4 Things You Must Do Before Choosing A Co-Working Space For Remote Employees

By Kuty Shalev

culled from:.forbes.com
Co-working spaces are all the rage. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other solo workers are finding their home away from home in open lofts, funky multistory office buildings, and even cottages that host dozens of workers.
If your company is dispersed across two or more cities, co-working spaces can be a great option for remote employees. They offer a social environment to focus and network without the expense of maintaining a second office. But not every space is going to be a good fit, so it’s important to do your research to determine whether it’s the sort of place your employees could feel at home. Here are four steps for evaluating whether a co-working space is right for your company:
1. Know What You’re Getting Into
Working in a shared space brings some unique benefits and downsides. Most co-working spaces offer all the amenities of an office (e.g., printers, phones, meeting spaces, a front desk) without the cost of maintaining an actual office. Many are open 24/7, which can be great for those all-nighters. Unfortunately, if the space isn’t well managed, you won’t get those benefits.
Co-working spaces also help combat the loneliness of being an employee working a city or state away from the company’s home base. The other people working there can be great resources, but as in any social environment, they can also be overly social, loud, or annoying.

Many spaces have regular events ranging from networking happy hours to “bring your dog to work” days. These happenings can make networking more organic, but they can also disrupt the workday.

Ask yourself if your remote employees will be comfortable in the space you’re considering. Can you see your company fitting in there? Is the community welcoming? These are all crucial factors when considering a space.

2. Scout the Space
Once you know what your remote employees like and don’t like in their workspace, scout co-working facilities that meet their unique needs. Is the building in a good location? Is it clean and well maintained, or is it falling into disrepair? Is it too crowded or noisy? Are there nice conference rooms equipped with all the necessities?
One of the most important questions to ask is if your employees can bring clients or investors to the co-working space. Many startup founders can recall those early days without an office, trying to meet potential investors in the local Starbucks. It’s unprofessional, unorganized, and, perhaps most importantly, difficult to hear anyone speak. There is something to be said for inviting clients to a co-working space and having a chat in a quiet meeting room.
3. Talk to Someone Who Works There
Always do your homework before you commit to a co-working facility. Try talking to someone about the complaints the space gets. Acceptable complaints fall under the categories of temperature preferences, coffee that isn’t refilled on time, or a microwave that’s too popular during the lunch hour.
Unacceptable complaints include inconsistent Wi-Fi, mail and packages that don’t get delivered, spaces that aren’t clean, and stolen computers, phones, and other equipment. A place might seem wonderful, but don’t sign a lease for a space where things go missing on a regular basis.

4. Consider Your Budget and Contract

Once you find a place with a good vibe and the right amenities, move on to nuts and bolts: pricing and contract length. If your business is on a tight budget, it might be better to have employees work from home or a public library until you can afford the co-working space. If you’re not certain where your business is headed in the coming months, don’t sign a yearlong contract. No matter what they tell you, these agreements can be as difficult to get out of as those pesky gym contracts.

Choosing a co-working space can be tough, but if you evaluate all your options carefully, you can find a space that’s just right for your remote workers. A good workspace will make them feel right at home, enhance their productivity, and allow them to make valuable business connections. Who knows? They may like it so much that they never want to leave.
Kuty Shalev is the Founder of Clevertech, a New York City-based firm that designs, develops and deploys strategic software for startups.

•