Part 3: A Beginner’s Guide to Shared Office Spaces – Key Shared Office Space Features

The number of features available will vary from one shared office space to another, mostly guided by how big a certain facility is. While it’s easy to just zoom in on one offering the most number of services, it is more important to look at whether or not these services will address your needs. Feel free to pick out the features that appeal to you the most but, at the very least, make sure that the environment is conducive to productivity, ensuring that the following features are in place:

• Desks and Chairs. As the bare minimum requirement in a shared office space, desks and chairs must be durable and comfortable enough for you to use without any trouble, regardless of how long you are planning on working. Bonus points if they particularly look good as looking appealing will help brighten your mood when you’re using them, making you likelier to be productive.

• Network Infrastructure. As ready offices, shared office spaces should include a range of networking equipment readily available for your use, from printers to servers, ensuring that you can get right to work once you get to the facility.

• Cubicles/Dividers. Privacy and work area boundaries may benefit you by clearly delineating your area to help you focus on your work. This will also prevent you from accidentally encroaching on other people and affecting their work. Note: Divisions don’t have to use physical dividers. It can be as simple as markings on tables or desk spacing.

• Conference Rooms. Working with a team will inevitably include meetings so you’re going to need space to gather everyone. And if you’re using shared office space as your business’ base of operations, you’re going to need more private space for team meetings as well as hosting clients. Making sure your shared office space has a conference room will make meetings more convenient (and more professional!) for you. Don’t forget to check with the office manager what kind of equipment their conference rooms include. Bonus points if the facility has a reception area that guests can wait in when they arrive.

What are deemed important features will vary from one person to another. However, these features cover the basics that will help you get your work done, your main goal in choosing shared office space.

Kathlene Buchanan

As the founder of Metro Offices, she has championed workspace innovation since 1989, inspired by the creativity and drive of their 30,000+ clients. Woman-owned and locally focused, the company tailors its spaces to meet the unique needs of every business.

tags: 3-part Blog