Let’s be real, we all want to indulge in the perks of co-working spaces. Who won’t love an option to take a swing (literally!) in the middle of the room, or sink into a beanbag and have a go at the PlayStation, or even take a bath under a rain shower while trying to unblock that creative block? Although it seems fun and attractive; yet, is that all there is to it?
The whole idea of remote working is not an entirely new phenomenon, and it is by far the most beneficial resources available to entrepreneurs these days. And the growing number of co-working spaces across the world, and recently Malaysia, provides good evidence of the popularity and effectiveness of collaborative spaces. Yet, here’s a thought: with so many spaces to choose from, is there such a thing as a one size fits all model within co-working? How do you know which co-working space best fit you? Here’s our guide to help you make that decision:
Is the location right for you?
Bukit Bintang, Mont Kiara and KL City Centre are all great venues, and for good reasons: being located in a prestigious neighbourhood can really impress potential clients and having conveniences within walking distance is a big plus too. However, is it really the location for you? For example, professionals working at Sandbox appreciate many nearby conveniences as well. Located just down south of Kuala Lumpur, Sri Petaling is a bustling suburb surrounded by established amenities and accessible services including ample parking spaces. It is a crowd puller in itself: members can easily come to work and enjoy delicious treats which are never far away, whenever they feel like. Coworking spaces help you in choosing a relaxed mode of life that will let you work on your own timing and terms. Sandbox is a 24/7 coworking space with individual access to every resident, so one can walk-in and leave whenever you need to. What better way to avoid peak hour traffic in Kuala Lumpur?
Do you like the community?
They say that when you marry someone, you marry their entire family. Similarly, when you join a co-working space, you’re also joining its community. Sandbox’s top priority is to empower its residents, who are made out of a diverse group of freelancers, digital nomads, remote workers, and other independent professionals. And you’d be surprised to know that connections with others are a big reason why people pay to work in a communal space. It’s important to find a space with a culture that you jive with and with a community of people who inspire you to do your best work. Sandbox is not just a space to sit and work in; it’s a community of good, talented people who do great, inspiring work.
What are your needs?
What do you need to maximize your work experience? Is the free flow of coffee important? Does your work often require you to have access to a printer? How’s the internet connection and do they have a private room to make Skype calls with clients?
The infrastructure and amenities a space provides can make or break its value proposition. For instance, Sandbox has an extensive coverage of what you need to keep you productive, including its well-integrated management software solution. The administrative app is akin to Sandbox’s complete co-working space management system that comprises managing the community, support, newsletters and much more; while the location-based security app grants you access to Sandbox and ensures that no unauthorized personnel will be allowed into the space.
Is the co-working space within your budget range?
Tour around and compare the local memberships or packages. Memberships at premium spaces have full access and amenities packages, such as massages, swimming pools and even fitness privileges. These can raise your costs by several thousand ringgits a month. However, if you’re on a budget, stick to the right basics.
You also need to know how frequently you’d be needing the space. But more importantly, be upfront in asking questions to determine the hidden costs. You’d be happy to know that Sandbox offers RM28/day pass for those who are just looking for a place to get work done for a day. However, if you’re working on a project and would need a desk and other office amenities for a couple of months, the resident membership starts at RM480 per month.
Will it impact your work?
Your surroundings and the amount of distractions they bring are a huge determinant of how quickly you’ll make progress on your projects. Thankfully, co-working spaces have the potential to be affordable distraction-free workspaces, but they’re not perfect either. Some spaces bring excessive chatter from members collaborating on joint projects. Other spaces are too hot or cold to comfortably work for extended periods of time. Watch out for spaces that may not have your preferred type of seating. Not every co-working space will have standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and beanbags like Sandbox. These types of seating arrangements have huge health benefits and the ability to greatly increase your productivity. Visiting a space is the best way to determine if a co-working space has a suitable work environment for your needs.
Can you try before you buy?
Does the co-working space of choice offer a trial period before requiring you to commit to a contract? Or perhaps the space offers a trial pass for new customers? Get your free one day pass now to work out of Sandbox when you share this article on your Facebook page.
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