8 Tips To Find a Los Angeles Shared Office Space That Fits Your Needs

Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup, or a growing enterprise, having the right working space can help you and your team get excited to tackle daily to-dos.

In an environment that’s crowded and filled with distractions, productivity and motivation can lag.

For many businesses, a dedicated office is often the answer to workspace quandaries, providing a spot for focused work and team collaboration. However, not every business wants the expense or commitment of a traditional office lease. 

The sweet spot between a long-term lease and working from a sofa or dining table is a shared office with flexible leasing terms and a variety of coworking spaces. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Los Angeles shared office space, follow the tips in this article to find the best fit for your needs.

How Can a Shared Office Make a Difference for Your Business?

To accommodate today’s hybrid workforce, which demands both flexibility and solid working relationships, many companies are turning to coworking spaces. Here are the top benefits of coworking office space in Los Angeles for companies needing the versatility of a professional environment without the headache of a traditional lease.

Opportunities for Connection

In a 2023 report, the U.S. Surgeon General discusses the mortality impact of social disconnection, equating it with smoking 15 cigarettes daily. According to the report, the public health impact of loneliness is even more significant than that of obesity or physical inactivity. 

Coupled with smartphone and social media usage, among other technologies, remote work is contributing to social disconnection for many individuals. Working in shared spaces facilitates in-person interaction, helping eliminate the feelings of loneliness workers may experience when working in isolation. 

Networking Opportunities

Sharing office space in Los Angeles, CA, is like attending a chamber of commerce meeting but without the luncheons and 30-second pitches. When you work among like-minded professionals in a prime location like Los Angeles, you may get to learn about other businesses. You never know who you might meet while you’re grabbing office supplies or enjoying lunch in an outdoor space.

Professional Environment

With access to meeting spaces, private offices, and event spaces for company-sponsored soirees, professional office spaces provide instant credibility. There’s nothing like a hip, sophisticated shared office — Los Angeles business address included — to impress clients, partners, vendors, new talent, and investors.

Office Supplies and Equipment

Forget about slumping over a coffee table and troubleshooting WiFi issues. A shared workspace, LA-style, gives you everything you need for smooth operations. Reliable internet service, technical support, printers, office supplies, mail service, modern furniture, and amenities like breakfast and beverages make your workday more joyful and productive.

Affordability

In Los Angeles, the average rent for office spaces is nearly $4 per square foot. In response to escalating costs in large cities, some office tenants are buying themselves out of long-term contracts, according to a McKinsey Global Institute report. 

The solution is shared office space. Los Angeles, CA, can be your company’s home but without the high cost and inflexibility of a lengthy contract. That means you can scale up or down and adjust your coworking space to meet your evolving needs. 

8 Tips To Pick the Perfect Shared Office Space in LA

1. Look for Shared Offices With Different Types of Workspaces

No two workdays are the same, so why should your office be that way? Shared offices with a wide range of workspaces give you the freedom to thrive in various settings for different tasks.

• Open desks: Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and those who prefer a collaborative environment may only need a desk to call home.
• Private spaces: Individual offices and meeting rooms are essential for confidential calls, team meetings, and distraction-free work.
• Communal areas: Casual meetings and networking encounters may call for a quick sit-down at kitchen barstools or on a rooftop terrace, like the one featured at our downtown Glendale offices.

2. Think About Traffic, and Pick a Convenient Location

Finding a coworking space that minimizes commuting time is key to working happily in the City of Angels. Consider offices that are easily accessible through public transit or close to major freeways and airports, like Industrious Playa District, located near Los Angeles International Airport and the 405 Freeway. 

Proximity to museums, cafes, outdoor spaces, restaurants, boutiques, entertainment venues, and other hot spots can also make up for any time spent slogging through traffic; Industrious Old Pasadena is a prime example. Some coworking spaces, like our 5th and Flower offices, also feature fitness centers, dining options, and other on-campus amenities, cutting down on time spent off-site.

3. Make Sure It Offers Meeting and Conference Rooms

Check that the shared office space includes access to meeting and conference rooms for client meetings, presentations, and team brainstorming sessions. Audio-visual equipment, whiteboards, plenty of seating, and guaranteed reservations are essential to holding meetings without a hitch.

Inquire about booking policies. For example, can you reserve a room on short notice? Is there an additional cost to book a room? How much time are you allotted monthly? Also, ask whether there are various room sizes available to suit different types of meetings, from one-on-one discussions to team gatherings.

4. Evaluate Prices and Amenities

Naturally, cost is a significant factor when weighing the pros and cons of any office space. However, with the right amenities, you can make every dollar work for you. 

Look for a Los Angeles shared office space offering a variety of amenities, such as ergonomic furniture, office supplies, snacks, drinks, and high-speed internet. Consider what’s most important to you and your team to get the most value for the price. For example, if you know the way to your employees’ hearts is through their stomachs, choose a coworking space like our Pasarroyo location in Pasadena, with breakfast, coffee, and snacks included.

5. Ensure It Offers High-Speed Internet With Cybersecurity

You don’t want to choose a coworking space only to fall victim to cybersecurity attacks or slow internet speeds. Furthermore, while many shared workspaces might offer high-speed internet, not all will have measures in place to safeguard sensitive information. Here are some questions to guide your conversation: 

• What cybersecurity protocols does the coworking space have in place, such as firewalls and secure networks, to protect your data and client records?
• In the event of a breach, what steps will the shared office take to get everyone back on track? 
• Is there on-site or remote technical support available?
• What is the internet speed? Are there uptime guarantees?

These questions are even more crucial for businesses that rely on high-speed internet for day-to-day operations, such as tech companies and client-facing businesses holding frequent video conference calls.

6. Ask If They Provide a Virtual Business Address

A must-have for any shared office space, a virtual business address can instantly give your business a professional edge while shielding your home address. It gives you a place to send and receive mail and packages and also puts you on the map, allowing you to promote your business locally.

For example, you can set up a Google Business Profile with your business information, offers, and photos to become more discoverable in local search results as people search for businesses like yours. This virtual address is also essential for various types of correspondence, such as business registration materials and commercial email communications. 

7. Inquire About the People Who Will Share the Space With You

At home and at work, you can’t always hand-pick your neighbors. However, you can shop around for a shared office space in Los Angeles, CA, that attracts like-minded professionals or companies that align with your mission and values. 

As you get to know your office neighbors, you can open the door to new partnerships and collaborations. Some coworking spaces may also host networking events to further engage the community and encourage connection among tenants. In time, your shared office space can feel like a home away from home where you’re excited to work, connect, and grow.

8. Involve Your Team or Employees in the Decision-Making Process

If you have a team, involve your employees and contractors in the process of finding an office space in Los Angeles. Even if your team members aren’t planning to work fully on-site, they’ll appreciate the opportunity to give feedback about the location, perks, and pros and cons of each space you’re considering. Surveys, site visits, and trial runs can go a long way toward finding the perfect spot and keeping morale high as you transition to a new workspace.

Discover the Best Shared Workspaces and Offices in Los Angeles

It’s easy to understand why a company would gravitate toward Los Angeles when searching for a shared office space. Home to creatives, entrepreneurs, and enterprises alike, the city lives and breathes innovation and encourages growth for businesses of all sizes. 

In your search for a Los Angeles shared office space, explore the possibilities at our greater Los Angeles locations. By following the tips above, doing your research, and gathering input from your team, you can find the ideal coworking space for your needs.