Introduction to Co-working Spaces
Co-working spaces are shared workspaces that offer professionals, freelancers, startups, and enterprises flexible alternatives to traditional offices. These community-oriented environments combine the structure of professional settings with the flexibility and networking opportunities of shared spaces. The co-working model has revolutionized how and where people work by offering diverse membership options, amenities, and environments tailored to different work styles and business needs. This cheatsheet provides a comprehensive framework for comparing and selecting the right co-working space for your professional requirements.
Core Types of Co-working Spaces
By Business Model
- Open Workspace: Large shared areas with hot desks and communal tables
- Private Office Provider: Focus on enclosed team spaces with shared amenities
- Hybrid Space: Mix of open workspaces and private offices
- Industry-Specific: Tailored to particular sectors (tech, creative, wellness)
- Corporate/Enterprise: Customized floors or buildings for larger companies
- Niche/Boutique: Small, curated spaces with distinct personalities
- Nonprofit/Social Impact: Mission-driven spaces supporting specific communities
By Atmosphere and Design
- Corporate/Professional: Business-formal environment with premium amenities
- Creative/Industrial: Converted warehouses, artistic elements, casual vibe
- Minimalist/Focus-Oriented: Distraction-free, productivity-focused design
- Hospitality-Inspired: Hotel-like amenities and service levels
- Home-Like/Comfortable: Cozy furnishings, relaxed atmosphere
- High-Tech/Digital: Advanced technology infrastructure, modern aesthetic
- Wellness-Oriented: Natural light, plants, ergonomic furniture, health amenities
Membership Types and Pricing Structure
Common Membership Options
| Membership Type | Description | Best For | Typical Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Pass | Single-day access | Occasional users, travelers | $20-50/day |
| Hot Desk | Unassigned seating, first-come basis | Mobile workers, part-timers | $150-400/month |
| Dedicated Desk | Permanent desk in shared area | Regular users needing consistency | $300-700/month |
| Private Office | Enclosed space for individual/team | Teams needing privacy, security | $500-2,000+/month per person |
| Virtual Membership | Address use, mail service, occasional access | Remote workers needing business address | $50-200/month |
| Nights & Weekends | After-hours or weekend-only access | Side-hustlers, part-time entrepreneurs | $100-250/month |
| Enterprise Solution | Customized full floor or building | Medium to large companies | Custom pricing |
*Pricing varies significantly by location, market, and amenities
Pricing Factors to Consider
- Contract Length: Month-to-month vs. 3, 6, or 12-month commitments
- Discounts: Prepayment, team size, longer commitments
- Hidden Costs: Printing, meeting room usage, after-hours access
- Credit Systems: Meeting room allocations, printing allowances
- All-Inclusive vs. À la Carte: What’s included in base membership
Location and Accessibility Factors
Location Considerations
- Business District Proximity: Access to clients, partners, industry ecosystem
- Commute Time: Distance from home, traffic patterns
- Public Transit Access: Proximity to trains, buses, subway stations
- Parking Availability: Cost, dedicated spaces, street options
- Neighborhood Amenities: Restaurants, cafes, gyms, shopping
- Safety: Neighborhood security, building access controls
- Multiple Locations: Network access across different locations or cities
Accessibility Features
- Hours of Operation: 24/7 access vs. limited hours
- Access Methods: Key cards, mobile apps, biometric security
- ADA Compliance: Elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms
- Building Entry: Security protocols, visitor policies
- International Presence: Access to global locations if traveling
Physical Workspace and Amenities
Workspace Options
- Hot Desks: Unassigned open seating
- Dedicated Desks: Permanently assigned desks
- Private Offices: Enclosed spaces for 1-20+ people
- Phone Booths: Private spaces for calls
- Meeting Rooms: Various sizes, from 2-person to large conference rooms
- Event Space: Areas for workshops, presentations, community events
- Breakout Areas: Informal collaboration spaces
- Quiet Zones: Designated silent working areas
- Outdoor Spaces: Terraces, rooftops, gardens
Essential Amenities
| Amenity Category | Common Features | Premium Features |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | High-speed WiFi, printing/scanning | Private VLAN, AV equipment, IT support |
| Kitchen | Coffee, tea, water, refrigerator | Fully stocked kitchen, beer on tap, barista |
| Meeting Spaces | Basic conference rooms | Advanced AV, videoconference systems |
| Comfort | Basic furniture, climate control | Ergonomic chairs, standing desks, phone booths |
| Mail/Admin | Mail handling, reception | Virtual assistant, concierge services |
| Wellness | Basic restrooms | Showers, nap rooms, meditation spaces, gym |
Technology Infrastructure
- Internet: Connection speed, reliability, backup systems
- WiFi Security: Private networks, enterprise-grade security
- A/V Equipment: Projectors, screens, video conferencing
- Printing/Scanning: Availability, costs, limitations
- IT Support: Availability, response time, additional costs
- Smart Space Features: Room booking systems, environmental controls
Community and Services
Community Elements
- Member Demographics: Industry mix, company stages, professional levels
- Community Size: Total members, daily occupancy rates
- Community Management: Staff presence, engagement level
- Networking Events: Frequency, quality, relevance
- Professional Programming: Workshops, seminars, skill-building
- Communication Channels: Digital platforms, newsletters, bulletin boards
- Collaboration Culture: Competitive vs. collaborative environment
Additional Services
- Reception/Front Desk: Hours, services offered
- Mail Handling: Package acceptance, forwarding options
- Phone Services: Answering service, dedicated lines
- Administrative Support: Available services, costs
- Catering Options: Preferred vendors, delivery systems
- Cleaning Services: Frequency, thoroughness
- Business Support: Legal, accounting, marketing resources
Workspace Environment and Culture
Environment Factors
- Noise Level: General volume, sound policies, acoustic design
- Lighting: Natural light, lighting quality, adjustability
- Air Quality: Ventilation, temperature control, plant presence
- Cleanliness: Maintenance standards, cleaning frequency
- Ergonomics: Chair quality, desk adjustability, monitor arms
- Privacy: Visual privacy, conversation privacy, data security
- Occupancy: Crowding, desk spacing, peak-time availability
Culture Assessment
- Work Styles: Focus-oriented vs. collaborative culture
- Industry Alignment: Dominant industries, complementary businesses
- Age Demographics: Multi-generational vs. age-specific
- Formality Level: Casual vs. business professional
- Social Atmosphere: Social expectations, event participation
- Diversity & Inclusion: Representation, accessibility, inclusivity policies
- Work-Life Integration: Kid-friendly policies, pet policies
Comparison Framework for Decision-Making
Key Decision Factors Matrix
| Factor | Weight | Space A | Space B | Space C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | High/Med/Low | Rating 1-5 | Rating 1-5 | Rating 1-5 |
| Cost | H/M/L | $/mo + notes | $/mo + notes | $/mo + notes |
| Environment | H/M/L | Rating + notes | Rating + notes | Rating + notes |
| Amenities | H/M/L | Rating + notes | Rating + notes | Rating + notes |
| Community | H/M/L | Rating + notes | Rating + notes | Rating + notes |
| Contract Terms | H/M/L | Notes on flexibility | Notes on flexibility | Notes on flexibility |
| Technology | H/M/L | Rating + notes | Rating + notes | Rating + notes |
| Overall Score | Weighted total | Weighted total | Weighted total |
Try-Before-You-Buy Options
- Day Pass: Single day experience
- Free Trial: Typically 1-7 days at select spaces
- Week Pass: Short-term option to test environment
- Event Attendance: Participate in space’s public events
- Tour Plus Work Session: Extended visit beyond standard tour
Major Co-working Brands Comparison
Global Players
| Brand | Known For | Typical Price Point | Target Audience | Global Presence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WeWork | Design, scale, community | $$-$$$ | Startups to enterprise | 700+ locations, 150+ cities |
| Regus/IWG | Professional environment, global access | $$-$$$ | Corporate, business professional | 3,500+ locations, 120+ countries |
| Spaces | European design, creative vibe | $$-$$$ | Creative professionals, teams | 400+ locations, 40+ countries |
| Industrious | Hospitality approach, premium feel | $$$-$$$$ | Established professionals, teams | 100+ locations, primarily US |
| The Wing | Women-focused, community, design | $$$$ | Women professionals | Limited locations in major US cities |
| Soho House | Exclusive, hospitality/social, high-end | $$$$ | Creative industry professionals | 30+ locations globally |
| Impact Hub | Social enterprise, sustainability | $$ | Social entrepreneurs, nonprofits | 100+ locations, 50+ countries |
Regional & Niche Players (Examples)
- The Farm (NYC): Sustainability focus, organic design
- Remix Coworking (Paris): Creative industries, events focus
- Mindspace (Europe/US): Boutique design, local character
- The Yard (US East Coast): Professional, curated community
- Green Spaces (Various): Eco-friendly, sustainability focus
- The Riveter (US): Women-forward community spaces
- Plexpod (Kansas City): Suburban focus, extensive amenities
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Noise and Distractions
- Solution: Look for spaces with phone booths, quiet zones, noise policy
- Assessment: Visit during peak hours to evaluate noise levels
Challenge: Inconsistent WiFi
- Solution: Ask about bandwidth, backups, IT support
- Assessment: Run speed tests during tour, ask about outage history
Challenge: Overcrowding
- Solution: Inquire about membership caps, peak usage patterns
- Assessment: Visit during morning and lunch rush to observe
Challenge: Meeting Room Availability
- Solution: Understand booking system, limitations, additional costs
- Assessment: Ask about typical availability, reservation policies
Challenge: Culture Mismatch
- Solution: Attend community events before joining
- Assessment: Speak with current members about their experience
Challenge: Hidden Costs
- Solution: Request comprehensive pricing documentation
- Assessment: Ask specifically about all additional potential charges
Best Practices for Co-working Selection
Pre-Selection Process
- Define your specific needs and priorities
- Establish budget parameters
- Identify non-negotiable location requirements
- Determine space and amenity necessities
- Consider community and cultural preferences
Evaluation Process
- Research online (reviews, virtual tours)
- Create shortlist of 3-5 spaces
- Schedule in-person tours
- Request trial day at top contenders
- Speak with current members
- Review all contract terms carefully
- Negotiate where possible (length, inclusions)
Maximizing Value
- Consider off-peak hours membership if schedule is flexible
- Evaluate meeting room credits vs. actual needs
- Look for spaces with included benefits (events, learning, wellness)
- Calculate true cost including commute, meals, additional services
- Investigate reciprocal agreements with other locations
Resources for Further Research
Online Platforms
- Coworker.com: Global directory with reviews
- LiquidSpace: Flexible workspace booking platform
- Croissant: Multi-space membership app
- DesksNear.Me: Local space discovery tool
- Upsuite: Co-working comparison and advisory service
Evaluation Tools
- Co-working Calculator: Compare costs vs. traditional office
- Location Analysis: Commute time calculators
- Amenity Checklists: Customizable evaluation forms
- Contract Review Guidelines: Legal considerations for agreements
- Virtual Tour Collections: Video walkthroughs of spaces
Industry Reports
- Global Coworking Growth Study
- JLL Flexible Space Reports
- GCUC Annual Industry Surveys
- Emergent Research Coworking Forecasts
- Deskmag Global Coworking Surveys
This comprehensive cheatsheet provides a structured framework for evaluating and comparing co-working spaces based on your specific professional needs, work style, and budget considerations. Use it as a guide to find the ideal workspace that supports your productivity and professional growth.