A startup guide to working in a co-working space

Photo credit: WeWork

Co-working spaces used to be known as the second home of freelancers and independent workers.

It’s the obvious choice. While working from home may have its perks, co-working spaces provide a conducive work environment with facilities such as meeting rooms and call booths.

A recent report by real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield shows that more employers and large companies are starting to lease out co-working spaces for their employees to work in. The reason is clear: it can help reduce administrative concerns.

“I don’t need to worry about the wifi [or] that there’s paper in the printer. I don’t need to worry that there’s tea and coffee or that the place is clean,” says Kurt Thompson, managing director of market researcher ABN Impact. The company is based in a WeWork co-working space in Jakarta. “Just to have that confidence – it’s fantastic.”

With all the amenities and value-added services available at co-working spaces, companies can reap benefits beyond smoother operations. For those new to working in a co-working space, here are some tips to make the most out of the experience.

1. Find the right space

A good workplace environment doesn’t just provide basic administrative and logistical needs. Aspects of a workplace’s physical design – such as hygiene, lighting, noise, and even types of furnishing – are important considerations as well.

Photo credit: WeWork

However, Thompson points out that different companies have different needs, so what may be perfect for one may be dreary to another. Hence, it’s essential to find the right fit for your company.

“What WeWork says as a brand is very much aligned with what we say, and they meet our needs in terms of the level of service,” Thompson shares. “But it might not be for everybody. Other people might need a little bit less and for bigger organizations with more of an infrastructure, it might not work.”

His advice: “Do your homework – there are definitely co-working spaces out there for you.”

2. Have breakfast at work

While most may prefer to have breakfast at home, some co-working spaces serve regular breakfasts for their clients. Apart from the free food, joining the breakfast sessions gives new tenants an opportunity to meet their neighbors.

“On our first day, there was free breakfast, so we all sat and spoke to our new neighbors with coffee and bagels,” says Thompson. “We were just enjoying it, getting used to the place, meeting new people, and feeling really welcomed by the WeWork staff.”

But these networking sessions aren’t just limited to the weekly breakfast hours. According to Amanda Susanti, co-founder and CEO of fresh produce distribution platform Sayurbox, whose team is based in the same WeWork space as ABN Impact, her team is fond of the regular meditation classes and free massage days. The workspace also holds workshops where tenants can learn skills like digital marketing.

“We have to use the WeWork app to keep up with all the events that are going on because there’s always something happening,” she adds.

One of the first things Susanti and her team did after settling in the WeWork office was approach other companies in the space to see how they could collaborate with each of them.

“Because we sell all kinds of fruits and ready-to-eat meals, some of the people in the office started ordering, and it was good to get everyone’s feedback on our products,” she observes.

3. Bring your clients to the office

Anyone who’s ever had to deal with clients will tell you that first impressions are key to doing business. One way to have a fruitful first meeting is to bring them to the office, especially if you’re based in a co-working space.

“We have clients coming to see us all the time and saying, ‘Can we always have our meetings with you in WeWork?’,” says Thompson.

Photo credit: WeWork

As a market research firm, ABN Impact conducts a lot of workshops involving their clients’ customers to get “a proper understanding” of their wants and needs. In turn, this allows the startup’s clients to create products and services that suit their customers. Thompson says that having these workshops in WeWork “helps the business environment.”

“Clients love to take part in that because they like the vibe,” he explains. “It’s something I wasn’t expecting because I thought we were always going to have to rent a space with a terrible setup – that’s a big deal for me.”

4. Be part of the community

Eyad Zahra, head of community and membership experience at WeWork in Southeast Asia, says that on top of providing a “space that is both useful and enjoyable,” WeWork hopes to drive a spirit of open collaboration among its tenants.

“There’s a significant cultural shift taking place right now where people are looking for something more substantial from their working lives,” says Zahra. “It’s a movement focused on meaning – and WeWork is at the forefront of that movement.”

He adds that taking note of that shift is key to making the most out of being based in a co-working space.

“Any company can succeed at WeWork as long as they come with a mindset that is open to social engagement and the prospect of being part of a developing community,” he concludes.

WeWork provides companies around the world with a business space as well as community and services through both physical and virtual offerings. Its recent co-working locations in Jakarta and Bangkok are available for lease.

Visit WeWork’s website to find out more or to book a tour of a co-working space.