No matter whether you're a digital nomad travelling the world and working remotely, or a startup entrepreneur working in different time zones, having a space to focus is super important.
Choosing a coworking space can be overwhelming at the best of times, and can be even more difficult to select a space when in a new city or location. When you're on the go, knowing how to choose a coworking space that works for you can have a huge influence on your productivity, as well as your social well-being.
No matter where you're headed, in this guide we'll be covering everything you need to know about how to find a coworking space that ticks all the boxes.
What is a coworking space?
A coworking space is a place where people can work side by side in a relaxed, collaborative environment. Whether you're travelling for work or exploring everything the world has to offer, shared offices are a great alternative workspace solution that allows you to have a dedicated place to work alongside other professionals.
Who can use coworking spaces?
Coworking workspaces attract diverse groups of workers, bringing together a wide range of industries into a collaborative and professional setting. Here we take a closer look at some of the more frequent users of coworking spaces.
Remote workers
Remote working doesn't necessarily mean working from home or from where you're staying while travelling. Coworking spaces can be a practical substitute to working from coffee shops or hotels while on the go. They’re becoming much more common, especially within the modern business world and by 2024, it's estimated that almost five million people will be working from coworking spaces.
As a remote worker, choosing to rent a coworking space can help to set a routine and clear boundaries, promoting a healthy work-life balance - even while travelling.
Freelancers and Digital Nomads
Coworking is incredibly popular among freelancers and digital nomads looking for a dedicated workspace that can help separate their home life.
As well as being able to network and collaborate with like-minded individuals, a change in scenery and routine is also beneficial for productivity. With 86% of people expanding their personal networks via coworking, the flexibility and facilities offered by these spaces make a perfect solution for freelancers and digital nomads.
Start ups
Many start-ups choose to rent a coworking space, due to their affordable and flexible nature. As well as being designed for collaboration and networking, a coworking space can bridge the gap between home working and a traditional office.
This is particularly important for entrepreneurs and startups who are looking to keep their costs low, stimulate productivity and make a great first impression with clients in professional meeting rooms.
Companies
Larger companies and more established businesses can also take advantage of coworking spaces. With more corporations moving to a flexible work policy, a shared office space can provide a better work environment at a more efficient cost for those adopting hybrid ways of working. In some cases, an internationally connected company can utilise coworking offices when employees travel for work or are looking to put together a team overseas to help encourage creativity and productivity.
Benefits of a coworking space whilst travelling
For professionals who work remotely whilst travelling, on-demand workspaces offer many advantages. With 74% of people feeling more productive when working in a coworking space, there are several factors that contribute to getting more work done while working among others. Here are a few.
Flexibility
A flexible workspace is a huge benefit whilst travelling. Whether you're hopping in and out of different cities, or jumping from one country to the next, being able to set up and work in suitable spaces as and when you need in an affordable manner can make working that much easier.
Convenience
With many coworking spaces offering workers the chance to rent a space by the hour, it’s one of the more convenient ways of working. Coworking spaces offer the flexibility to only pay for what you need and work at a location that best suits your business.
Social well-being
Around 64% of lone workers have said they have experienced loneliness whilst working solo. This can be experienced even more by those who travel a lot and don’t know people in the area. It can also be harder to work productively, especially when you're not in an appropriate environment.
Coworking helps fulfil a worker's needs to be around other people in a community-oriented environment, with the flexibility of working so you don’t lose out on the freedom of travelling and being an independent worker. Coworking offices open opportunities to speak to like-minded people, collaborate with others and enjoy a sense of camaraderie.
Boosted productivity
Finding the right coworking space can deliver huge benefits to your work and productivity levels as a result of having a dedicated workspace and a welcoming surrounding that promotes well-being.
Cost-effective
Opting for a coworking space eliminates the costs and risks of owning your own office, especially for independent workers. Of course, whilst travelling, you don't want to commit to a permanent office space, or be lumbered with costly amenities. With access to great coworking facilities and a community-based atmosphere, you can maximise your productivity and work alongside like-minded people.
How to choose a coworking space in 7 easy steps
There are a few things to consider when looking for the best coworking space to suit your needs. Keep these factors in mind when choosing a space while travelling.
1. Set your budget
Regardless of your budget, you will no doubt find a coworking space that suits you, but they can vary greatly with what’s provided. Think about how often you'll be working in your new space. If you know you’ll be visiting sporadically, consider a coworking day pass to better suit your needs.
2. Find the right environment
The moment you step into your new coworking space, you'll be sure to get a sense of its energy. You’ll want to find a place that matches your passion and creativity. If the room's vibe feels a little flat, impersonal or stiff, the chances are it's not for you.
One of the greatest things about coworking is the collective energy of other workers and businesses - if it's missing, your productivity could also drop. Look for a place that feels welcoming, warm and social.
3. Secure the right location
Think about whether the space is near things that are important to you, be it easy transport links, great restaurants, a gym, a library or even close to your home for easy travel. Everybody's needs and interests differ and with our thousands of locations worldwide, you’re sure to find a coworking space in a city that works for you.
4. Consider networking opportunities
On a mission to build coworking communities, many coworking offices host events, including workshops, networking meetups, hackathons and presentations. Consider whether these are important to you and if you could benefit from expanding your network with others in the space.
5. Additional services at your location
A flexible coworking space is much more than a desk to set up with your laptop and tackle your workload. As well as offering a collaborative and professional environment, it's important to consider what else you may need.
Whether you're meeting with clients or fellow workers on the go, think about whether you may need access to meeting rooms and breakout spaces. The best coworking spaces will allow you to book meeting rooms for as long as you need, whether you've got an important meeting or a presentation to give.
Some shared office spaces go one step further with on-site facilities such as cafes, so you can easily get your coffee fix.
6. Establish your requirements
When you're trying to find a coworking space, it's important to establish your requirements at the start of your search. Beyond the aesthetics of a coworking space, practicality should be your priority.
Think about what you may need during working hours, including access to a private office, reception services or video conferencing facilities.
7. Use Regus' filtering options to narrow your search
Whether you're looking for a vibrant London coworking space or a dedicated desk on the other side of the world, we make it easy to find a coworking space wherever you are. Use our easy filtering options to narrow down your search and find a location suitable for your travel plans.
Simply choose your membership plan, pick your agreement length and book with ease via the Regus app. With locations in every major town and city worldwide, you'll never be lost for a space to work.
Find a coworking space for rent with the Regus app
Finding a coworking space is made easy with the Regus app. The Regus app gives you instant access to the world's largest network of local workspaces, keeping you connected wherever life takes you.
The Regus app allows you to check real-time availability, book a coworking space with ease and add the services you need, as and when you need them. Simply create a membership with your email address and get started today or talk to an expert.