For businesses looking to break out of restrictive lease agreements, as well as freelancers hoping to progress from their home office, a coworking office space for rent may be the answer.

Unfortunately, hundreds of coworking spaces are available across Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and wider Australia, making the selection process quite difficult.

With a little research and some careful consideration, however, you can find shared spaces that meet your needs and enhance your work experience. 

In this article, our team at workspace365 share some top tips on how to choose a perfect coworking space.

What are Coworking Spaces?

A coworking space is a shared workspace where freelancers, remote workers, startups, small businesses and even enterprise organisations can reserve to have their teams either work independently or collaboratively. 

Coworking spaces typically offer a variety of workspace options to suit your preferences, from hot desks to private offices, and come equipped with all the necessary amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning facilities, and coffee and kitchen areas. Many coworking spaces also offer additional benefits, such as community events, networking opportunities, and professional development programs.

How to Choose a Coworking Space

1. Determine Your Needs from Your Coworking Spaces

Before you start looking for a coworking space, it is important to know what you need. 

Do you need a quiet space to focus, or a more collaborative environment? Perhaps a spot close to public transportation or parking? Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves, and prioritise them.

Other factors to consider include:

• Location: Consider the proximity to your clients, partners, and employees. Choose a location that is easily accessible by public transportation or has ample parking options.

• Additional Amenities: Look for a coworking space offering additional amenities to make your daily operations run smoother, such as meeting rooms, printing services, and mail handling. When compiled together, these amenities can save your business both time and money.

• Operational Atmosphere: Consider the working environment of the coworking space to find a space that aligns with your business values and culture. A creative startup may thrive in a more relaxed and fun environment, while a growing law firm may prefer a more professional and formal atmosphere.

• Privacy & Security: Ensure the coworking space has adequate privacy and security measures in place, such as private offices or secure storage. This is especially important if your business handles confidential information or valuable assets that could potentially be exposed to external parties in shared spaces.

• 24/7 Accessibility: Will you or your team require access to the coworking space outside traditional business hours? If so, you will need to choose a space offering 24/7 accessibility if your business.

• Community & Networking Events: Join a coworking space that holds regular community and networking events to help your business grow and foster connections with other professionals in the space.

• Allows Scalability: Consider if the coworking space can accommodate your business as it grows. If you are planning to scale up (or down) in the coming months, you will need office spaces with flexible membership options attached.

• Kitchen & Breakout Facilities: Don’t underestimate the benefits of well-equipped kitchen and breakout facilities. These facilities can help your employees stay refreshed and energised throughout the day.

2. Research Your Options

Once you've determined your needs, it's time to research your options. The best way to find coworking spaces in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney is to conduct an online search and review what each location has on offer. You can also ask for recommendations from colleagues or friends, and visit spaces in person. 

When you visit shared spaces, pay attention to the layout, lighting, noise level, and cleanliness. Consider if the atmosphere matches the type of work you want to do.

3. Consider Your Budget

Depending on the services offered, the location of the shared spaces, the quality of the equipment, and various other factors, coworking spaces can vary greatly in price, so it's important to consider your budget. Many companies charge a monthly fee, while others offer day passes or pay-as-you-go options. Be sure to look for any hidden fees, such as setup costs or extra charges for certain amenities.

4. Evaluate the Community

One of the key benefits of coworking office spaces is the opportunity to network and collaborate with other professionals. When evaluating a coworking office space, pay attention to the community. Attend events, talk to other members, and check online forums to see if the community is supportive and collaborative. 

5. Test It Out

Before committing to a long-term membership, it's always best for you and your team to test out a coworking space. Many spaces offer free trial days or short-term memberships, so use this period as an opportunity to take a tour, attend an event, or conduct some preliminary operations to see if it's a good fit for your business. 

Book a Tour at One of the workspace365 Coworking Spaces in Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne

Ready to get started? Book a tour at one of workspace365’s coworking office spaces available across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.