Coworking has become increasingly popular for many professionals who stumbled upon a newfound freedom in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s because large numbers of remote workers, freelancers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs are now choosing coworking spaces to take advantage of certain tech gear that they might be missing at home, as well as that sought-after social component that breeds community and boosts creativity.
So, for those who are taking the first steps in their coworking journey and are not quite sure yet what to look for when booking a space, we put together a few tips and tricks for first-time coworking users.
It’s All About “Location, Location, Location”
There’s a reason why this is the ultimate mantra in real estate. Fortunately, one of the greater benefits of coworking spaces is that they can save you valuable time by eliminating your commute to downtown or another office at the other side of the city. Not only that, but there are plenty of coworking spaces located in trendy areas across the largest U.S cities, which enable great walkability to other core venues, like restaurants, supermarkets, parks, gyms, and much more, making it easy to combine work and leisure without wasting any time in between. Moreso, for those who fled the big city life, the great news is that coworking spaces have also made their way into many popular suburbs across the nation, which means that, for many, a flexible workspace can be right around the picked fence.
Choose the Right Membership by Assessing Your Individual Needs
Coworking is all about flexibility and that applies not only to the location of our work but also to the way in which we do it. While different professions require different approaches, coworking supports them through a wide variety of working arrangements.
For instance, if you’re a solopreneur, a freelancer or a digital nomad looking to quickly complete a project that requires you to have certain amenities at hand, you can make quick use of the hot desk option, even for just a few hours. And, while certain workers or teams are perfectly comfortable with a dedicated desk in an open area, a private office within that space can be your safe bet if you want more privacy to conduct your tasks. At the same time, booking a meeting room by the hour can be the perfect way to go about client meetings, productive trainings or brainstorming sessions with your team.
Some workers and businesses don’t require a physical footprint, so a virtual desk subscription could be the ideal choice for them as it provides a professional business address and phone/mail handling services. Meanwhile, depending on the nature and timeline of your individual work needs, you can also choose the subscription price that best works for you.
Keep Your Eyes on the Amenities
Long gone are the days when a grey cubicle and fluorescent lightening were considered a proper working environment. Nowadays, workers are looking to not only work in a comfortable and productive setting but also to seamlessly combine their professional lives with leisure, moments of relaxation and opportunities for networking. The good news is that, with competition in the coworking sector constantly on the rise, many operators have upped their game and now offer so much more than the basic amenities.
For example, in many coworking spaces, you can now find more exciting amenities, like professional podcast & filming studios, wellness & fitness centers, rooftop lounges & BBQ areas, 3D printers or unlimited beer on tap — all of which are meant to help coworkers achieve a better work/life balance and boost their productivity levels. Now, that’s not to say that the standard amenities are overlooked. Rather, coworking spaces still provide all of the necessary equipment for a successful workday, from printers/scanners to video conference equipment, access to networking events, mail handling services and so much more.
The “Co” in “Coworking” Comes From Community
Joining a new space without previously knowing any of the members there might feel a bit lonely in the beginning, but it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and network beyond your own area of expertise. Additionally, although it’s important to be mindful of others and give them space to conduct their work, there are also moments when socializing comes as a breath of fresh air in between projects and meetings. Therefore, be open to interacting with both the members and the staff at your coworking space of choice and participate in any activities or events that might take place there. Coworking is based on community and hospitality, so make sure not to miss out on these aspects. Who knows — you might just find new collaborators, clients and even friends.
Take It for a Test Drive
With so many coworking options out there, you don’t have to settle for the first one that comes your way or commit blindly. Instead, test the waters before making a decision. If possible, opt for a day pass to assess the space without any strings attached. To that end, many coworking spaces also offer a free trial period in which you can use the space and see if the two of you are a match. Some larger brands even make it possible to switch between their locations at no additional cost. This will enable you to tour the space first and foremost, as well as thoroughly analyze all that it has to offer, what memberships it provides, and what amenities are available to get a feel for the community. In short, you can use this opportunity to determine if you’re getting the best value for money.
Address Any Questions with the Site Manager or the Community
As a first-time coworking user, there might be a variety of questions that go through your mind, both before arriving at the site and while you’re there. If you’re unsure about anything, send an email to ask what the rules are, such as whether the space has any quiet areas or times or if you need to bring in your own mug. You could also ask the community manager to guide you around the premises to get a feel for the space and its different areas. This way, you’ll start your coworking journey with all of the necessary information and you’ll feel more comfortable using the space; easing your way into the community; and making the most of what coworking has to offer.
Ready to give coworking a try? Check out these amazing spaces in some of the country’s most popular cities:
