In 2024, the emergence of local coworking spaces in suburbs and small towns is a direct result of changing working practices. This movement is driven by a growing desire to shorten commutes and improve work-life balance. These coworking spaces provide a practical working environment, but also a place for collaboration and innovation within the workspace.
Here are 10 tips for finding your ideal coworking space:
1. Define your needs to find a suitable coworking space
To choose a suitable coworking space, identify your needs in terms of the type of work, pace, budget, ergonomics, environment, technology, shared values, networking and events.
By defining these criteria clearly, you will find a space that supports productivity, wellbeing and professional fulfilment, while encouraging interaction and opportunities for growth.
2. Visit several collaborative sites to find the best coworking space
Online photos and descriptions cannot replace the experience of a real visit. Visiting spaces lets you feel the ambience, see the premises, the types of workspace on offer, the meeting rooms, the break and social areas and the activities provided, observe how members interact and soak up the general atmosphere. This will help you decide whether the space matches your working style, your taste in decor and your company’s values.
It also allows you to compare offers and negotiate prices and membership terms according to your needs.
3. Check the location of the site to make access easy
The accessibility of a coworking space is important to make the best use of your time, reduce the stress of commuting and balance your work and personal life. A central location, near bus and underground routes, also makes travel easier for your employees, visitors and clients.
Favour spaces served by public transport and located in lively neighbourhoods so that the site is easy to reach and find.
4. Read reviews to get an insight into the working experience
Reviews from existing users provide valuable insight into the atmosphere, the facilities and the responsiveness of the staff and the manager of the coworking space.
User feedback helps you gauge the general atmosphere and the quality of the services offered, and make an informed choice to find a workplace that suits your needs.
5. Check the services included in the coworking space
Checking the services included in a coworking space is crucial to meeting your needs. A variety of services, from Wi-Fi to meeting rooms, can influence your productivity, and extras such as cafés or rest rooms available within a shared office improve comfort.
By choosing a shared office with the right services, you optimise your working environment.
6. Assess the atmosphere of the coworking space for a comfortable workplace
A coworking space with a good atmosphere will increase your teams’ productivity and wellbeing. A calm atmosphere encourages concentration, while a lively environment boosts motivation and creativity.
A friendly atmosphere reduces stress and supports a healthy work-life balance.
7. Assess the coworking community to encourage exchanges
Choosing a coworking workplace should include a thorough assessment of its community. A professional environment made up of people who share similar interests and goals encourages fruitful collaboration and business opportunities. Don’t hesitate to ask the coworking space for examples of companies based there. This will help you identify whether there are sectors close to yours.
Taking an active part in a lively community not only enriches your professional experience but also contributes to its collective development.
8. Flexible coworking plans to adapt your workspace
Assessing the flexibility of coworking plans helps you adapt to changing needs, your budget and your way of working.
Spaces offering pricing that adjusts to usage and no-commitment options are advantageous.
Find out how flexible the available plans are, so that the coworking space suits both your needs and your budget, and check the cancellation terms should you decide to leave a shared office.
9. Try coworking spaces before committing to a workplace
It is advisable to try out different coworking spaces before committing, to find the working environment that suits you best. This allows you to assess the atmosphere, services, location, community and value for money.
Take advantage of free trials, talk to members and ask the coworking teams questions. By taking the time to compare, you will make the most of your experience and make an informed choice for your company.
10. Choose a coworking space that offers workspace management software
A coworking space equipped with workspace management and booking software makes life easier for users by automating tasks and simplifying space booking for optimal working comfort.
For managers, it makes communication easier, optimises space management, enables better community management and reduces dissatisfaction.
In short, it is a valuable tool for improving efficiency, comfort and conviviality in a shared office.
Optimise the occupancy of your workspace with Hamilton Deskbooking
Hamilton Deskbooking offers a comprehensive application dedicated to booking flexible workstations and office space. Designed to adapt to companies’ changing needs, the solution simplifies the management of hybrid working and flex office environments.
Feel free to contact our professionals to organise your workplace with ease.