Most people associate working remotely with working from home. After all, one perk of remote work is not having a commute, right?
However, many quickly discover that working from home is full of distractions, from family members to pets to undone chores staring them down. It can be frustrating, and you may not be as productive as you expected.
Fortunately, there’s another option. A coworking space can give you a professional location for meetings, flexibility to work away from home full-time or part-time, the ability to focus on your core work instead of being interrupted and distracted, and more.
When you find the right coworking space, you’ll be far more productive than you are at home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coworking Space
Whether you’re looking for a coworking space as an individual or a business, there are specific factors that can significantly impact your experience in that space. Here are the things to look for.
Location
The location of a coworking space makes a big difference in your experience. Do you want to be downtown where things are happening, there are a lot of places to eat, and you have an opportunity to build your network? Or would you prefer to have a quieter place closer to home so you can focus on your core work?
You’ll also want to ensure there’s adequate parking available for you and/or your team at the location. Having to park and ride a bus or metro adds time to the commute and starts to make the coworking space feel like more of a hassle than a benefit.
Cost
Coworking spaces vary widely in terms of cost, ranging from a few hundred dollars a month to a few thousand. You’ll also want to think about commuting and parking costs as well as any other fees.
You may be able to save money on your membership if you’re happy to work in an open desk rather than a private office. The more privacy you need, the more expensive it will be.
Keep in mind that the amount you pay covers maintenance, IT support, air conditioning, furnishings, meeting rooms, and more, which would cost a great deal if you had to supply them yourself. When you think about the flexibility and resources you have access to, the cost is often very reasonable.
Amenities
Many coworking spaces offer a lot of amenities that enhance your experience. For example, most have Wi-Fi, printers, and conference rooms you can reserve for meetings, and many offer some kind of coffee station you can use when you take breaks.
You might also look for a kitchenette area, where there might be a refrigerator, freezer, and microwave, so you can bring food and snacks from home. That can save you a lot of money on eating out at lunch when you’re working away from home all day.
Other amenities to look for include locking storage for your belongings, mail services, and access to office supplies.
What’s the office environment like at the coworking space, and how well does that fit into your personal or business working style?
For example, if you’re very casual, you may not want to choose a coworking space with a professional dress code. You might also find that the culture at different coworking spaces varies depending on how common it is to chat with those working near you, have meetings without headphones, or socialize in the workspace.
You should also consider the physical layout of the workspace. It affects results — 7 out of 10 office workers reported that their physical surroundings impact their productivity and energy levels in a survey conducted by Industrious and OnePoll.
Some workspaces favor an industrial feel, while others incorporate nature, greenery, and water to reduce stress and improve productivity. Finding the right coworking space for your needs includes finding a space you feel comfortable and focused.
Privacy
Many coworking spaces have options that allow you to pay more for additional space and privacy. An unassigned spot at a work desk may be the least expensive membership, while a private office with a door could be one of the more expensive. You may be able to choose between office sizes as well, or even reserve rooms on an hourly or daily basis.
Before you spring for a private office for you or your team, think about what you’re hoping to get out of coworking. If you want less isolation or a chance to collaborate with others, you might enjoy being in the main area rather than a separate office, for example.
However, if you’re easily distracted or frequently discuss protected information, a private office may be the perfect solution for you.
If you only need private spaces occasionally for team or client meetings, you might do well with a less expensive desk option and the ability to reserve a conference room when you need a private meeting space.
There are many ways to create a productive workspace in a coworking environment — take advantage of them!
Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the primary benefits of a coworking space. You have the ability to sign up for full-time or part-time memberships that allow you and your team to work away from home as often as you need.
In many coworking spaces, you can also set your membership up for flexible work hours — not everyone thrives from 9am to 5pm. You or your team may be able to work in the evenings or even overnight if that works best. Or maybe it’s important to have weekend access so you can finish key projects before Monday.
Ease of Commute
When you look at the location, think about what the commute will be like and how often you’ll make the drive. If you’re making a decision for a business or a team, or you have clients meet with you regularly, consider how far away the location is from those people as well.
Not every coworking space that is the closest to you or your team’s homes is the easiest to get to. Sometimes a space is further away but is much easier to drive to — you might be able to take the interstate or avoid congested areas of your city.
Depending on the coworking space, the monthly fee may be all-inclusive or there might be extra fees for specific services. For example, does getting mail at the space cost extra? Or is there a fee for reserving a conference or meeting room?
Don’t assume everything you see is included with the monthly fee — be sure to ask so you don’t end up with any unpleasant, expensive surprises.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coworking Space
Other than the main aspects listed above, there are other things about a coworking space that may sway your decision about which space to use and how often.
Professional Goals. If you’re working on building your network and meeting new people, a coworking space that’s more centrally located and has more activity will be better than a quieter, more isolated location. If you’re trying to focus on work without distractions, the opposite will be true.
Culture and Values. How well do the businesses and other customers in the space align with your personal or your organization’s culture and values? For example, you might look for a coworking space with a high level of ethnic diversity if that’s important for you or your company.
Type of Work Environment. Some people need quiet in order to truly focus, while others thrive on the energy of a bustling environment. In many spaces, you can take advantage of a trial offer or day rate to determine whether the work environment fits your needs before committing to a membership.
Available Resources. Some coworking spaces are the hub for a lot of community activities and networking, while others are more informal and focus mostly on getting work done. Think about what you’re interested in and look for spaces that provide that support.
Narrowing Down Your Choices
Once you’ve identified a few coworking spaces you’re interested in for yourself or your business, it’s time to evaluate the options and make a decision. Here are some tips that can help.
Visit and Tour the Space
If you haven’t already, take time to visit and walk around the space during the hours you’d be working there. That will give you a good idea of how loud and active it is, as well as whether the layout works for you. You might even consider working there a day or two using a trial or day rate to see how well it fits your needs.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
What aspects of the coworking space did other people particularly enjoy — or dislike? Reviews and testimonials will help you get the good and the bad so that you can make an informed decision for your company or yourself.
How Industrious Can Help Determine If Coworking is Right For You
Whether you’re looking for shared or dedicated workspace, Industrious can help you find what you need.
We offer custom workplaces for large teams, private offices for teams of 1-20+, and shared workspaces that you can access on demand in over 65 cities. Learn more about our individual and business coworking options today!