A guide for finding a good coworking office space

Singapore is one of the most prosperous countries in Southeast Asia and has a fast-growing startup ecosystem. Coworking could be for you if you’re working with a startup, launching your venture, or want to reduce commute time. With over 600 coworking spaces worldwide and more being created daily, finding a suitable space can be challenging. Here’s the guide to help you find the best one for your needs.

1. Flexible, tailored terms to fit your needs.

When looking for a coworking office, a common concern is the long duration of the membership. So naturally, you want to find a space that will let you stay for as short a time as possible, but you also want to find one that allows you some flexibility.

Unlike most coworking spaces, which require the full six-month membership term, Singapore’s coworking spaces are more flexible regarding the agreements they offer. For example, one coworking space allows members to renew their contract after three months and another month-to-month.

2. Plenty of space, with partitions and proper design.

Although coworking spaces are usually much smaller than traditional offices, they have to be large enough to comfortably accommodate groups of people. Most coworkers look for the size 400 sq ft, with at least one partition in the office for privacy. They also need enough natural light for their members to be comfortable working there even when it gets dark outside.

3. Amenities such as a kitchen, washroom, and parking space.

Many coworking spaces have kitchens that members can make use of for free. The kitchens are usually shared by all members, making it easier for people to meet others and network with professionals who can help them grow their business ventures. It is also common for coworking spaces to have a meeting room and an event space where they can hold large-scale functions or seminars to promote their areas or the industry they work in.

4. Membership fees.

It’s essential to research the membership fees of the coworking office you’re interested in before you sign up. Some charge a monthly fee, while others only charge a premium rate for the use of their facilities, including the kitchen, event space, and parking spaces. Depending on your needs, the charges can be as low as $500 or higher than $1,000.

5. Accessibility to public transportation and dining establishments nearby.

Most coworking spaces in Singapore are close to the MRT stations, and a number of them are located along the East-West Corridor. However, it is also important to remember that you may have to spend time commuting to work if you don’t have access to a car. That’s why finding a space close to public transport, and dining establishments is vital.

6. Systems within the coworking space.

A coworking space should have an integrated system to track the members using their facilities. There should be a sign-up sheet or application form for new members to fill out and a procedure to terminate memberships if they do not fulfill their agreement’s terms. This will prevent others from abusing the privileges given by the space and protect you like a room member if someone damages your property while visiting.

7. Extra services.

A coworking space can provide various services for its members, making it a valuable community for freelancers, consultants, startups, and startup-oriented small businesses. Some extra benefits may include mentorship programs where you can interact with other members in exchange for a fee. Catered breakfasts and lunches can be provided by the space as well.

Additionally, all coworking space members tend to be from different demographic groups; they need systems to help them communicate and work together. That’s why many coworking spaces offer free coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks during working hours, and teleconferencing facilities.

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