majority of workers.
The only problem is, you didn't design the office space, and so it may be lacking some necessities or the ambiance and atmosphere you will need to thrive. Notwithstanding, some spaces offer good facilities.
So, if you have decided to get a coworking space in 2022, here are five tips that would help you find one.
1. Location
When it comes to finding the ideal coworking space, location is essential. You would want your office space to be at a central point. Your staff and client should find the place easily accessible. This entails a location with an efficient transportation network including, buses, taxis, trains, and private vehicles.
You should also consider your convenience to ensure that your coworking space is easily accessible from your home. You wouldn’t want to be missing appointments and meetings because of distance or because you need to use multiple transport systems to get to work.
Besides, how you begin the day determines how productive you will be. In essence, don’t always get to work exhausted and tired.
Also consider neighborhood utilities like restaurants, parking spaces, stores, etc. These are side perks that you will definitely find useful.
2. Facilities
Make a list of the facilities and office equipment you will need. If you aren't working alone, determine what your employees or colleagues will require in the workspace. Most coworking spaces have conventional office facilities but ensure you inquire about any additional services you might need, such as high-speed internet access, whiteboards, projectors, etc.
You don't want to pay for a workspace only to discover that you need to purchase additional office equipment that should normally be present at the workspace.
Some coworking spaces also offer other amenities like a kitchen, coffee maker, bathroom, games room, etc. Find out if you need those to relieve work stress or ease pressure. Having the right facilities and coworking amenities helps you work efficiently.
3. Workspace Environment
Nobody functions well in an unconducive environment, and what is conducive for Mr. A may not be for you. This could be because of your type of work or your personality. Before deciding and paying for a workspace, visit the place and be sure that it is an environment you can function optimally.
Some people are particular about the capacity of the coworking space. While some want somewhere very private, others may want a little more crowded space.
A survey by Coworking Insights reveals that an average working space has a capacity of 100 people.
Also, ensure that the workspace provides the necessary things you will need. You may need more furniture, a private room, meeting room, board room, etc.
You should also consider options for expansion, especially if you envisage needing a larger workspace in the future.
4. Privacy and Security
Security is paramount to your business, and you shouldn’t take it for granted. Except if you don't mind carrying your laptop and important files, you'll need a place where you are comfortable to leave your important stuff while out for lunch or overnight. Check the security measures in place, especially if the establishment is open 24 hours every day.
Ensure that there are provisions to have a private cabinet and locker for safekeeping. Collect the key to your private cabinet, locker, etc., and make sure no one else has access to them. You need a coworking space that offers maximum security at all times of the day.
5. Budget
Your final decision should be based on the rental cost of the coworking space. You have to determine if the company gives you value for their charge or if it is overpriced. As a business owner, you should also take into account your short-term and long-term plans and assess whether the location you have picked will be enough as your company expands.
NB: The average cost of coworking per person in several US states.
Most coworking spaces have pricing plans that reflect the space and amenities you would have access to. Here are some common plans:
- Hot Desks
- Dedicated Desks
- Private Offices
- Weekender Passes
A larger space with more work desks could come at a higher rental price than a single tablespace. So you have to picture what you need properly, to enable you to make the right plan from the start.
Paying a little extra for a space that suits you and addresses your needs sufficiently is not a bad idea. However, it is important that you stick around your budget range rather than exceeding it significantly.
Conclusion
To summarize, your budget is critical in determining your working space. To get the best value for money, you have to consider how much you are willing to pay monthly and what facilities you will be needing. You might want to choose a nearby working space that motivates you to make the most of your working hours and boosts your productivity.