What to Consider When Choosing a Coworking Space

Coworking may have started out as a flexible and affordable workspace option for freelancers and startups.

But now it has evolved into a much wider flexible offering, giving individuals as well as teams the opportunity to work in private or shared workplaces with onsite support and amenities, and membership plans to suit their needs — as well as their budget.

For those who are considering moving their “office” out of the local coffee shop and into a more professional environment, here are some of the factors to consider:

• Amenities: Are you happy with basic furniture in a shared office, or do you want your own dedicated desk — or even your own private office? Do you need printers and copy facilities? If you take a lot of calls, consider a space that has soundproof phone booths.
• Ambience: Shop for a coworking space the same as you would for a hotel. Think style, design, facilities, concierge services, kitchen or cafe facilities, and of course, location.
• Cost: Pricing depends on services, staffing, location and amenities. Day passes can be as low as $12-$15, while coworking memberships typically operate on a monthly basis. At Denver’s WorkAbility, an open desk is $135 per month while a dedicated desk with lockable storage is $400 per month. Private offices start at $900 per month.

There are plenty more factors to consider. If possible, arrange a tour of the space and ask if you can trial the space by working there for a couple hours or a day — it will help you to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and community, as well as practical considerations such as noise, comfort, and length of commute.