How to choose a coworking space
There are choices everywhere now. The Greater Toronto Area has 13 great coworking spaces, all offering something a bit different than another. Want a modern space with a young crowd? A quaint space with an older crowd? A space that specialises in your industry? A space in the suburbs? A space along the subway line? A space with easy access to the highway? A space with tech folks? A space with an events calendar?
Those are all valid questions to ask, along with considerations for your work style, personality, and work requirements. Do you need private spaces? Access to a boardroom? Do you need to leave things behind? Do you want 24/7 access? Genevieve DeGuzman surveyed a number of spaces and coworkers across North America to compile date for her book, Working in the Unoffice: a guide to coworking. This is her list of tips:
- Type of community
- Industry requirements
- Membership costs and plans
- Membership turnover
- Stability and longevity of the space
- Access to multiple locations
- Diversity of the community
- Accessibility, amenities, and programming, which includes:
- 9-to-5 vs. 24-hour accessibility
- Size and density of the space
- Look-and-feel and layout
- Right equipment and amenities
- Access to private spaces and conference rooms
- Programming and events offered
All of these points are expanded in a succinct blog titled The Leap from Jelly to Coworking: How to Choose a Space and it’s a great read to get you thinking about what to consider when choosing a space.
So, what is your criteria to choose a space?
