Coworking is a popular concept as it meets the diverse needs of working professionals. That’s why many office spaces these days are designed to help people across industries work together. This setup is particularly ideal for startups and smaller organizations, as it gives them a fully functional workspace without having to spend on infrastructure. That said, one should understand what shared coworking office spaces offer to see if this is the right workplace for them.

Features

1. Reliable Wi-Fi
Today, almost all business communication is handled over the Internet. So, having strong, reliable Wi-Fi is a necessity for ensuring smooth operations. Most coworking spaces provide high-speed, uninterrupted internet connectivity. That said, when choosing a shared office space, one should ensure that the Wi-Fi can be accessed everywhere, including in secluded and soundproof conference rooms, kitchens, and common areas.

2. Office amenities
A good coworking space provides all the amenities of a traditional office. They include video conferencing equipment, telephone systems, projectors for meetings, laptop and/or desk computers, copy machines, fax machines, printers, and scanners. Additionally, most spaces have a refreshments and snacks corner, recreational activities area, coffee machine, and comfortable and secure workstations.

3. Hassle-free access
Most coworking spaces require people to make bookings to secure specific rooms and shared spaces. This ensures that everyone has an area reserved for use when they arrive, and no time is wasted in acquiring a spot or dealing with overcrowding. The booking feature also allows members to choose the amenities they need, from specific conference rooms to individual desks for team members. The coworking office spaces may also have streamlined visitor check-in systems to ensure no unauthorized access to the building.

4. Concierge services
Shared or coworking office spaces often offer additional services on demand to enhance convenience. These services could include making travel arrangements on request, doing dry cleaning and laundry, and providing mail services and a dedicated address where members can receive packages.

5. Access to events
Coworking spaces are known for hosting events ranging from professional workshops and seminars to community meetups. These events can be great networking opportunities for coworking members.

Benefits

1. Cost-effectiveness
Low overhead costs are arguably the biggest benefit of a shared coworking office space, especially for small businesses. These spaces eliminate the need to invest in a private or rental office, interiors, and furnishings. Additionally, the spaces typically charge hourly, weekly, or monthly. They may also provide packages that suit business needs, allowing one to pay only for the number of hours and members that work at the space. These economic factors are worth considering if one is debating signing up for a coworking space.

2. Sense of community
Unlike working from home, coworking, even if only a few times a week, can encourage a sense of community, fostering interaction and idea sharing. It also helps maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life.

3. Networking opportunities
Coworking spaces encourage interaction between members from different fields, backgrounds, and employers, giving them an opportunity to expand their network and make lasting connections.

4. Better productivity
Working in a shared coworking office space often allows for smooth collaboration, helping teams complete tasks quickly. On the other hand, these spaces also come with private rooms, quiet zones, and phone booths that work well for those who want a disturbance-free space from time to time. So, these shared spaces are usually designed to cater to varying work needs. This ensures people feel productive and motivated to get things done.

5. Cleanliness
Coworking spaces tend to have dedicated staff to keep the places as clean as possible. The cleaning staff handles sanitization and disinfection regularly. The spaces are also spacious, organized, and well-maintained, which helps create a healthy and productive working environment.

Things to consider when choosing a coworking space

1. Location
A coworking space should be accessible to staff and other stakeholders. So, one should consider choosing a space in a prime location, such as the heart of a city or an area with access to public transport.

2. Recreational facilities
While it may not seem like much, several office goers prefer dedicated exercise or gym space and recreational areas with common games like foosball, pool, and table tennis to relax during breaks. This ensures better physical and mental well-being and higher productivity among members.

3. Safety
One should prioritize safety for assets, members, and even data while choosing a shared coworking space. So, ideally, the space should prioritize invite-only entry, install surveillance cameras, and have security guards on duty at all times. The space should make one feel safe. Additionally, to ensure data security, one should look for encrypted Wi-Fi, dedicated IT support, and strict access control via biometrics. Apart from these factors, one can also look for spaces that meet particular needs, like creative spaces for artists, pet-friendly areas, or childcare facilities for members with children.