Thinking about making the move to a coworking space? Good decision! Coworking offers up a huge array of benefits, which is why this working model is rapidly growing in popularity.
Your next step is to choose a coworking space. It goes without saying that you’ll want an environment that’s comfortable and inspiring. While this may not seem like a big ask, it potentially is. Unfortunately, not all coworking spaces meet the mark, making it important to know how to pick the perfect space for you. Read on as Circle Hub shares some tips to help you do just that!
Establish Some Expectations
It’s always helpful to start your search with some expectations, in addition to seeking comfort and inspiration. For example, if you like the idea of sitting at a different desk every day, then look for a coworking space that offers this flexibility, rather than one that assigns you a specific desk for the month. At Circle Hub, our Hot Spots enable you to grab a desk of your choosing and get to work. However, we also have our Designated Desk system, where you can book a specific desk for however long you need it.
It’s important to take the size of your team into consideration too. Sure, the casual atmosphere of some coworking spaces will be conducive to teamwork, but shared office spaces aren’t the place to hold official meetings or noisy brainstorming sessions. Instead, you’ll need a coworking space that also gives you the option of renting out a private area for purposes like that. At Circle Hub, you can choose from a private office suite or one of our conference rooms. Both are perfect for getting a team together and can be rented by the hour, making them very cost-effective!
Before you start your search, make a list of your expectations so that you can easily see which coworking spaces match up.
Check Out Available Amenities
Amenities vary hugely between coworking spaces. While most provide the basics, such as WiFi and access to printers, there are many coworking spaces that go the extra mile in trying to give their members all that they could possibly need.
Take Circle Hub, for example. We offer the basics along with so much more. For starters, we have a kitchen area where our members can grab some free refreshments whenever they need a snack or a caffeine fix. This area is also a great place to simply relax and get to know other people. We have several other comfortable lounge areas too, all of which are perfect for some downtime.
If you prefer to stay active on your breaks, spend some time in our fitness center. It’s well-stocked with all of the equipment that you may need for a quick workout! Another option would be to hang out in our gaming room where you’ll likely end up meeting other like-minded people.
Consider Ease of Networking
Just about every coworking space out there will help you to expand your professional network. After all, working in a shared environment puts you in close proximity to such a diverse array of people from a variety of professions. All you need to do is reach out and speak to them, and you could end up with some new business opportunities. This is why many would agree that easy networking is one of the biggest perks that comes from using a coworking space.
While that may be the case, some coworking spaces go above and beyond in terms of helping their members network. They’ll offer networking events, workshops, seminars, and more. All will be geared toward encouraging their members to make new connections.
That’s exactly what we do at Circle Hub, although we keep things on the casual side. You can browse our upcoming events on our events calendar and pick and choose which you want to attend. They’re all informal and friendly to make networking feel more natural and enjoyable!
Of course, if you work in a very specialized field and usually struggle to make worthy connections with other professionals, you may want to consider a specialized coworking space. More and more spaces are popping up that cater to specific niches. Whether this may be a coworking space for the medical community, for artists, or any other sector, you may find this to be more beneficial for networking within your industry, even though you won’t be able to experience quite as much diversity.
Prioritize a Convenient Commute
Location is key when choosing a coworking space. Sure, you may have found an amazing space an hour away but, if you plan on using that space a few times a week, your commute may soon make you regret your choice.
The beauty of coworking is that you can save yourself from spending hours in traffic because you can pick a space that’s quick and convenient for you to get to. Statistics predict that there’ll be over 40,000 coworking spaces dotted around the globe by the end of 2024, making it easier than ever to find a space that’s not too far away from where you live.
Of course, if you plan on driving, parking also needs to be taken into consideration. There’s no point finding a convenient space just a 10-minute drive from your house only to then have to spend an extra half an hour each day trying to find a parking space. This is why we’ve ensured that parking is readily available at both Circle Hub locations.
If you rely on public transport rather than a car, then make sure that your coworking space has good public transportation links. Again, this is another box that Circle Hub ticks. Both our Northridge and Ventura locations offer easy access via public transport!
Ensure Opening Hours Suit You
Not only is the location of your coworking space crucial, but its opening hours are equally important, especially if you’re an early riser or a night owl. Sure, most coworking spaces will be open during standard office hours, but what if you need to work outside of these?
At Circle Hub, our members have 24/7 access to our coworking spaces. You won’t be restricted by any hours, meaning that you can choose to work whenever it’s most convenient for you. Whether you have to pull a few late nights to meet a looming deadline or you need to make an early start for a video call with a client who lives on the other side of the world, a coworking space that allows members to come and go at any time of day (or night) will give you so much more flexibility.
Pay Attention to Member Reviews
Chances are that before you make an important purchase, you read a few reviews. After all, this is the best way to gauge how a product performs in real-life situations. You’ll likely learn things about the product that the seller hadn’t advertised, whether this may be good or bad!
Well, the same should apply when it comes to choosing a coworking space. Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential spaces, do a quick online search for each one to see what other people say about it. Make sure that you’re not only reading reviews on the coworking space’s own official website, but also on third-party websites and social media.
This doesn’t mean that the space should immediately be a no-go if you read several negative reviews. However, you should definitely keep that information in mind when you organize a tour to view the space for yourself. You’ll know exactly what to keep an eye out for!
Do some research on Circle Hub and you’ll quickly see how much our members love using our spaces. They appreciate our amenities, opening hours, friendly management, and, most importantly, pricing. That brings us to the next factor to keep in mind when choosing a coworking space…
Be Aware of Any Extra Costs
All coworking spaces will charge a membership fee. Some do so monthly while others do so annually. Either way, this fee will grant you access to that coworking space and, in some cases, the extra amenities that they provide.
However, chances are that you won’t be able to use everything at that space free of charge. If there’s something that’s particularly important to you, such as the use of a meeting room, make sure that you’re aware of how much this is going to cost you. Assume that it will be free and you may be in for a shock once you’ve signed up to a coworking space and are ready to host a meeting.
Always Take a Tour Before Signing Up
There’s only so much you can learn about a coworking space from online reviews and photos. This is why booking a tour of the spaces you’re considering is so important. This is the only way for you to properly acquaint yourself with that space, enabling you to find out so much more about it.
For example, a coworking space’s microclimate will be so influential on how you work. Everything from design and layout to room temperature and noise level could impact your productivity. For the most realistic experience, book your tour for the time of day you plan on working. Don’t visit mid-morning if you only plan on working in the evenings, as the entire vibe would be very different.
Speaking of a vibe, every coworking space has one. Make sure that the space you choose has a vibe that suits you. If you enjoy a bright, buzzing, and energetic environment, then find a coworking space to match. Likewise, if you prefer darker colors, cozy corners, and an air of solitude, then you’ll need a coworking space that can provide this.
Taking a tour of a coworking space will also give you some insight into its community culture. Some spaces really promote a sense of community and belonging. You’ll likely be able to feel this as soon as you step into the room. This is something that can be very advantageous to your productivity, creativity, and general well-being, making a solid community more important than many realize.
Coworking at Circle Hub
As you can see, there’s plenty to consider when trying to choose the right coworking environment for you. However, keep all of the above in mind and you should have no problems picking the perfect match!
Click here to book a tour of Circle Hub’s coworking spaces today!