Coworking spaces provide extensive opportunities to small businesses.
If you are a small business owner and need an office, coworking spaces provide you with a business society, business benefits, and versatile office space. If you live in or near a city, there are probably a few coworking spaces you can reach. Imagine coworking spaces like renting a house instead of buying one: you can sign a "lease" with the company for six months, a year or more. The company you join will take care of the basics of your office. You just need to introduce yourself and work at your company.
Coworking spaces offer significant benefits in terms of networking and creating a positive culture for your small business. However, as with any business decision, there are certain drawbacks. If you need privacy and space, you should find a specific office for your business. Before deciding whether joining a coworking space is right for you, you need to know the different types of coworking spaces, the value of a coworking community, the standard features of coworking spaces, and some current examples of coworking spaces.
What you need
Choosing the right coworking space is what you, your employees and your business need. If you're running a startup, joining a branch-specific coworking space can expose you to like-minded people. For an established small business looking to get out of a dark office, some coworking spaces offer services like coffee, beer, food, and free employee activities. If you need a cheap alternative and a short-term lease, some coworking spaces are designed for high sales. Your needs are important in deciding where to go.
After evaluating exactly what you need in a coworking space, it is important to know what standard coworking spaces offer.
1. Equipment
Spring House, a coworking space in Gurgaon, provides WiFi, printers, fruit water, coffee, tea, refrigerator, microwave, local staff, phone booths, cleaning services. With over 200 organisations and offices in 14+ locations, Spring house is one of the most popular and best coworking spaces in India. When choosing a coworking space, look for those that offer high-speed Internet or WiFi, easy access to the kitchen, and cleaning services as the basis of the amenities. You must also have access to conference rooms. This ensures that you don't have to worry about maintenance and that you can focus on your business instead.
2. Community
Accessing a network of other business owners can be invaluable, and working with like-minded people can help you grow your business. Coworking spaces offer small businesses the opportunity to work together and advance each other. Whether you're attending a community-set event or starting a conversation with a stranger in the kitchen area, coworking spaces can be a breeding ground for creativity and collaboration.
When you visit a coworking space, get to know the community and take note of the office environment. When people chat and connect, this could be a good indicator that the office is a relaxed environment where spontaneous interaction is natural. If the atmosphere is cold and the separate offices resemble iron curtains rather than dedicated cabins, it may mean that the coworking space does not prioritize the community aspect. Here too, the Spring House model is based on your community culture. It also organizes events in its offices that any member can attend.
3. Common zones
Large coworking spaces have nice open common spaces. Although your office may be a bit crowded, these public areas can be used as a place for your employees to stretch out, eat lunch, or take a short break. Common spaces can be linked to the community aspect of the coworking space, as they are often the main areas where you work with other business owners. You can also connect your floor or building, which is especially important in large coworking spaces.
4. Location
Almost all the main cities have options for coworking spaces. Even if you live near a medium or small city, there are often co-working spaces where you can participate. Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon for example, are one of the most important cities in North India. There is also a coworking space where entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, and non-profit organizations can be established. Spring House Coworking is a coworking space in Lucknow, a growing city. You don't have to live in a large metropolitan area to take advantage of a coworking space. Find a location that is right for you and your employees.
5. Security
Basic security features should be available in the coworking space you selected. For example, there should be a padlock on the door of your private office (if desired). There should also be a reception or check-in machine for newcomers and visitors. Identification cards are often provided in busy coworking spaces to ensure that only their members can access the building and its functions. If you're concerned about cybersecurity, talk to your potential coworking spaces about network security and options for setting up your own secure router.
Above are some of the basic things you need to check before signing in to a coworking space. If you're still confused, get in touch with one of the coworking space around you.