It is estimated that about one million people are working in co-working spaces in the United States. The figure is almost double (542,000) the number of people who worked in co-working spaces in 2017. Essentially, co-working involves sharing workspaces for business purposes that come with offices, high-speed Wi-Fi, hot desks, and meeting rooms.
Co-working spaces are especially ideal for nonprofit organizations looking for new ways to cut overhead costs while still retaining funds for programming and continuing the organization's objectives. Are you ready to move your nonprofit organization from your current space? How do you find a co-working space that is right for you? Here are some factors you should consider.
Amenities
In terms of amenities, co-working offices can come as fully furnished offices or bare bones. You should consider if you only need a desk and a chair, or you require a private office with a lockable door, guest seating, file cabinet, and even a live plant. Some co-working spaces are customized towards specific niches such as nonprofit organizations, startups, or Fortune 500 companies.
Cost
Cost is one of the main reasons nonprofit organizations are moving to co-working spaces. Pricing depends on services, staffing, location, and amenities. For coworkers, entry prices are still very affordable. Quest Workspaces offers a cost-effective, all-inclusive workspace solution starting at $499 per month. You can scale up and down on-demand with flexible terms. You can also subscribe to virtual services starting at $49 per month and meeting rooms as low as $25 per hour.
Location
For the co-working space to be effective, it needs to be close enough to your residence. The majority of workspace companies offer a map with all the locations they cover. You can also search online for "co-working space {plus the city you live in}." If you are more likely to have face-to-face meetings, you should also factor in its convenience for your clients. Check if there is nearby public transportation or ample parking space. With more than ten locations South Florida. Tampa and Downtown New York, Quest looks to serve nonprofit organizations within those areas.
Ambiance
Shopping for co-working spaces is similar to looking for a hotel. Do you want a standard room with the basics to meet your needs, or do you prefer an environment with a full-time concierge, high-end furniture, and upscale amenities such as a gym or an on-site café? Co-working spaces can take any form, from highly private to open social spaces. You should also think about whether you want to get involved with your workplace neighbors. You could be surrounded by people playing arcade games or shooting some hoops, which is great if you can work with such distractions. If you see words like 'collaboration' repeatedly used to describe the space, expect more interaction which can be what you are looking for if you feel lonely when working from home.
Go on a Tour
Once you have taken all these factors into consideration, you should visit your selected co-working locations. There is no substitute for eyeballing a space firsthand. Is the space flexible with ample tables and chairs, are the restrooms well maintained, is the place clean? You should also consider requesting a free day pass to recreate your typical workday. Test the Wi-Fi speeds, check out nearby food and drinks options, and also test the printer.
Co-working Spaces from Quest Workspaces
Before signing the co-working agreement, you need to carefully review the paperwork and contract terms. You can also request a list of any additional fees to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Nonprofit organizations can leverage co-working spaces to reduce operational costs. If your nonprofit organization is in New York City or Florida, visit our website to discover our office administrative services for co-working spaces.
You can also contact us today to book a tour of the co-working spaces at Quest Workspaces.
