When it comes to office space, coworking is the new, desired standard. From freelancers to small business owners to startups to freelancers to independent contractors to employees, coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular.
More than 26,000 coworking spaces globally are scheduled to be open by the year 2022, according to Coworking Resources. There were only 7,805 in 2015.
A growing number of remote employees are choosing to hot-desk at coworking spaces, which have become increasingly accessible and affordable, rather than working from their own home office. When compared to working at home or in a coffee shop, coworking spaces offer a more distraction-free environment.
If you’re considering a long-term commitment to a coworking space, be sure to check out the less attractive and practical features of a successful coworking office before signing on the dotted line. Here are a some of the lesser-known features of the greatest coworking spaces in the world.
Amenities, privacy, and safety
At some coworking spaces, it’s easy to be swayed by the unusual offerings. A coworking space that has a beautiful view, a cafe, nap areas, a ping pong table, and social activities can sound like a dream come true.
However, if you want to be sure that a coworking space will be the ideal environment for you to network, establish connections, and maximize productivity, you must look beyond the frills.
Playing table tennis or napping may be promoted as time-saving productivity hacks, but these activities can also serve as sources of distraction, making it difficult to get through your day effectively.
The vista may take your breath away, but will it also serve as a source of discontentment? When it comes to light reflection, simple items like functional window coverings or blinds can make a big difference.
Also, you could value things like desk and chair types, air conditioners and thermostats, kitchens, and meeting rooms as important amenities. An ergonomic chair and desk will work better if you’ve got a poor back than a stylish chair or sofa. It’s possible that you’d value having blinds installed in meeting rooms with glass doors and walls.
It is common for coworkers to ignore their own privacy when making decisions together. When looking to find the ideal coworking space, look for one that isn’t overcrowded like an office building. Open-floor layouts and communal work areas are excellent, but they typically underestimate the amount of space needed to keep personal information safe. Storage facilities that are safe and secure are also a plus..
Wireless connectivity, security, printing possibilities, VPN compatibility, audio and video conferencing capabilities and options for a display screen or monitor should all be on your must-have list of tech luxuries.
The top coworking spaces are aware of the importance even the tiniest nuances.
Organizer of community events and community curator
In most cases, it takes some outside assistance for a thriving coworking community to get off the ground. It’s no coincidence that the most successful coworking spaces have a designated community curator on staff, because they actively promote a varied range of abilities and cooperation among their members. Curated coworking spaces can help people connect and collaborate, which is why they’re so popular.
One of the most significant advantages of joining a coworking space is the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and professionals. As a result of working alone, especially at home, one can feel isolated and lonely.
It is the job of a community curator to help develop a community that goes beyond the occasional talk or work gathering. In search of a coworking space that offers a variety of activities such as football or tennis teams or training programs and brainstorming meetings.
Atmosphere
Every aspect of an event is affected by the surrounding atmosphere. Having a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative community in a coworking space is likely to result in a positive climate in the workplace. To get a sense of the vibe of a coworking space, it’s a good idea to check it out at different times of day and on different days.
When you visit a co-working space, you may find that it is quiet because individuals are in meetings or focusing on a piece of work, when in fact the workplace is normally rather noisy and crowded. It’s also possible that the inverse is true: you can visit when the workplace is bustling, but it’s usually more sedate.
The manager or owner should be able to tell you what the work environment is like on a daily basis. Is there a sense of community and an openness to sharing ideas?
Getting out on your own and working for yourself may be a solitary and exhausting experience. Co-working spaces are a great way to meet new people, save money, and boost productivity all at the same time. The greatest co-working spaces will provide more than just a place to work from.
