If you're going to maintain a physical business location, but you don't have the budget, need, or interest to maintain your own real estate, the best option is to find and take advantage of the best coworking space in the area. The question is, how do you find the right coworking space location for all your needs? And what factors should you consider in the decision?

Services and Amenities

Some of the most important things you'll need to consider are the services and amenities offered at each location. Different coworking spaces offer different services and amenities, and sometimes, you won't find what you're looking for in the first location you explore. 

While some services and amenities are optional luxuries that not every business will need, some of them are crucial for your organization's survival and comfort.

According to Lucas Seyhun, founder of The Farm SoHo, “Part of our success is attributable to the number of services and amenities we offer our clients. People look for coworking spaces that give them a robust, supportive business environment – not just a smattering of desks in an otherwise empty location.”

Some of the most important services and amenities to look for include:

•      Access control and security. You should have total control over who has access to your space, and there should be security features (and potentially security staffing) in place to help everyone feel safe and secure. Some coworking spaces offer 24/7 access, while others mostly operate during business hours.

•      High-speed internet. You should expect almost any modern coworking space to offer internet as part of the package. However, internet speed and reliability aren't always guaranteed, so give it a try before you sign the contract.

•      Meeting rooms. Most coworking spaces have individual workstations available, but do they also have meeting rooms equipped with all the technology and furniture you need to make use of them? And if so, how do reserve them?

•      Printing and copying. Millions of businesses have gone totally paperless, forgoing the need for printing and copying. But if you're still using paper for anything, you might appreciate printing and copying service availability.

•      Coffee, water, and snacks. Nearly every coworking space is going to offer free water. Most are going to offer free coffee as well. If you're lucky, there might even be some free snacks available. These are little things, but the convenience is valuable.

•      Adjustable desks. What types of desks are available at individual workstations? Adjustable desks allow any worker, with any preference, to find a perfect fit.

•      Staffing. What staff members are available and how can they help? What kind of support do they provide?

•      Peripheral services. You'll also need to think about peripheral services, like virtual mailbox services. These are often available for an extra fee.

Geographic Location

You'll also need to think about the geographic location of the coworking space. The average commute time in the United States, one way, is 27.6 minutes. If your average employee has to spend more time than this getting to your coworking space, it could present significant challenges. Conversely, if most of your employees live within walking distance of the coworking space, it could be a big win for morale and productivity.

Additionally, you'll need to consider things like parking and security. Is it easy for people to get in and get out of this location? Do people feel safe in and around this location?

What other types of businesses and amenities are nearby? If the coworking space is near a grocery store, a gym, and a bar/restaurant, your employees will be able to run errands and enjoy themselves before or after work.

Layout and Aesthetic Style

While somewhat superficial, it's important to give some consideration to the layout and aesthetic style of the coworking space as well. This is a space that should fit your brand and give your employees an environment that allows them to reach peak productivity. 

For some businesses, private workspaces and segmented physical sections are an absolute must. For others, it's better to have an open layout with plenty of space to move around.

Price/Affordability

It's hard to estimate typical costs for coworking spaces because they come in many shapes and sizes in areas around the country. A hot desk for a single person can cost as little as $100 a month, but it’s more reasonable to expect to pay a few hundred dollars per month per person, especially if you’re looking at a popular location with lots of amenities. Needless to say, price and affordability are significant considerations.

Choosing the right coworking space isn't always easy. It's even more complicated when there are several viable options to choose from. But with a list of objective criteria, you'll be in a much better position to make the best logical decision for your business.