How To Create the Perfect Co-Working Space

Photo Credit: Odyssey

In the 21st century, the office workplace is a constantly evolving entity which can serve a variety of purposes for different sized companies around the world. Gone are the days of the traditional 9-5 office, here are the days of remote working, telecommuting, and more.

With the entrepreneurial wave at its peak and showing no signs of slowing down, there simply isn't enough office space available for everyone. Thus, the co-working space has evolved and become a go-to for many entrepreneurs. If you are considering starting a co-working space, an entrepreneurial venture in itself, here are a few steps to follow as you get started.

Location, Location, Location

Do you live in an urban setting in a medium-large size city? This setting should provide you with a target audience who would likely be open to the idea of moving into a more professional co-working space and away from their couch or local coffee shop.

You also need to identify your target group and determine what kind of office location setting will be best. Do you need to be right in the heart of downtown and surrounded by busy professionals, or would a more secluded setting serve better for the creative flow needed? Identifying what your occupants will need in their co-working setting is a huge step in the space being successful.

Building Community

One of the most important elements to creating an exciting co-working space, as opposed to just a shared office space is fostering a sense of community. Your members should feel more like a family, rather than acquaintances who happen to inhabit the same space every now and then.

Photo Credit: foam

Having group events and gatherings is a great way to bring your group members together outside of the daily work grind and create a community feel which leads to more retention. Stay on top of consistent member-only offers, engage with your members on social media, and have fun gatherings such as pizza night in the office once a week. A community manager can be an excellent addition to your staff to gauge what your members are looking for who can be a liaison between you and your paying members.

Atmosphere

Creating a fun and enjoyable atmosphere is another key element to creating an environment which retains co-working members rather than having quick turnover. Investing in quality interior design and having members pitch in on ideas is a great place to start. If they feel they have a say in how things are run, they are more likely to stay on.

Many co-working offices these days also have background music playing throughout the day. This is a great way to allow your members to contribute to a playlist or be the DJ for the time they are in the office. By having a little fun and building friendships, you will create a much more enjoyable place for people to come and work in.