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Selecting a co-working space is a decision worth taking seriously—after all, it’s where you’ll spend countless hours building your business or career. A poor choice can drain your bank account and kill your productivity, while the right space can become your stepping stone to success.
Before signing that membership agreement, here are six essential questions to help you make the right choice.
Does the location work for you?
Although a trendy coworking space in the Melbourne CBD or central London might sound appealing, what matters more is the daily reality of getting there. To ensure it’s doable, map out your commute during rush hour, and check if there’s reliable public transport nearby.
Additionally, consider whether clients can easily find the place without getting lost in a maze of identical-looking buildings. And most importantly, ask if there’s plenty of parking and decent lunch spots within walking distance. Nothing ruins productivity like a sad desk sandwich from the nearest vending machine.
What’s the real cost beyond the basic membership?
Co-working spaces can be sneaky with their pricing structure. That attractive monthly rate might not include essentials like printing, meeting room access, or after-hours entry. Some spaces charge extra for coffee (the horror), while others charge fees for guests or weekend access.
To know what you’re getting into, create a detailed budget that includes everything you’ll need, then compare it with other options. Your wallet will thank you later.
How does the internet work?
Sure, they claim to have “high-speed internet,” but so does every hotel that still runs on dial-up. Ask current members about their experience with video calls and large file uploads. Request a speed test during peak hours.
Nothing kills productivity faster than watching that spinning wheel while trying to send an important presentation. Bonus points if the space has a backup internet connection for emergencies.
What’s the noise level like throughout the day?
Some co-working spaces sound like a library, others like a stock exchange trading floor. Visit during different times of the day to get a true sense of the atmosphere. That quiet morning tour might not reflect the reality of Wednesday afternoon when the sales team next door is closing deals.
Consider whether you need pin-drop silence or work better with some background buzz.
How flexible are their terms?
Life changes, businesses evolve, and sometimes things don’t work out as planned. Understanding the flexibility of your commitment is crucial. Can you scale up or down easily? What’s their policy on pausing memberships? Are there penalties for early termination?
Read the fine print as if your business depends on it—because it might.
What’s the community actually like?
Beyond the sleek furniture and free snacks, the people make the space. Spend time observing the current members. Are they the kind of professionals you’d want to collaborate with? Does the community manager actively facilitate connections, or are they just there to make sure the printer has paper?
A good community can lead to valuable partnerships, while a poor fit can make you dread going to work.
Pro tip: Ask to work from the space for a day before committing. Most reputable co-working spaces offer day passes or trial periods. Use this time to test everything—from the chairs to the internet to the bathroom facilities.
Remember that finding the right co-working space is about balancing practical needs with intangible factors. Like choosing a home, sometimes the perfect space just feels right. So, take your time with this decision. Your ideal workspace is out there. Just make sure to ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.