How to build the coworking space of your dream? Tips from the user
Based on my experience of visiting coworking spaces in different countries, I decided to highlight the main criteria explaining why some places are attractive and others are not. The checklist will be useful to both the creators of coworking spaces and those who just visit them.
The most important thing in modern coworking
Opening hours are from 8 am to 8 pm (at least)
The majority work from 9 am, but for early risers, it might be a bit late. For example, I like to wake up early and arrive before 9 am, especially if you live nearby. Closing at 6 pm is also absurd: most employees come at 10–11 am and work at least until 7 pm. Therefore, even for a one-time lease, it is better to think of a more flexible timing system.
Zoning
The key to modern coworking is the proper zoning of spaces so that employees with different needs can find the perfect place to work. Some people like noisy areas where they can chat with colleagues, others like to retire and work on a task, and others like to get distracted from work and relax. Therefore, it is worth considering non-working areas with books, games, and comfortable sofas.
Clean interiors
A resident of a modern city is sensitive to the places where he spends his time, whether it is a house, a coffee shop, or a coworking space. Make uncluttered, bright interiors in which it will be easy to concentrate and nothing will distract you. Plus, such a place can become instagrammable and you will have an additional organic channel to attract customers. Surely, the best reference is WeWork interiors.
Coffee, water, and snacks
Good coffee, delicious water, snacks, condiments, milk, and breakfast cereals may seem like pleasant nonsense, but today this is another bonus, an experience that companies can give their employees. Therefore, a separate kitchen is a must for modern coworking.
Meeting rooms
Rooms for one are especially important since many teams are distributed today. They should be well-ventilated, the table should be strong and wide, and the audibility should be low.
Sockets
There should be a lot of them with easy access. Ideally, they should be built into the table. Insert a wireless charger into your desk and here comes a WeWork competitor!
Clean toilets
Not everyone understands this. Employees should feel at home to come to the office more often and stay longer. One of the first signs of a home is that you can go to the toilet in a calm and pleasant environment. Do not skimp on a modern toilet bowl, disposable covers, seat disinfectants, air freshener, and soundproofing.
Dog-friendliness
Every company has at least one employee with a dog. Give them access — nothing terrible will happen. If you are very worried, limit the entrance to the height at the withers and ask for vaccination documents. If you make a corner with water and free food, you will become famous in the circles of animal breeders!
Food vending machines
It’s very convenient to find food next to your office door. It seems that this should not be expensive: some companies will be happy to supply you with a machine.
Some basic things
There must be very fast and stable Wi-Fi without special authorization. It is worth giving guests an online communication channel with managers to quickly solve the problem without leaving the office. Conduct onboarding if you have a newcomer: show them where the important offices, kitchen, and toilet are located; tell them how to use the coffee machine, printer, and where to buy food. Don’t forget about comfortable adjustable chairs on wheels and wide tables — try to sit at your workplace for 9 hours without a break for a test drive!
Create your criteria!
Be in the same boat with the client
Determine the goals that companies want to cover by renting a coworking space. Often they choose offline space to increase productivity, retain employees, support team building, and so on.
From these goals, you can highlight the value of your coworking space. Increase productivity: create different zones, including quiet ones, where employees can retire and switch between tasks by changing their location. Retain employees: you need to create ideal working conditions that an employee cannot get working from home (cleanliness, good coffee, snacks, designer interiors, etc.). Team building: a variety of entertainment areas and building a community around coworking.
Coworking is not just a chair and a table, but also a comfortable environment that helps companies retain employees. It costs them a lot, so help them achieve their goals. In return, they will be willing to pay more and stay with you longer.
Follow the trends
Constantly monitor trends in city life and adapt to them. The office can be located in a large or small city, startups or large companies can be your clients. Make a portrait of an employee of your client, think about what they like, and satisfy these desires.
Many dogs? Here’s some water and bags for excrement. Are there cyclists? Here’s a bike rack and a shower. Big men among clients? Here is the VIP parking, shirt steamer, and umbrellas at the entrance.
Keep up to date with technology and new ways to meet the desires of employees. New vending machines? Give us one, customers won’t have to go down to the cafe! Is the city hall developing a bike lane and putting up parking lots? Write to them and prove that the bike lane is worth leading past your office.
With this approach, you will always keep your finger on the pulse of city life and will be able to satisfy even the newest inquiries.
Many of the points mentioned in the article seem very obvious, but experience suggests that not all of them are actually implemented. We’ve seen coworking spaces open at 11–12 am, places with dirty toilets, or work areas with dropping internet. Therefore, you need to pay attention to every little thing in order to make the place comfortable even for the most demanding client. I hope this little analysis will help someone better define tasks and make a comfortable place to work.
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