A coworking space is more than just a physical location where you set up your laptop; it's a dynamic environment that should inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and cater to your professional needs while also providing a sense of community.
As Cat Johnson, a coworking branding and marketing guide, says:
“Differentiating is increasingly important for all operators, but especially the indies. Coworking is growing far too fast to just be a desk rental and meeting room facility. Operators have to understand who they serve, why they serve them and how they serve them in order to stand out in what is an increasingly busy and noisy industry and to attract their great-fit members.
Understanding the value and potential of coworking, and sharing that through storytelling, community building and education across all of your channels, is now a must-do for indie operators. The flexibility, human touch and nimbleness of being an indie operator is a huge advantage. Operators need to lean all the way in to this advantage.”
If you are ready to open a new coworking space, there are so many elements to consider. But overall, you want to create a space that delivers an experience.
Let's start with space design, the backbone of a coworking operation. The workspace should be well-lit, spacious, and designed to accommodate both collaborative and solo work. A mix of private offices, open desks, and comfy lounges offer options for different working styles. There should be breakout spaces for casual brainstorming sessions and formal meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art tech for presentations. Don't forget quiet zones, where people can work without distractions. Also, the decor should be inspiring yet professional, creating an environment that feels both welcoming and productive.
A great coworking space should provide a comprehensive range of member benefits that go beyond the basics. This can include workshops, networking events, or discounted services from local businesses. Look for spaces that provide opportunities to upskill, learn, and grow, whether that’s through masterclasses, mentorship programs, or partnerships with local universities.
Michael Abrams of Flexspace Advisors notes that “what helps a good space get to great is the engagement. A great community manager will find a way to get members to engage and really figure out who you are, what you want, and what services are needed. It’s empathy and emotional intelligence, combined with a concierge style of service. Sure WeWork makes it challenging for operators because they discount so heavily, but they aren’t an independent space’s competitor. When you do hospitality right and you deliver space as a service, you compete on energy, not just amenities.”
Top-notch amenities are a vital part of a coworking space. Of course, this includes the basics like high-speed internet, printing facilities, and office supplies. But a great coworking space goes beyond these essentials. Think about a well-stocked pantry with free coffee and snacks, well-maintained restrooms, private phone booths, bike racks, or even a gym. The idea is to create an environment where members feel as comfortable as they would at their own home or office.
The secret sauce of a successful coworking space is its community. It’s not just about sharing a workspace; it's about building relationships, collaboration, and mutual growth. Look for a space that encourages community engagement, perhaps through social events, lunch-and-learns, or online platforms for members to connect. A community manager can play a critical role here, acting as the glue that holds this diverse group together, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Another hallmark of a great coworking space is its involvement with the local business community. This could mean hosting local business networking events, collaborating with local vendors for catering, or providing member discounts at nearby cafes and restaurants. By integrating with the local business scene, the coworking space can create more value for its members while contributing positively to the local economy.
Efficient technical operations are crucial for smooth coworking experiences. This involves seamless booking systems for workspaces and meeting rooms, robust IT support, and advanced security measures to protect members' data.
Automation is your friend in a coworking space. Space management platforms like Coworks offer features like automated billing abd integrated door access systems so you can create a truly wonderful experience for your members with the things they don’t even have to think about.
A coworking space should leverage technology not only to simplify administrative tasks but also to enhance members' experience.
A pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable coworking community manager can truly set a coworking space apart. Staff satisfaction translates to excellent member service. High staff morale means that the team is likely to go the extra mile to ensure members' needs are met. Look for spaces where staff are genuinely happy, as their positive energy can set the tone for the entire workspace.
Finally, successful coworking spaces often have a dynamic events calendar. This can range from professional development workshops to networking events, panel discussions, or social gatherings. Well-organized events can provide learning opportunities, stimulate community interaction, and create a vibrant and engaging environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Creating a good coworking space is not merely about the physical workspace, but the overall experience it offers. It is an ecosystem that supports the members’ professional growth while offering the comfort of a community. A space that values its design, member benefits, amenities, community, local business ties, technical operations, staff satisfaction, and event management can truly create a unique and productive environment for its members. So when building your coworking space, keep these factors in mind to ensure it aligns with your members needs and aspirations.
Among the many choices you have as a coworking operator, door access is an important one. We asked the Brivo team to walk us through what you need to...
