A Beginner’s Guide to Coworking: How to Choose the Right Shared Workspace that Works for You
Where do you work when you don’t want to work from home?
That trendy café down the street is too noisy, the public library too stagnant–options are dwindling by the second. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Finding the best space that fits you and your company’s needs can be a daunting task. More and more people are turning to coworking as an alternative to traditional study and work spaces. Many have heard of this shiny, promising concept, but finding the best shared workspace can be time consuming and complicated–especially for busy entrepreneurs and professionals who have goals and deadlines to meet.
Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right shared workspace for you.
What amenities should you be looking for?
Food and Drinks
Look for a coworking space that provides all the essentials so you don’t have to interrupt your workflow every time your stomach grumbles. An in-house café is a major plus for us (and our members).
Freebies
Get the most out of your coworking membership with a space that provides free office supplies, printing, snacks and beverages. Your membership should also come with free or discounted conference room hours.
Community Events
When you join a coworking space, you join a community of entrepreneurs, businesses and professionals. You can choose how involved you want to be, but happy hours, TED Talks, and yoga classes are a great reason to step away from your desk and introduce yourself to your neighbor. You might even find that they have exactly the kind of innovation you need for your next project.
Breakout Areas
Your coworking space should offer well-lit, comfortable breakout areas around the office for when you need a change of scenery. Outdoor patios are a must for California spaces like ours, if you’re anything like us, they’ll quickly become your go-to lunch spot. You shouldn’t be confined to your desk or office all day, and the best coworking spaces have a variety of areas to inspire your workday.
Which membership is right for you?
Hot Desk
What is it?
Hot desks allow you to use any available desk as your workspace for the day. All you need is your laptop!
Is it right for you?
Hot Desks are a great option for anyone who wants to take advantage of coworking benefits but doesn’t need to have their own space. Because Hot Desks are flexible spaces, these desks are ideal for people who work primarily on a laptop or tablet, and don’t need to come to the space every day.
Dedicated Desk
What is it?
Your Dedicated Desk is your personal area to work from. Leave your monitor and materials at your desk, and accessorize with your favorite succulent or bobblehead. It’s your desk, make it your own!
Is it right for you?
If you work on a monitor (or two), or if you like having a reliable space ready to go each morning, the Dedicated Desk might be the best option for you. It’s also ideal for small teams who prefer working in an open workspace over Private Offices.
Private Office
What is it?
Your Private Office is your home away from home. These customizable spaces offer a distraction-free work experience and allow you to add your own personal touch. Decorate your space with your favorite houseplants and funky wallpaper. Minimalism more your thing? Most offices will come fully furnished and ready to move in.
Is it right for you?
Whether you’re a part of a startup or a large company, a team room could be the best choice for your business. Start looking for a Private Office when your team outgrows your open workspace, when you need more privacy for your projects, or when you want to establish a space exclusively for your company.
What else should I look for?
Meeting Rooms
What is it?
Meeting Rooms can be rented out hourly for meetings, interviews, conferences and more. Look for a space that will give you free or discounted Meeting Room hours when you become a member!
Why do I need it?
Meeting Rooms are more professional than a coffee shop and are great for impressing clients and business partners. They’re also ideal spots for brainstorming sessions and catered conferences.
Pro tip: You’ll thank yourself later for finding a space with at least three meeting rooms. This will ensure that there will always be a room available for you to reserve for those last minute meetings.
Phone Booth
What is it?
These sound-proof pods may come in different shapes and sizes, but they all provide a quiet, neutral place to take your private calls.
Why do I need it?
If you have a desk in the open workspace, you might want to use a Phone Booth for long or private calls and meetings. They’re a great alternative to renting out a Meeting Room if you have a virtual job interview, meeting, or conference.
Event Venue
What is it?
Many coworking spaces have on-premise event venues that can be rented out hourly.
Why do I need it?
Event space will be of interest to you if your company does team building, product launches, speaker events, luncheons or larger conferences. Convenience is the key; your coworking space should have all your business needs covered–including special events.
Want to find out why Star Space is the right coworking space for you? Click the button below to learn more!
