What to Look for When Touring a Coworking Space

Touring with Purpose

Choosing the right workspace is a critical step for business owners and freelancers looking to maximize productivity. Touring a coworking space lets you experience firsthand how the layout, community, and amenities can support your unique business goals. Unlike a traditional office, coworking spaces provide flexibility and networking opportunities, helping you grow your connections while keeping overhead low. Before making a commitment, a tour helps ensure the space aligns with both your daily needs and long-term plans.

Location and Accessibility

The location of your coworking space plays a major role in how well it supports your business. Proximity to clients, business hubs, and transportation can enhance your professional visibility and make daily commuting easier. When touring a space, consider the walk score to evaluate how accessible it is for you, your team, and clients. A coworking space in a convenient location can save time and improve both work-life balance and client interactions.

Amenities that Boost Productivity

The amenities offered by a coworking space can significantly impact your daily productivity. When touring a space, pay attention to essential amenities like reliable high-speed internet, communal kitchens, and wellness spaces. These are often standard, but premium amenities can vary depending on the type of coworking space. You might find options such as private phone booths, fitness centers, or outdoor green spaces to enhance your workday. If customization is important, check whether the space offers a tenant improvement allowance to tailor the environment to your specific needs. Choosing a space with the right mix of amenities during your tour can boost both productivity and work-life balance.

Meeting Rooms and Event Spaces

Meeting rooms and event spaces are critical for client presentations, team meetings, or small events. During your tour, ask about the availability of these spaces and what equipment is included, such as projectors or video conferencing tools. Flexible spaces for hosting clients can elevate your business image and ensure you have access to professional environments when needed. For more guidance on evaluating these features, review how to choose a coworking space. In the future, you can also consider how coworking spaces compare to executive suites based on your business needs.

Community and Networking Opportunities

The strength of the community within a coworking space can significantly influence your professional growth. When touring, take note of the types of businesses present and ask about any networking events or collaborative opportunities. A well-connected community can help you expand your network and create new partnerships. Different types of coworking spaces may attract various industries, which can shape the potential for collaboration. In the future, you may also want to explore how networking in coworking spaces can benefit your business, or how certain spaces cater to specific industries to foster more meaningful connections.

Workspace Design and Atmosphere

The design and atmosphere of a coworking space can have a substantial impact on productivity and client impressions. When touring, evaluate the workspace layout, noise control, cleanliness, and overall design aesthetics to see if they align with your brand and work style. Thoughtful design can support focus, enhance client perceptions, and even influence employee satisfaction. In the future, exploring common coworking challenges or hybrid work setups may further improve your experience.

Workspace Psychology

Beyond aesthetics, the psychology of a workspace significantly influences productivity and employee satisfaction. When touring, consider factors such as natural light, observe how it shifts throughout the day and affects different areas. Ask about the workspace’s acoustic engineering, especially if sound control is essential for your focus. Some coworking spaces offer layouts that cater to varied working styles, providing zones for both collaborative and solo work. Additionally, inquire about air quality and ventilation to ensure a comfortable environment throughout your workday. Finally, observe the flow of foot traffic and how it impacts quieter areas, as this can play a key role in focus and overall workspace experience.

Digital Infrastructure and IT Support

Strong digital infrastructure is essential in coworking spaces, especially for businesses relying on seamless connectivity and secure data transfer. When touring, go beyond basic WiFi and ask about backup internet solutions to ensure there's no disruption during outages. Check if they have a dedicated IT support team on-site for troubleshooting, and find out if bandwidth is capped during peak hours. For businesses needing heightened cybersecurity, inquire about network security measures, such as firewalls or encryption, to protect sensitive data. Some coworking spaces even offer dedicated server rooms for companies requiring exclusive infrastructure, which can be crucial for privacy and performance.

Security and Privacy Features

Security and privacy are essential considerations when touring a coworking space, especially for business owners handling sensitive data. Look for key card access systems, secure storage options, and dedicated private work areas to ensure both your belongings and information are safe. Spaces that prioritize privacy allow for focused work without distractions. Whether it's a locked office or a quiet, separated area, evaluating these features during your tour helps ensure that your business operations remain secure and productive.

Flexibility of Membership Plans

One of the greatest advantages of coworking spaces is the flexibility they offer through various membership plans. When touring, ask about month-to-month agreements, trial options, and the ability to adjust your membership based on your business's needs. For those interested in greater flexibility, consider the pros and cons of subleases as they often provide shorter terms and fewer long-term obligations. In the future, exploring coworking lease agreements can also offer valuable insights on terms and conditions for growing businesses.

Hidden Operational Costs

Understanding the full scope of costs is essential when choosing a coworking space, as operational fees can add up. During your tour, inquire about any additional charges beyond the standard membership. For example, ask if printing and scanning come with an extra fee or if after-hours utilities are charged separately. Meeting rooms might also have peak-hour surcharges, which can impact budgets for frequent users. Don't overlook parking costs, including guest parking, which may vary by location. Lastly, if you're considering a private office, check if additional cleaning fees apply to ensure you have a complete picture of ongoing expenses. For more insights, review the cost of coworking space to better plan for your investment.

Pet-Friendly Policies and Unique Features

Specialized features in a coworking space can make a big difference in day-to-day enjoyment and convenience. If you're a pet owner, look for spaces that offer pet-friendly policies, but make sure to ask about any specific guidelines or fees. Some spaces may have a pet clause to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone. Other unique amenities, like concierge services, can add an extra level of convenience and support, helping you streamline tasks and focus on business priorities.

Making the Most of Your Tour

A coworking space tour is your opportunity to see firsthand how well a space aligns with your business needs and growth plans. Use this time to evaluate the environment, amenities, and community to ensure it supports your daily operations. Once you find a fit, you'll be ready to make the most of your coworking space and boost productivity. Take the next step by exploring coworking spaces for rent in your area to find the ideal setup for your business.

This article was updated on 12/13/2024