Remote working has been on the rise for a long time, with the COVID-19 pandemic understandably accelerating the trend even more over the last year or two. The system has a lot of advantages; however, not everyone has a suitable space in their house to set up a home office.
Luckily, that no longer has to be a barrier that prevents you from working remotely. Whether you are employed by a company or you’re a freelancer, a coworking space could provide the perfect location for you to work from – and there are more of them available now than ever before. So how do you find the right one for you? Read on for some top tips on what to consider.
1. Location
Perhaps the most obvious factor to take into consideration when searching for a coworking space is location. One of the benefits of remote working is that you no longer have to suffer through a long commute to the office, so try to avoid picking anywhere that isn’t easily accessible for you. Alternatively, if you travel a lot then you could look for a company that has coworking spaces all across the country or accepts day memberships or walk-ins. This gives you the opportunity to use a hot desk London facility when visiting the capital, for example, as well as one in your hometown.
2. Budget
Naturally, the budget must be an issue you think about when choosing somewhere. Carefully consider what you can afford, and don’t be persuaded to spend more by flashy advertising! Most coworking spaces offer a range of options to suit different budgets and needs, with everything from unlimited access to daily passes available. You could even try out a couple of places before committing to a long-term contract.
3. Facilities
One of the biggest factors to consider is the facilities potential coworking spaces offer, and how well they meet your needs. For instance, you might require access to meeting rooms, super-fast internet connections, or the use of printers and scanners. In addition, some places provide free tea and coffee, chill-out rooms where you can take a break, full cafeterias, and secure lockers where you can keep your belongings. Browse some websites to see what else is available and make a list of all the amenities you definitely need as well as those that you would like but aren’t essential. That will help you to narrow down your options more effectively.
4. Environment
As well as the actual amenities on offer, it’s also important to think about the sort of atmosphere you hope to find in a coworking space. For example, do you want a social environment with lots of desks in an open-plan layout so you can chat with other people and make friends? Or are you the sort of person who needs peace, quiet, and privacy in order to be productive? Do you like to work at a traditional desk, or would you prefer a more modern option such as a standing desk or even a beanbag? Getting a day pass for different locations is the best way to feel the ambiance for yourself and find the right fit for you.