Relocating to a new coworking space is an exciting time, especially when you’re ready and eager to embrace all the benefits that this collaborative and inspiring shared working environment will give you personally and professionally. 

Although the benefits of coworking spaces are numerous, if you’re relocating to a different country or state in the US, it’s imperative to find a suitable space for your role, the neighborhood you’re planning to move to, and the hobbies or activities you enjoy doing outside your work hours. 

Once you’re familiar with a new place, your coworking space can be an incredibly supportive environment to help you manage and navigate your move. This article explores the benefits of relocating to a coworking space and making the move as smooth as possible.

Integrating into a New Place as a Remote Worker

If you’ve moved into a new place, whether in the States or overseas, coworking spaces provide an instant ‘home away from home’ of fellow professionals who can offer guidance and a warm welcome. Although you might have already visited the coworking space and attended an open house to see the facilities, getting to know your fellow workers is the best part.

According to LinkedIn, a coworking space is a great way to integrate into a new place and remote workers will often choose a space to build a network, to find a community of coworkers, and have a designated and comfortable place to work with reliable wi-fi connections. 

A view of a coworking space.

With a group of coworkers to meet and bounce ideas off about work and personal issues, you’ll soon realize that the gains of coworking spaces can quickly cancel out any fears you may have had about making a move. This is especially true if this is the first time you’ve moved away from home or been relocated because of a remote-working contract, a temporary assignment, or a more permanent work/personal set of circumstances.

Without doubt, remote-working models offer flexibility and the opportunity to establish a healthy work/life balance. Current predictions suggest that there will be an estimated 41,975 coworking spaces worldwide by the end of 2024. Coworking spaces are innovative working environments fusing unrelated companies and colleagues together into shared spaces thriving with ideas, productivity and a work focus. 

With this in mind, coworking spaces provide excellent networking opportunities, enabling you or your colleagues to settle in quickly after relocating somewhere new. Coworking places enable colleagues to choose when and how often they use the space based on their specific needs and preferences. So, if you expect your needs change over time, it’s beneficial to find somewhere that offers options to switch between hot desking and a dedicated desk, or to book meeting rooms as needed.

Finding a Perfect Desk

When relocating, finding a suitable coworking space for your role, schedule, and personal lifestyle is key. There are several factors to consider in this process. Whatever the state, country, or city your remote work is taking you to, location is paramount. Ideally, look for a space that’s conveniently situated and meets your professional needs, whether it’s near your new home or in a bustling business district. 

Helping a new coworker is a great way to welcome them into a new coworking space. Likewise, If you’ve just relocated to an unfamiliar locale, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. The amenities offered close to a coworking space are as important as its workplace culture and Wi-Fi connection. So, if you’re asked, signpost your colleague to a prime residential area, especially if it’s in a good commuting distance to the coworking premises, local facilities, shops, and eateries.

If you are relocating, finding a space that has a healthy culture is key and will help to ensure you and your colleagues feel supported. A welcoming coworking space is one that invites people with shared roles and interests, on both a professional and personal level, to work together. For those relocating internationally, there’s the added stress of cultural adjustment. Adapting to a country’s working culture, lifestyle, and customs can be both exciting and overwhelming with plenty of pros and cons.

Feeling Welcome in a Coworking Setting

Having an inclusive culture in a coworking space will make colleagues from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and mindsets feel empowered and welcome after relocating there. It also promotes a productive culture of collaboration, innovation, and social interaction for a vibrant and thriving community. 

Meanwhile, cultural sensitivity is essential to understand if you are responsible for settling in any relocating employees. This involves developing awareness of cultural differences and how they might affect work and communication styles in a shared environment. It requires openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn about and adapt to different cultural norms. 

You might want to personalize your workstation in a coworking space by bringing items that make you feel comfortable and productive, such as a favorite mug or a plant. Introduce yourself to other members and participate in community events and any sports or socials that are organized. This can help you build a new professional network and make the most of the collaborative opportunities that coworking spaces offer.

A view of a coworking space.

Supporting Physical Health and Wellbeing

Regular check-ins are essential for maintaining open lines of communication and addressing any issues promptly following a move. As a manager or fellow coworker, frequent meetings are great if you want to discuss workload challenges, or need any extra support outside of your role. 

If you’ve recently arrived somewhere new, consider joining a local gym or take up a new sport together. Padel tennis has become popular for business collaboration, brand growth and for building opportunities. This growing sport, like golf, has become synonymous with networking opportunities and developing business contacts so picking up golf tips or a padel racquet might be worthwhile. 

Likewise, if you want to support a colleague coming into a new coworking space, hosting networking events, workshops, or informal meetups will encourage interaction and foster friendships and working relationships. 

Furnishing a Coworking Space 

Many coworking spaces cater to specific industries or work styles, so it’s worth researching to find one that aligns with your preferences and could potentially benefit your professional growth. Ensure that the coworking space you’re relocating to has all the facilities and software you require for your work, such as reliable high-speed internet, well-equipped meeting rooms, and necessary office equipment like printers and scanners. 

If possible, provide or seek out quiet zones for focused work or private conversations, as well as collaborative areas that encourage interaction and teamwork. To ensure a smooth transition to your new coworking space, consider starting with trial and be mindful of your budget

The nature of coworking spaces is that they are welcoming to newcomers who have all been in the same position. Your coworkers are there to answer any questions and to signpost you in the right direction whenever you are feeling a little lost in your new surroundings.

The multiple benefits of coworking help you to navigate a move and look forward to embracing a positive and productive work environment for as long as you need one. Whether you’re currently choosing a coworking space or on your way to your new desk somewhere exciting in the world, there are plenty of resources to help you settle in with minimal fuss or disruption to your work.