Innovative Professional Offices (www.InnovativeProfessionalOffices.com), a top provider of executive offices and support services, is releasing its expert tips for business owners looking for co-working space.
Co-working spaces allow businesses to lease office space that is shared with other entrepreneurs, business owners, and/or workers. While co-working spaces are actually becoming a popular choice for companies in Canada, many business owners are still unfamiliar with this option and may not know what to look for.
“Co-working spaces have many benefits, but that’s assuming that a business owner can find the right space,” says Eshai Hirshberg, director of Innovative Professional Offices. “There’s growing interest in shared working space, but it’s a new concept to most companies. As co-working spaces become more mainstream, there are a lot of people jumping on the bandwagon and offering these kinds of options, so it’s important for business owners to know all the tips and tricks to get the space best suited to their needs.”
One of the things that Innovative Professional Offices recommends is for the business owner to focus on finding a space that feels comfortable and productive. While available features and amenities are also important, the atmosphere of an office space can have a big effect on work productivity and employee engagement.
“If an office space isn’t comfortable for a company’s employees, then even the best amenities won’t make up for that,” says Hirshberg. “When someone is comfortable and in a space that works for their needs, they’ll have increased productivity and greater satisfaction.”
“One of the best ways to get a feel for an office space is to schedule a tour,” says Hirshberg. “It’s critical that business owners check out these offices in person to see how they operate.” During an in-person tour, Innovative Professional Offices recommends business owners consider the noisiness of the space, the office’s layout, and the quality of the furnishings, as well as the makeup of the staff already in the space. For instance, start-up owners may want to work alongside other young professionals.
“One of the big benefits of co-working spaces is the networking and collaboration,” says Hirshberg. “A business owner in the market for a shared office should take into account the other people working there. However, it’s also important to find a space with the right layout and professional furnishings. Shared offices should ideally have layouts that allow for a mix of open and private spaces, so that the business owner and their employees can enjoy the benefits of both.”
Another consideration that business owners should pay attention to is the features that co-working spaces offer. These can include P.O. boxes or delivery addresses, meeting and seminar rooms, parking, and easy access by either car or transit.
“One of the big features to look for is access to support staff,” says Hirshberg. “Some features may seem really appealing, but they may not have much benefit. But IT staff, receptionists, and support staff can save a business owner money and increase productivity. Technology is also important. Co-working spaces with cutting-edge technology can offer a huge advantage when it comes to one’s work.”
For any business owner who’s looking for a co-working space to use, Hirshberg also recommends choosing places that do not require lengthy contracts. “If a business owner chooses a space that offers rentals on a daily or weekly basis, they can test the space out for themselves,” he says. “That’s the best way for an individual or business to figure out if a space is right for them.”
Considering a co-working space for a start-up? Innovative Professional Offices offers training seminar rentals, office rentals, and administration services, primarily to small- and medium-sized businesses that don’t have a need for an office on a daily basis.
