So here you are, looking at all the possibilities in your local area and trying to make the best decision on what coworking space you want to explore or if you even find value in them at all.
I’m Dave Mirgon: serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Columbus’s premier coworking and meeting space, Brick House Blue, here to tell you the key things to look for when deciding your ideal “work-from-home” workspace.
Let’s take a step back for just a moment. Imagine stepping into a space where the energy and buzz are not just palpable but contagious, serving as a daily antidote to the loneliness and monotony of working from home. This is the power of a well-chosen coworking space, where every element is crafted to foster collaboration, creativity, and a profound sense of community.
It’s about finding that sweet spot where your workday becomes more than a series of tasks, transforming into an experience that nourishes both your career ambitions and your personal well-being.
My carefully curated 10 ultimate tips for finding the perfect workspace are infused with great researched value, designed to guide you through your options with confidence and clarity. These tips shed light on the importance of not just the physical attributes of a space but the intangible qualities that ignite inspiration and productivity.
From the significance of networking opportunities that could lead to your next big breakthrough to the flexibility that accommodates your evolving work style, these insights aim to empower you with practical advice.
Let’s explore how to navigate the coworking space arena with an informed perspective, ensuring that the space you choose not only meets your needs but enhances your entire work experience.
1. Vibrant Community and Networking Opportunities
What to Look For: Seek a coworking space that transcends the traditional office, offering engaging events, workshops, and a vibrant online community. Ideal spaces foster spontaneous and planned interactions conducive to networking.
Why It Matters: Research by Lejoux et al. (2024) underscores the immense value of environments rich in engagement and interaction, claiming they are catalysts for fostering collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. These spaces are not just workplaces but ecosystems that thrive on the professional growth and personal development of their members. In such dynamic settings, casual conversations can evolve into significant projects and partnerships, offering profound enrichment to professional journeys and personal connections. Beyond the immediate benefits of networking, these environments cultivate a sense of belonging and community, making them indispensable for individuals seeking to deepen their industry connections while contributing to a supportive and thriving professional network.
2. Flexibility and Variety of Workspaces
What to Look For: Spaces that cater to various work modes, from private offices, meeting rooms, phone booths, hot desks, and dedicated desks. A place that caters to all dynamics of what you need to be successful
Why It Matters: Krauss and Tremblay (2024) bring to light the crucial role of adaptability in today’s work environments, arguing that versatility in workspace options can significantly bolster innovation, productivity, and job satisfaction. The ability for professionals to customize their surroundings according to the task at hand is not just a convenience but a necessity in the modern workplace. This flexibility encourages a culture of efficiency and creativity, allowing individuals to seamlessly transition between focus-driven and collaborative work modes. Such a varied workspace environment not only meets the diverse needs of its members but also supports their evolving work styles, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community where professionals can thrive.
3. High-Quality Amenities and Facilities
What to Look For: A workspace equipped with top-tier amenities, from high-speed internet and ergonomic furniture to gourmet coffee and wellness spaces.
Why It Matters: The findings of Di Marino and Mariotti (2024) reveal the substantial impact that high-quality amenities have on member satisfaction and effectiveness. Workspaces equipped with superior amenities, such as high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, gourmet coffee, and wellness spaces, merge functionality with luxury, significantly enhancing productivity and well-being. These amenities contribute to an atmosphere that values member comfort and convenience, underscoring the importance of a workspace that goes beyond basic needs to offer a premium working experience. Such an environment not only attracts but retains members, building a community that values excellence in every aspect of their work life.
4. Location and Accessibility
What to Look For: A conveniently located space that enriches work-life balance with nearby dining, culture, and services.
Why It Matters: Leducq and Abdo (2024) emphasize the strategic importance of workspace location in mitigating commute stress and enhancing professional networking opportunities. A prime location offers the dual benefits of convenience and access to a vibrant community, enriching the work-life balance of its members. The proximity to dining, culture, and services does not merely serve logistical needs but fosters a dynamic ecosystem where professional interactions can flourish outside traditional settings. This strategic positioning enhances the appeal of the workspace, making it ideal for professional development and social interaction.
5. Wellness and Work-life Balance
What to Look For: An environment that prioritizes physical and mental health, offering ergonomic setups and wellness programs.
Why It Matters: Prioritizing wellness within a workspace ensures that productivity is not just the result of hard work but is fueled by vitality and well-being. An environment that offers ergonomic setups and wellness programs addresses the holistic needs of its members, fostering a culture where professional achievements are in harmony with self-care and personal growth. This balanced approach promotes a healthier, more sustainable work lifestyle, attracting individuals who value a workspace that supports not just their career aspirations but their overall well-being.
6. Supportive and Responsive Management
What to Look For: Management that acts as a work-life concierge, responsive to members’ needs and focused on community engagement.
Why It Matters: The role of management in enhancing the coworking experience cannot be overstated. A management team that acts as a work-life concierge, responsive to the diverse needs of its members and actively focused on community engagement, creates a nurturing environment. Such management practices ensure that members feel valued and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This supportive atmosphere encourages collaboration and innovation, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic environment where members are motivated to contribute their best.
7. Safety and Security Measures
What to Look For: Robust physical and digital security measures, including surveillance and data protection.
Why It Matters: The implementation of comprehensive physical and digital security measures provides a foundation for peace of mind among coworking space members. Knowing that one’s personal and professional assets are safeguarded allows members to focus on their productivity and creativity without the distraction of security concerns. This secure environment supports a culture of trust and safety, essential for fostering a community where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating on projects.
8. Advanced Technological Infrastructure
What to Look For: Cutting-edge technology and IT support to ensure a seamless work experience.
Why It Matters: The emphasis on advanced technological infrastructure by Jucevičius and Graželytė (2023) highlights the pivotal role of technology in streamlining operations and fostering innovation. A coworking space equipped with the latest digital tools and robust IT support ensures that members can work efficiently and explore new possibilities. This technological backbone is crucial for attracting a community of forward-thinking professionals who value a workspace that stays ahead of the curve, offering resources that empower them to achieve their goals.
9. Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness:
What to Look For: Spaces that integrate eco-friendly practices, from energy-efficient designs to zero-waste initiatives.
Why It Matters: A commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness reflects a coworking space’s dedication to making a positive impact on the planet. Integrating eco-friendly practices, from energy-efficient designs to zero-waste initiatives, resonates with environmentally conscious members and contributes to broader efforts to mitigate environmental impact. This approach not only enhances the workspace’s community and ethical footprint but also aligns with the values of members who prioritize sustainability in their personal and professional lives.
10. Flexible Membership Plans
What to Look For: A range of membership options to suit various needs, schedules, and budgets, from day passes to private offices.
Why It Matters: Offering a variety of membership options accommodates the evolving needs of the modern workforce, allowing members to tailor their engagement with the workspace according to their changing requirements. This flexibility supports a diverse and dynamic community, fostering an environment where innovation and creativity flourish. By providing options that range from day passes to private offices, dedicated desks, and coworking spaces, it enables members to have more power in their work environment thus allowing them to be more productive.
Now it’s time to find your perfect coworking and meeting space
As we reach the end of our exploration into the world of coworking spaces, it’s clear that the journey to find the perfect workspace is much more than just selecting a place to work; it’s about choosing a space that echoes with your aspirations, energizes your daily grind, and wraps you in a community that’s both inspiring and supportive.
The power of a well-chosen coworking space lies not only in its ability to combat the solitude of remote work with its vibrant buzz but also in its potential to transform your workday into a nourishing experience that feeds both your career and your spirit.
With the roadmap of our 10 ultimate tips in hand, you’re now equipped to sift through the possibilities with a keen eye, identifying spaces that don’t just accommodate your needs but amplify your potential.
Whether it’s the electric atmosphere of collaborative zones, the luxury of high-quality amenities, or the flexibility to choose your perfect work setting, the ideal coworking space is out there waiting to become the backdrop to your next big achievement.
So, as you contemplate your next move in the coworking universe, remember that it’s not just about where you work, but how that space elevates your entire work-life experience. Welcome to the future of working, where every day is an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.
