With commercial expansion comes the need to accommodate a larger workforce. Having individual working spaces may not be quite feasible for companies, especially given the prevalence and increasing popularity of remote or hybrid work cultures. In these scenarios, shared co-working office spaces resolve space-crunch issues for those working remotely or for self-employed persons. The resources in such areas are shared, doubling up as spaces for individuals to network and connect.

Benefits of co-working spaces

1. A professional work setup
While working from home is an excellent way to save conveyance costs and work in one’s comfortable space, it might not be the most professional environment to work from. Co-working spaces perfectly balance these factors by providing a professional workspace while offering flexibility in terms of work hours.

2. Access to essential amenities
When working remotely, one may not have all the cutting-edge technological resources at their disposal . Further, the Internet connections at other public spaces may not be secure, and these spaces may not even be infrastructurally sound. Shared working spaces are equipped with premium amenities, including a highly secure and high-speed Wi-Fi connection, sturdy and ergonomic desks and work chairs, stationery, printers, conference rooms, newspapers and magazines, etc. Many of the co-working spaces also have vending machines and cafeterias serving refreshments.

3. A great place to network with like-minded professionals
One of the best aspects of operating from a co-working space is meeting other professionals, many of whom may be self-employed or working remotely. Networking with such individuals opens up a whole new world of opportunities for professionals, helping them secure new avenues and ascend in their careers. It also provides a sense of work culture while offering the perks of remote work.

4. A cost-effective option
Scalability is an essential aspect of operating from a co-working space. By hiring a part of shared co-working spaces, companies have the flexibility to scale up or down as necessary. This way, they can avoid paying hefty leases and utilize this amount to expand their business.

5. Broader economic benefits
From a macro lens, shared working spaces help startups scale up, professionals network and grow in their journeys, and companies save funds for necessary business expenses. Also, since most independent professionals would choose co-working spaces close to their homes, this work model also reduces commute time and carbon footprint in the long run. This way, a shared working space promotes economic growth by considering essential economic factors.

Tips to choose a co-working office space

1. Check the amenities offered
Operating from a co-working space means that the office has all the required facilities with the added advantage of flexibility. So, if a shared office space doesn’t have adequate amenities, the purpose of working from such spaces is defeated . So, one should check all the amenities the place offers, including a reliable Internet connection, ergonomic furniture, vending machines, AC and proper ventilation, hygienic washrooms, professional printers, etc.

2. Gauge the overall office atmosphere
While co-working spaces can become excellent hubs for professional networking, a poorly regulated one can also turn chaotic and prevent one from focusing on work. So, it’s important to check whether the shared office space offers a conducive work environment and whether certain decorum regulations are in place. Also, it’s not enough to have such regulations on paper; one should visit the space beforehand to check if these rules are properly implemented.

3. Check proximity to residence
One of the advantages of a co-working space for self-employed people is that they don’t have to travel to a distantly located office. So, it’s important to ensure that the co-working space is close to one’s residence to save commute time and expenses.

4. Shortlist workspaces with proper security
If a startup, team, or business chooses to operate from a co-working space, it requires some privacy and a designated area to work from. In such cases, one should check whether the co-working space has locked-door offices on the premises so that team members can have some peace of mind and personal interaction time.

5. Find the best space to work from and be consistent
Following a structure or routine is important to ensure stability even while working remotely. That’s why when working from a shared office space, one should check out the place thoroughly before starting work, earmark a designated spot to work from , and consistently work from there to set a routine.

In conclusion, when selecting a shared working space, one should consider the amenities provided in relation to the total cost of operating from the space. Comparing these factors among different co-working spaces can help make the right decision. Above all, one should factor in their personal requirements and routine and look for a co-working space that best suits these needs.