Coworking spaces are a shared workplace offering office amenities and a working environment. It helps you attain an office setting, fuels creativity, and boosts productivity. Also, it offers various networking opportunities by bringing together experts from different fields.
And that’s not all; there are numerous coworking spaces, and your options are endless. However, each is ideal for specific needs, professionals, or settings. So how do you choose the best one for you?
Here are the top tips for choosing a perfect coworking space.
1. Consider available amenities
When selecting a coworking space in Hong Kong, analyze the available amenities and features. A coworking space with the best amenities will increase productivity and work experience.
Some of the essential amenities to consider include:
- Secure Internet: Ensure that the internet offered is fast, reliable, and secure to handle video calls, streaming, and other tasks.
- Office hardware: Inquire about the availability, limitations, and fees of using office hardware such as printers, copiers, telephones, paper shredders, and scanners.
- Conference rooms: You’ll need conference rooms if your work requires you to hold meetings. So, ensure you pick a coworking space that has private conferences of varying sizes.
- Additional perks: You can get other benefits like gym, showers, phone booths, etc., in a coworking space. Such perks will enhance your working experience and help you relax after long working hours.
2. Privacy
Privacy can be essential when completing your projects. As such, you’ll need a quiet coworking space with top privacy features. Look for features like movable walls that help cut off noise and shield you. But remember, a private office will come with additional cost, so ensuring it is within your budget is essential.
3. Community and networking opportunities
A coworking space lets you connect with professionals from various industries. The experts and individuals in the spaces form a community that offers many networking opportunities. Therefore, look at the community in your preferred coworking space to ensure it will boost your productivity and working experience.
4. The Location
The location of the coworking space is essential as it determines accessibility, security, and other working aspects. An ideal location should be accessible to public transport and safe neighborhoods. Check the road infrastructure, time to commute, and availability of parking spaces in the region. A perfect location will give your clients a good impression and save you time and transportation costs.
5. The price
You’ll find numerous coworking spaces, each with unique features and prices. The cost depends on the features, location, membership options, etc. Therefore, it is best to have a budget and choose one within it to avoid financial issues. But be ready to spend more on an ideal coworking space with the perfect features to increase productivity.
Additionally, please read through the coworking space contract before signing it. Doing this will help you identify all hidden costs and the terms of the space. Choose the one with favorable terms in the contract to avoid future issues.
6. consider the security
Security is an essential consideration when choosing a coworking space. Remember you’ll be carrying your pricey tools, like laptops, documents, pads, etc., to the place. So, inquire about the security measures and protocols in the office. High-security measures and practical security protocols will ensure easy accessibility and optimum protection.
7. Work environment and ambiance
Working environment and ambiance can make or break your productivity. If it’s conducive, it will act as a motivation, allowing you to complete the tasks on time network. Some features that determine work ambiance include layout, lighting, and fittings. Ensure these features are per your working style and preference.
8. Membership options
There are numerous membership options in coworking spaces. The ideal one will depend on your work, the required amenities, and availability. Some of the common options are hourly passes and monthly membership. The best coworking space should have a membership option that aligns with your project and schedule. Ensure it is flexible enough to accommodate work changes or availability.
Types of coworking spaces
Some of the popular types of coworking spaces include:
- Traditional coworking: The spaces have open designs and address individual or business needs.
- Coffee shops: A coffee shop coworking space is ideal for freelancers and telecommuters. It has furniture, internet, and other office essentials with access to coffee.
- Professional coworking: The offices are ideal for individuals who want unique features and environments. They offer better lighting, interior décor, meeting rooms, amenities, and other perks.
- Specialized coworking: The facilities are known for better amenities that promote collaboration and partnership. The designs work for a specific type of project or experts.
- Lifestyle coworking: The facilities are convenient and create a home-like feeling to increase productivity. It has numerous additional perks like a gym and other home features to keep your mind at ease.
Who uses coworking spaces?
The following are some of the professionals who might benefit from using coworking spaces:
- Freelancers: A freelancer enjoys the benefits of coworking spaces to boost their productivity, create relationships, and improve their skills.
- Remote professionals: A coworking space allows a remote professional to complete tasks in the best office environment.
- Corporations: Coworking spaces help corporations enhance employee welfare and offer the best atmosphere to increase productivity and creativity.
- Entrepreneurs: The networking opportunities in coworking spaces help entrepreneurs to nurture business ideas. Other professionals will give you informed advice and inspiration to help you thrive in your field.
- Travelers: A coworking space gives a traveler access to technology and amenities to complete tasks during the adventures
Benefits of using coworking spaces
You’ll enjoy the following benefits if you utilize coworking spaces:
- Flexibility: You’ll be flexible enough to work or change your work settings to adapt to your specific tasks.
- Collaboration: A coworking space allows you to collaborate with other experts on various amenities and tasks.
- Productivity: A coworking space will increase your focus by shielding you from home distractions and noise.
Conclusion
A coworking space is ideal for a flexible and better working environment. It improves your productivity and creativity and lets you network with professionals from other fields. But you must choose the right coworking space from the numerous options. The above tips will help you find the perfect one that matches your work and personal needs.