Essential Features of a Winning Coworking Space

Are you having difficulties with your remote work environment? 

Perhaps your children are home for the summer, or your in-laws are visiting you for a couple of weeks. Maybe there is constant construction outside your house, or you simply miss the hustle and bustle of a real office setting.

When the loneliness of freelancing begins to creep in or your creativity is being stifled, it may be time to explore spending some time at a coworking space. 

The best thing about coworking spaces is that they combine the professional ambience of an office with the freedom to work on your own. All you need to do is to check different coworking locations and find your perfect match environment. And here are some hints for you. 

What should a cowkring space include?

Coworking is a setup where employees from various companies share office space, promoting cost-efficiency and fostering networking opportunities by sharing amenities like desks, equipment, utilities, kitchens, reception areas, and more.

While essential features like high-speed internet and quality equipment are prerequisites for coworking spaces, additional factors can elevate them beyond expectations, crafting a luxurious and exceptional working environment.

Here are the features to look out for: 

Feature 1 — Office Amenities 

It is critical to find a coworking space that has everything you need in one place, right? If you're working on a long-term project, for example, you might be looking for a facility with private offices and conference spaces.

Alternatively, if your goal is to save money, you can give preference to an offer that includes coffee and snacks in the price. Aside from the essentials, some winning coworking spaces may include daily lunch service and in-house gyms or yoga sessions. 

If you could save time and money by conducting your workout and job under one roof, the increased monthly rental fee could be easier to justify.

Here are some tips to finding a coworking space that has everything you need in one place, like office amenities:

1. Make a list of your must-have amenities. What office amenities are essential to your productivity and well-being? Do you need high-speed internet, printing and scanning services, a kitchen, or meeting rooms? Once you have a list of your must-haves, you can start narrowing down your search.
2. Read online reviews. Once you've found a few coworking spaces that meet your basic requirements, take some time to read online reviews. This can give you a good sense of what the space is like to work in and whether it has the amenities that are important to you.
3. Visit the space in person. Once you've narrowed down your choices, schedule a time to visit each coworking space in person. This will give you a chance to see the space for yourself and get a feel for the atmosphere. Be sure to ask the staff about the amenities that are available and how they can be used.
4. Consider your budget. Coworking spaces can vary in price, so it's important to consider your budget when making your decision. Be sure to ask about any membership fees, as well as the cost of using any additional amenities, such as meeting rooms or printing services.
5. Ask about the community. Coworking spaces are all about community, so it's important to find a space where you feel comfortable working and networking. Ask the staff about the types of people who work in the space and what kinds of events they host.

Here are some specific office amenities that you may want to look for in a coworking space:

• High-speed internet
• Printing and scanning services
• Kitchen
• Meeting rooms
• Whiteboards and projectors
• Phone booths
• Lockable storage
• Mail and package handling
• Community events

If you can find a coworking space that has all of the office amenities that you need, it can save you a lot of time and hassle. You won't have to worry about setting up your own office space or paying for additional services, such as printing and scanning. 

You can simply focus on your work and enjoy the benefits of being part of a coworking community.

Feature 2 — Office Location 

Location is another essential feature of a winning office. One thing is that you don't want to spend too much time on the road to the office; another thing is that you should be close to potential clients or other industry centers. 

That's why you should look for a coworking space that is close to both your house and other sites crucial to your business.  

Here are some tips on finding a good office location:

• Consider your budget. Office space can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget before you start your search. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid wasting time looking at spaces that are out of your price range.
• Think about your location needs. Where do you want your office to be located? Do you want to be in the city center, close to public transportation, or in a more suburban area? Consider the needs of your employees and clients when making your decision.
• Look for a space that is the right size and layout. How much space do you need for your office? Do you need a lot of meeting rooms or open office space? Make sure to find a space that is the right size and layout for your business needs.
• Consider the amenities. What amenities are important to you? Do you need a kitchen, gym, or parking lot? Make a list of your must-have amenities and use it to narrow down your search.
• Read online reviews. Once you've found a few potential office spaces, take some time to read online reviews. This can give you a good sense of what the space is like to work in and whether it has the amenities that are important to you.
• Visit the space in person. Once you've narrowed down your choices, schedule a time to visit each office space in person. This will give you a chance to see the space for yourself and get a feel for the atmosphere. Be sure to ask the landlord or property manager any questions you have about the space.

Here are some additional tips:

• Consider your target market. If you have a lot of clients who visit your office, you'll want to choose a location that is convenient for them. This may mean being in a central location with good public transportation access.
• Think about your employees. Where do your employees live? How do they commute to work? If you can find a location that is convenient for your employees, it will make them happier and more productive.
• Consider the future growth of your business. If you expect your business to grow in the next few years, you'll need to choose a location that can accommodate your growth. This may mean choosing a larger space or a space that is easy to expand into.

Finding a good office location is an important decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can find the perfect space for your business needs.

Feature 3 — Atmosphere​

You can't really comprehend the nature of a coworking space until you try it and spend some time there. But you can still get a sense of the atmosphere right away. 

Choose a location where you and your coworkers will feel at ease. 

According to one research, 60% of people feel more relaxed after a day of work thanks to a stress-free office setting.  

Here are some tips on creating a positive office atmosphere:

• Hire the right people. The people you hire have a big impact on the overall atmosphere of your office. Look for people who are positive, team-oriented, and motivated.
• Create a culture of respect. Everyone in your office should feel respected, regardless of their position or title. Promote a culture of open communication and collaboration.
• Provide opportunities for growth and development. Employees want to feel like they are growing and developing in their careers. Provide them with opportunities to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
• Recognize and reward good work. When employees do a good job, be sure to recognize and reward them. This shows that you appreciate their hard work and dedication.
• Promote social interaction. Encourage employees to get to know each other and socialize outside of work. This can help to build camaraderie and create a more positive work environment.

Here are some specific things you can do to improve the atmosphere in your office:

• Make sure your office is clean and organized. A cluttered and dirty office can lead to stress and decreased productivity. Take some time each day to declutter and clean your office space.
• Provide comfortable and ergonomic furniture. Employees should have comfortable chairs and desks where they can work without pain or discomfort.
• Decorate your office with plants and other natural elements. Plants have been shown to improve air quality and reduce stress levels.
• Play calming music in the background. Soft, calming music can help to create a more relaxing and productive work environment.
• Encourage employees to take breaks. Employees need to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Encourage them to get up and move around, or to take a few minutes to relax and clear their heads.
• Host social events. Host occasional social events, such as happy hours, team lunches, or holiday parties. This is a great way for employees to get to know each other outside of work and build camaraderie.

Creating a positive office atmosphere takes time and effort, but it is worth it. Employees who are happy and engaged are more productive and less likely to leave their jobs. By following these tips, you can create an office atmosphere that is both positive and productive.

Feature 4 — Community​

​ It is simply impossible to create a great atmosphere in the office space without a cohesive community. Some of the top office environments bring together workers from the same or related industries. 

Of course, they are not rivals but like minded specialists who can create solid relationships. 

For example, more than 40% of all coworking space members are freelancers; they understand each other, share experiences, and create joint initiatives, which is a fantastic byproduct of coworking.

Feature 5 — Office Safety (Online and Offline)​

As an entrepreneur, you, of course, want your sensitive data, company papers, and other belongings to be safe. That's why it is so important to look for office locations that adhere to the strictest safety requirements, both online and offline. 

Check to see if there is a security guard in the lobby and if there are any surveillance cameras in the actual office space. In addition, verify their anti-hacking software and protocols in the event of a data breach. 

No matter how fantastic a coworking space is, you don't want to rent it if it's not trustworthy, right? We are with you!

Feature 6 — Meeting Rooms ​

​ Most of the time, your customers and business partners won't object if you schedule a meeting in a coworking space. However, occasionally it's important to give them a quieter space and have an appointment away from outside distractions. 

This is why a quality coworking space has to feature one or two conference rooms at the very least. Since employees are required to book the conference space in advance, this is typically sufficient.

Feature 7 — Kitchenette ​

​The majority of people who work from coworking spaces are millennials. They seek extra privileges, such as free food and beverages, in addition to the standard workplace amenities.

Find a coworking space with a good, cozy kitchenette or perhaps a lounge bar, as is becoming more and more popular. This enables you to relax and truly enjoy the break, switch from your professional responsibilities to something more pleasant, rather than just taking a brief coffee break.

Wrapping up

Did you know that more than a million people from around the globe work in almost 14 thousand coworking spaces? 

That sounds impressive, agree? Well, the business and employment culture have changed significantly over the last few years. Being a freelancer or a remote employee doesn't sound weird, and a company without a physical office doesn't look unprofessional or scam anymore. 

In the modern realities, renting a coworking space can be a good option for many freelancers and even businesses. 

With so many coworking options to choose from, it is important to find your win-win environment. And this is where the above key office features will come to the rescue.