Mistakes to avoid when choosing a coworking space

Choosing a coworking space may seem simple: find a convenient location, check the price and book a desk. However, not all spaces offer the same working conditions, and certain details can quickly become frustrating on a daily basis.

Location, atmosphere, facilities, opening hours and included services: several factors are worth checking before making your choice. Here are the main mistakes to avoid when looking for a coworking space that truly suits your needs.

Choosing based on price alone

Price is obviously an important factor, especially for freelancers and start-ups. However, automatically choosing the cheapest option can lead to some unpleasant surprises.

An attractive membership fee may, for example, exclude certain services that you regularly need:

• access to meeting rooms;
• a reliable high-speed internet connection;
• a locker or storage space;
• coffee and drinks;
• access outside reception opening hours.

Before comparing prices, it is therefore important to look carefully at what is actually included.

A slightly more expensive space may ultimately offer better value if it helps you avoid multiple additional charges.

Not testing the space before committing

Photos of a coworking space can give you an idea of the premises, but they only provide a partial picture of the actual experience.

The atmosphere, noise level and how busy the space gets are difficult to assess without visiting in person.

Whenever possible, a visit or trial day allows you to check several important factors:

• the comfort of the workstations;
• the quality of the Wi-Fi connection;
• the lighting;
• the noise level;
• the general atmosphere;
• the availability of shared spaces.

It is also an opportunity to see whether you can genuinely imagine yourself working in that environment for several hours at a time.

Underestimating the importance of location

A beautiful workspace quickly loses its appeal if you have to spend too much time commuting to get there.

Location should therefore be chosen according to your daily routine.

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• How long does it take to get to the coworking space?
• Is it easily accessible by car or public transport?
• Is parking available nearby?
• Are restaurants or shops within easy reach?
• Is the location convenient for meeting clients?

If you plan to use your coworking space several times a week, a few extra minutes of travelling can add up to several hours by the end of the month.

Forgetting to check access hours

Not all coworking spaces are accessible 24/7.

Some have relatively standard opening hours, while others allow members to access the premises early in the morning, in the evening or at weekends.

This can be particularly important if you:

• work with clients in different time zones;
• regularly start work very early;
• prefer working in the evening;
• have a variable schedule.

Before signing up for a membership, make sure the access hours genuinely suit the way you work.

Overlooking the noise level

A coworking space is, by definition, a shared environment. You should therefore expect to hear other people working, talking or making phone calls.

However, noise levels can vary considerably from one space to another.

If your work requires a high level of concentration, look for a coworking space with different areas: quiet zones, private offices, phone booths or rooms where you can work in isolation temporarily.

On the other hand, if you are mainly looking for interaction and a lively atmosphere, a very quiet workspace may not suit you.

There is therefore no ideal noise level: it all depends on the way you work.

Not thinking about calls and video meetings

This is an easy detail to overlook before you actually start working in a coworking space.

You have an important video meeting in 20 minutes. Every meeting room is occupied, and you suddenly realise that your only option is to join the meeting from your desk in the middle of the shared workspace. Not ideal, is it?

If you regularly make calls or attend video meetings, check which solutions are available:

• phone booths;
• small individual rooms;
• meeting rooms;
• designated areas where calls are allowed;
• a booking system.

This improves your own comfort as well as that of the other users.

Choosing a space that does not match your personality

Every coworking space has its own atmosphere.

Some place a strong emphasis on community, with events, after-work gatherings and plenty of opportunities to interact. Others focus on providing a quiet environment where everyone works independently.

Before choosing, think about what you are actually looking for.

A highly popular coworking space is not necessarily the one that will suit you best.

Not anticipating how your needs may change

Today, you may simply need a desk a few days a week.

But your situation may change.

A freelancer may hire an employee. A start-up may quickly expand its team. A company may occasionally need a room that can accommodate several people.

It can therefore be useful to check whether the coworking space offers different solutions:

• individual workstations;
• private offices;
• meeting rooms;
• spaces for small teams;
• more or less flexible membership options.

Being able to adapt within the same workspace means you do not have to start looking for new premises as soon as your situation changes.

Ignoring the membership terms and conditions

Finally, take a few minutes to review the terms and conditions before committing.

Pay particular attention to:

• the minimum commitment period;
• cancellation terms;
• the notice period;
• any additional fees;
• the services actually included in your membership;
• the conditions for accessing meeting rooms.

An offer presented as flexible can sometimes come with more restrictions than you might expect.

How to choose the right coworking space

To avoid these mistakes, the simplest approach is to define your priorities before you even start searching.

Ask yourself:

• How often will I use the space?
• How much can I afford to spend?
• Do I need a quiet environment or a more dynamic one?
• Will I regularly make phone calls?
• Do I need to welcome clients?
• Which access hours are essential?
• Do I need a meeting room?
• Could my requirements change over the next few months?

You can then compare different coworking spaces based on the factors that genuinely matter to you, rather than relying solely on photos or the advertised price.

In summary

Choosing a coworking space is not simply about finding an available desk close to home.

The right space should match your working style, your activity and your habits.

Before committing, take the time to check the location, access hours, atmosphere, noise level, facilities, included services and membership terms.

And above all, whenever possible, visit the premises or try the space for a day. Spending just a few hours there can often reveal details you would never have considered when simply looking at an offer online.