Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular as people are beginning to understand the benefits of working in a collaborative environment. If you’re thinking of opening your own coworking space, or want to make your current space more successful, here are seven tips to help you get started!
What is a coworking space?
Coworking spaces are a relatively new phenomenon, but they’re quickly gaining popularity as more and more people opt to work from home or start their own businesses.
Coworking spaces are membership-based workspaces where people from different companies share an office. A shared office environment is typically less expensive than a traditional office and offers a number of benefits including a more flexible working environment and a greater sense of community.
Coworking spaces can be found in cities all over the world, with this unique way of working proving popular with freelancers, startups, and small businesses.
Benefits of coworking spaces
If you are looking for a flexible and affordable way to work, then a coworking space may be the perfect solution for you. Some of the key benefits are:
Community
Coworking spaces provide a sense of community for remote workers and can help to reduce feelings of isolation. Part of the appeal is the chance to meet like-minded people and an opportunity for networking and collaboration. Many also host social events and community-building activities.
Cost-effective
For businesses, they offer a considerable cost-saving solution and the potential to scale quickly. Ongoing business costs like utilities, equipment, office chairs, desks and expensive leases can be shared among many coworking space members.
Convenient
Coworking spaces are typically equipped with Wi-Fi, printers, and other office essentials, making them a convenient option for those who need a place to work outside of their homes. They can also be found in a variety of locations, making them accessible to people who live in different parts of the city.
Flexible workspaces
For the rest of us working from home in our pyjamas, the flexibility and the joy of avoiding the daily commute is a big pro. The main advantage of coworking spaces is that they are flexible.
Members can choose to work for a day, a week, or even a month. This makes coworking spaces an attractive option for businesses that are not ready to commit to a long-term lease.
Creativity and collaboration
Coworking spaces provide an environment that’s conducive to creativity and collaboration. Long since popular among start-up companies and small businesses because they provide a community of like-minded individuals to bounce ideas off, collaborate with, and learn from.
Talent and culture
As you only pay for the days you use the space, team members can work in different locations around the world. This makes them attractive to companies because they can source talent from a global pool of workers.
How to create a successful coworking space
If you’re considering opening a coworking space, there are some things you should keep in mind to make it successful.
1. Decide the purpose of your coworking space
The first step is to decide what you want your coworking space to achieve. Do you want it to be a place for people to work independently or do you want to encourage collaboration?
Will it be for freelancers, creative start-ups, small businesses or a combination of all three?
This will help you choose the right furniture and layout for your space. Once you have decided on the purpose of your coworking space, you can begin planning the furniture and layout.
2. Choose the right furniture for your coworking space
Coworking offices provide a shared space for people to work, complete with all the necessary office furniture and amenities. You’ll want to include enough desks, chairs, and storage for everyone who will be using the space.
Coworking spaces usually include a variety of work areas to accommodate different needs, such as couches and coffee tables for informal gatherings, private phone booths for confidential calls and meeting rooms.
- If you’re catering to freelancers, you’ll want plenty of individual desks and office chairs.
- If you’re catering to small businesses, you may want to include a mix of meeting rooms, dedicated desk and private office options.
Shared office spaces can also offer a mix of private offices and shared work areas. - They typically have dedicated desks, hot desks, workstations, meeting rooms, and lounges to create a more diverse and flexible working environment.
- Select high-quality, ergonomic mesh office chairs that are durable and able to withstand heavy use. This will not only save you money in the long term but ensure the comfort of those working in your space.
By offering a variety of office furniture and workspaces, coworking offices can provide the perfect solution for any business need.
3. Office chairs
Seating and office chairs are the most important pieces of office furniture for your coworking space.
Any office furniture, but especially office chairs, used in coworking spaces are subject to more wear and tear than average. This is due to the fact that they are usually exposed to prolonged periods of use, which creates additional wear and tear over time.
- Ergonomic: When furnishing your coworking space, choose comfortable office chairs that are ergonomic to ensure that they are comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
- Customisable: They should be able to adjust to different heights and have a variety of custom features that allow them to be adjusted to each individual’s needs.
- Mobility: In a collaborative workspace, mobility is another factor, so swivel chairs with wheels, plus tilt and recline features allow people can move around easily.
- Fabric and colours: Office chairs come in a variety of different designs, fabrics and colours, so you can find ones that match your office’s décor.
- High-quality: If you’re looking for office chairs that will last for years, look for ones that are made from durable, long-lasting materials. Look for office chairs with heavy-duty frames, chair bases and robust upholstery; these will stand up to daily use and last longer than cheaper, less durable options.
By choosing the right office furniture for your coworking space, you can create an environment that is both functional and inviting.
4. Design a comfortable and inviting layout
You’ll also want to create a comfortable and productive atmosphere. This means keeping the space well-lit, clean and organised. When it comes to design, there are a few key elements you need to create a comfortable and inviting coworking space.
Lighting
Good lighting is essential in a coworking space.
- Choose a space with plenty of windows to take advantage of natural light during the day.
- Position desks near windows where possible.
- Use a mix of desk lamps, standing lamps and overhead lighting to brighten up the space and create a more inviting atmosphere.
- Ensure external areas are well-lit for security and the safety of workers.
Organised and accessible
A shared office space should be conveniently located and well organised, with easy access to supplies and equipment.
- Use signage to indicate where facilities are, like the kitchen area, stationaries, bathrooms and emergency exits.
- Provide storage options, such as shelving, cubbies, and cabinets.
Comfortable
Create an enjoyable work environment by adding comfortable seating, such as couches or armchairs, semi-private booths and nooks for meetings or Zoom calls.
Design and decoration
Accessories can play a big role in adding style and personality to a space. Pot plants and wall art can all help to create an inviting atmosphere, while also providing a touch of privacy for individual workers.
- Wall art can help add some life to the space and make it more enjoyable to work in.
- Plants and indoor greenery like hanging plants create a more inspiring environment.
Colour palette
Finally, colour is important in creating the right atmosphere. The right colour palette can help to tie everything together and add a sense of cohesion to the space.
Furniture and walls in a similar colour scheme can help to create a unified look, while also making the space feel more spacious.
Colour psychology can be a helpful tool when choosing furniture and paint colours for your coworking space. Colour psychology can be a great way to determine which colours will help promote productivity, relaxation, or creativity.
- Choose a colour palette that will help create the right mood in your coworking space.
- Calming colours like green promote calmness and relaxation.
- Blue is a calming colour, helping to calm the mind and increase focus and productivity.
- Energetic colours like yellow and orange boost productivity and creativity.
- A red colour palette is all about excitement and stimulation, so is great for sales or high-energy work.
- Neutral colours like white give a sense of openness and a modern feel.
- Using black sparingly denotes stability, intellect and control.
By incorporating these design elements into your coworking space, you’ll create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for collaboration and creativity.
5. Supplies and equipment
Coworking spaces are a great way to encourage collaboration and creativity, but there are a few key supplies and pieces of equipment that you’ll need to make sure your space is fully functional.
First, stock the space with all the office supplies you might need, such as paper, pens, and scissors.
Charging stations
Ensure there are plenty of charging stations available for coworking space members to access.
High-quality printers, scanners, and copiers
This office equipment is essential for any business, and it is especially important in coworking spaces where multiple businesses share one space. Having high-quality office equipment will help to make your business run smoothly.
Fast wifi and tech support
Your coworking space should offer unlimited access to high-speed internet, plus tech support so you can stay connected and productive.
Storage
Provide storage options for your members, such as shelving, cabinets and lockers for storing personal belongings.
6. Coworking facilities and amenities
When it comes to amenities, coworking spaces have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of simply providing a place to sit and work; today’s shared offices are complete with all the amenities you could need to feel comfortable and productive.
While each coworking space is different, there are some amenities that are must-haves in any great coworking office.
Ergonomic seating
Whether you’re working in a private office, in a meeting room or simply taking a break, it’s important to have ergonomic chairs that support your back and posture.
Phone booths or call areas
With more and more people working remotely, it’s important to have dedicated areas for making phone calls. This helps to reduce noise levels for other workers and ensures that calls can be made without interruption.
Flexible workspace options
The best coworking spaces offer a range of workspace options, from dedicated desks and private offices to boardrooms and conference rooms. This allows workers to find the perfect space for their needs.
Access control system
A good security and access control system is essential for any shared office space. This ensures that only authorised personnel can enter the building, while also keeping your belongings safe.
Beverages and snacks
Perks for members such as free coffee and tea, as well as snacks for members to enjoy are always a hit.
Kitchen area
A fully equipped kitchen is a must-have, as it will allow you to prepare meals and snacks throughout the day.
Parking
Access to parking is also essential, especially if you have clients coming in and out all day.
End of trip facilities
Showers, lockers and bike storage are important for members who bike or walk to work.
Great management
And finally, great staff and cleaning services are essential for keeping the space running smoothly, clean and well-maintained.
When it comes to amenities, the key is to find a coworking space that offers everything you need to be productive and comfortable.
7. Encourage collaboration and community
Finally, it’s important to encourage collaboration and cultivate community in coworking spaces.
The success of coworking spaces depends on the people who use them. Encourage members to interact and build relationships with one another.
This can be done by hosting networking events, creating communal areas, and providing opportunities for social interaction.
You can also create an online community for your coworking space. This is a great way to connect with members and promote your space.
Furnish your coworking space with Arteil
When creating a coworking space, it’s important to consider the needs of your target market. They are not just about providing a place to work; they also need to be well-designed and well-run in order to be successful.
What type of workplace do you want to create? What amenities will your members need? By taking the time to answer these questions, you can set your coworking space up for success.
Arteil carries a range of office chairs that are perfect for any coworking space, from executive and boardroom styles to more modern designs. Our furniture is built to last, so you can be confident that your investment will pay off in the long run.
Our team of experts are always available to advise you on the best way to layout and furnish your space.
So if you’re looking for furniture that will make your coworking space comfortable and stylish, get in touch with Arteil today.