Co-working spaces may never replace traditional work spaces
entirely, but they are proving to be an essential, StartupHuts offering
flexibility in budgeting as well as whole new options for workforce management.
If you’re evaluating whether your business should opt for a co-working space
Originally developed to cater to startups, the best co-working model provides great flexibility
for different workforce needs. For example, some companies are getting rid of
their leased work spaces entirely, while other companies are now offering
coworking as a perk for their highly-mobile and increasingly disparate
workforce.
The short-term nature of coworkspace leases means the business can
stay nimble, while providing the ability to add or subtract as needs change
over time.
The predictability of choosing a
co-working space is reassuring. Nowadays, you should be able to find a space
with upfront and tiered pricing that clearly outlines basic pricing, services,
and amenities such as food/kitchen/café, mail and shipping, etc. When doing
your diligence, ask about the offerings you’re most interested in, but also
about additional options you may not have considered, such as availability of
flex work space for out-of-town visitors.. As a rule of thumb, find out upfront
if there any additional fees that may be required.
Some co-working spaces can
charge quite a bit for services like mail drop-off that you would never dream
of paying for The total cost per employee
should get you excited. There’s rent, of course, but this also includes
expenses related to brokers, deposits, build-outs, moving, infrastructure,
furnishings, utilities, and everything else. When looking at the total cost per
desk per employee, flexible workspace options can make a huge and direct impact
on your bottom line. This is particularly true if you can access a space that
offers members some type of pay-for-usage-only. Keep your eyes out for single-day
use passes, with flexible space options for temporary office space that meet
short-term or long-term needs, and where you pay only for time used each time
onsite.
Quality is
always an important consideration. Cheaper is rarely better, and you should
expect high-quality, ergonomic furnishings. Make sure to closely inspect this;
it’s something that can be easily overlooked in the rush of a busy site tour.
Co-workspaces may look the same on the surface, but if you’ve bought a house or
car, you know the cheapest option is rarely the best choice. That’s not to say
that you always get what you pay for. There are high-end co-workspaces that are
not right for some businesses, and low-end offerings that are perfect for
others. Know what you need and don’t settle for anything less. The ROI on
paying for the right level of quality is immeasurable but impossible to ignore.
Finally, when evaluating a coworking space your best is
to visit the www.startuphuts.com.
This lets you get a sense for the culture of the specific space, but it also
lets you ask probing questions to see if it’s right for your business.
