· Miko Borys · coworking · 3 min read
3 Invisible Things that Ruin a Coworking Space
Don't get caught committing to a cowork without checking for these things first.
So, you found a coworking space on Google Maps, checked out their landing page—wow, so cheap! They have fiber optic internet and AC. What more could you want? Why bother with the others? This one checks all the boxes and is the cheapest. You show up for your first day, excited to finally get out of the house and into a space where you can achieve productive bliss and finish work before 9:00 PM, free from the distractions of chores and Netflix at home. But… maybe you should have tried out the other coworking spaces before committing. Maybe you shouldn’t have chosen on price alone. There are so many factors that won’t be evident just by perusing their website or reading the reviews. Here are some things you should watch out for:
1. No Place to Get Away
Problem one: everybody is jammed together on some long tables with benches in a small space. You have someone making sales calls to your right, and two people socializing in front of you. It’s not their fault—everyone has different jobs and comes to the coworking space for different reasons. If there’s no dedicated space for phone calls or socializing, how can you blame them?
What to look for: Call booths are great. Even better are designated zones. ángulo cowork has zones for visual focus (cubicles), calls (mini offices), working solo (giant window bar area), relaxing (nets and floor couch), and socializing (long table).
2. No Attention to Detail
What may look like a good coworking space on the surface sometimes falls apart upon closer inspection. Maybe those plants in the photos are fake and don’t give you the homey feel you were looking for. The AC might be set too cold and emitting a funky smell. The internet might be fast, but not reliable. The free coffee might be from the same pot that was there last night, unchanged. The important details come out after you get to know the space.
What to look for: Actually visit the space and all your other options before committing. You might not even realize something is important to you until you experience it. You can tell when an owner cares versus when they just slapped “coworking” onto another business and called it a day. Look for details that matter to you, whether that’s real plants, natural lighting, good coffee, or a comfy bathroom.
3. Bad Ergonomics
This is crucial in the long run. Take it from someone who has worked from home, cafes, and coworking spaces for the last decade. Ergonomic issues will catch up with you—it’s only a matter of when. Your posture and wrist health matter. Don’t settle for a table that has a sharp edge and is set to café height. Don’t settle for a subpar chair.
What to look for: Tables that can be height-adjusted and don’t have sharp edges, chairs that can be height-adjusted with comfortable backs, or, better yet, a variety of seating so you can be in different positions throughout the day.
Choosing the right coworking space isn’t just about the price or the amenities advertised online. It’s about the vibe of the place, the functionality it offers for different work needs, and the attention to detail that can greatly enhance or detract from your work experience. Always take the time to visit and feel the space personally before making a commitment. This way, you ensure that your chosen coworking space won’t just be a place to work, but a place where you can thrive.