An increasing number of coworking offices are popping up worldwide as individuals desire to join a creative and inspiring work environment. People are eager to ditch a traditional office environment’s strict and constricting rules in favor of a more hospitable atmosphere. 

So if you’re interested in coworking offices and what to look for when shopping for a new flexible workspace, keep reading to learn what makes a good coworking space. 

What Should a Good Coworking Space Have?

A good coworking space caters to the needs of all business owners. Coworking spaces have captured the likes of entrepreneurs to big companies because their collaborative workspace provides everything a traditional office cannot, from cost-effectiveness to flexibility. 

All successful coworking spaces offer a variety of benefits that startups to large corporations would value, including the following:

• Create a sense of community
• Have an inspiring environment 
• Located in the prime central part of the city 
• Affordable for all business owners
• Support the growth of businesses 
• Have a hospitable atmosphere

1. Good Coworking Spaces Create a Sense of Community (& Networking Opportunities)

Community is the most profound element of a coworking office that distinguishes them against a traditional office environment. Coworking spaces offer like-minded individuals in the same field of work the chance to connect, as well as allowing people from different professions to get a new fresh of opinions and ideas on projects they’re working on. A coworking space offers individuals the chance to meet new people—making friends and connections. 

Furthermore, the community also grows through networking events. Good coworking spaces offer various networking opportunities and social events such as business seminars and meetups. The networking events are beneficial to innovators of all backgrounds and locations. Networking events create a collaborative environment for people to share and receive fresh, innovative ideas that could be applied to their company. 

2. Good Coworking Spaces Have an Inspiring Environment

A successful coworking office understands the importance of designing a space that caters to all types of learning styles, from quiet thinkers to collaborative minds. They offer different work environments, from dark lighting in an individual workspace to rooms with colorful furniture and neon signs plastered on the walls. There are even a variety of seating arrangements: standing desks, colorful couches and beanbags, meeting rooms, and personal office spaces. 

Coworking spaces want to make sure the creative juices are flowing for all individuals. Their whole purpose is to help innovators thrive, and it all starts with creating a coworking office that inspires everyone. A good coworking space offers the following: 

• Natural light
• Different work environments
• Inspirational wall art 
• Colorful furniture
• Varied seating arrangements

3. Good Coworking Spaces are Centrally Located

A coworking office needs to be centrally located to attract current and future innovators. The location of the building should offer nearby public transportation, free parking, and a variety of lunchtime dining spots. Prime locations usually provide the easiest commutes for all individuals. 

4. Good Coworking Spaces are Affordable for All Business Owners 

Coworking offices help alleviate the financial stress of investing in real estate and eliminate the restriction of long-term leases associated with traditional office environments. Many coworking spaces offer versatile membership packages to best fit you and your company’s needs, and others even provide healthcare benefits at a lower price than large corporations. 

5. Good Coworking Spaces Support Business Growth 

Coworking spaces are designed to help you succeed and support you through all stages of your business. They provide resources and support for entrepreneurs and innovators through each step of the business lifecycle, including business education models, access to advisors with decades-long experience, pathways to investment and financing opportunities, and most importantly—community.

The workspace also has everything you need, including desks, chairs, and other standard office amenities. They even provide you with the basic office supplies to help you get your idea off the ground. Furthermore, coworking areas are usually open 24/7 to allow you to come in and work whenever you get a lightbulb moment. 

6. Good Coworking Spaces Have a Hospitable Atmosphere 

A successful coworking space starts with the atmosphere created by the employees who work there and the people who come there to work. When a creative individual or a group of business-savvy employees enter the workspace, they should be greeted with warmth and smiles. 

It might sound cliché, but people want to work somewhere friendly and kind. A smile opens doors to new innovators and leaves the door open for current innovators, helping them feel welcomed and comfortable. Hospitality is key to what makes a good coworking space. 

Get Connected with The Cannon 

A good coworking space will always provide community, an inspiring environment, a prime location, cost-effectiveness, business support, and a welcoming ambiance. Their mission is to help innovators thrive by connecting them to the resources they need to succeed and creating a supportive community. 

The Cannon is a collaborative workspace dedicated to helping innovators of all backgrounds and locations. Come visit us for a tour at one of our six coworking spaces across Greater Houston!

Brad True

Brad oversees all overall day-to-day operations of The Cannon and its growing community, including all current and future Cannon locations and Cannon Connect, The Cannon's new online platform. He holds an undergraduate degree in marketing from Texas A&M and a graduate degree from the University of Oklahoma.