By Tian DuBelko
If you’re a tech company looking to move to a shared office, it can be hard trying to choose the right space.
And since you’re considering a shared space for your tech company, you already know the many benefits of working in one. You understand that people thrive in these environments compared to traditional work settings, and you know that coworking isn’t just a trend. But if you’re making the switch from either a home office or a corporate office, there are some important things to consider while you conduct research and plan visits to different places around town.
Here are the factors to keep in mind when you’re choosing a shared office space for your tech company:
What Are Your Budget and Needs?
The shared office space that’s best for your company will depend on your budget and your needs. When you’re checking spaces out, try to envision how your company can scale up in that space. Is there enough room for your company to grow? You’ll also want to choose a shared workspace that closely aligns with your business’s specific needs. If your day-to-day involves a lot of meetings, for example, then you’ll want a shared office with enough conference rooms available for use.
For companies just getting their feet wet, you might consider a flexible membership option that will allow you to add or subtract desk space as needed, on a month-to-month basis. Definitely prioritize the features that you’re looking for, whether that is hot desks, dedicated desks, or private office options. Some shared office spaces will even let you mix and match as needed.
Consider Your Business Stage
The next factor to consider is what stage your business is in. Are you just starting out? Do you want that extra space for some new hires? Or maybe you’ve already got a small team of freelancers that are itching for a communal hub. Either way, transitioning to a collaborative setting can give your business a connected office infrastructure and your team a sense of professionalism.
Regardless of what stage your tech company is in, a shared space can provide you with the resources and the connections for your business to quickly make strides. Many collaborative workspaces even give you access to training and services that can expedite your business’s growth.
Research the Shared Office Culture
The shared office culture is a key factor in choosing a space that entrepreneurs often overlook. Before moving your business and your team into space, do some legwork and find out the demographics and the culture of the space. What kind of people will be you sharing an office with? Will your business thrive working in this environment? Try to get a feel for the vibe of the place.
You’ll certainly want to choose a workspace that is a match for your company’s culture and values. After all, you’re going to be working beside these people, and wouldn’t you much rather work next to someone who you can talk to and bounce ideas off of?
Scout the Location
Choosing a good shared office space is like choosing a fertile plot for a tree. The chosen location has to support your business’s growth along with your team’s well-being. Every member of your team should have convenient access to your shared workspace. Not only that, your potential investors and clients should be able to easily locate your business.
You may want to scope out nearby services as well. A shared office with fitness centers or daycares nearby can be a deciding factor if your team is health-oriented or have children. Having services nearby will improve your team’s quality of life, which will, in turn, improve their productivity and overall employee happiness.
Ready to Jump Right In?
Choosing the right shared tech office space can jumpstart your tech business and accelerate your company’s growth. In the right ecosystem, you’ll have an easier time hiring top talent, expanding your network, and even securing the next round of funding.
Think your Seattle tech company might be a good fit for ExtraSlice’s community of trendsetters and innovators? Then book a tour of our tech campus or visit our website to learn more about The Place for Tech!
