In our previous post, we focused on the physical or environmental attributes of workspaces that make them more conducive to productivity and collaboration.
In this installment of our two-part look at the must-haves for a more engaging workspace, we take into consideration the community building and leisure amenities that will set your workspace apart from the rest.
COFFEE, TEA OR YOGA?
Offering premium benefits in your co-working space may be just what you need to outperform the competition. Sure, you may have already built in the basics like broadband internet and free-flow coffee, but there are other necessities you might be overlooking.
Consider renting large screen computer monitors. Your clients would appreciate having an additional monitor for video calls or access to 4K monitors for viewing graphic designs.
Having an outdoor space would also be an attractive feature in your co-working space. A large patio or a roof full of trees and plants would definitely lift anyone’s spirits, giving your clients a break from their work and a chance to socialize with each other. If access to some fresh air is not possible in your space, a sitting area surrounded by plants, especially those that can help clean the air, will give your clients a bit of nature indoors.
Prioritizing the health of your clients would definitely make your co-working space not only a place where one can plug in their laptops, but also a place where they can unplug from work as well. Wellness activities in coworking spaces are absolutely on trend and could be the deciding factor for potential clients. From offering healthy drinks and snacks to meditation rooms, nap rooms or yoga classes, there are many ways to incorporate health and wellness into your space.
However, the best benefit you can provide in your co-working space is the professional services staff. Having customer-oriented staff on hand is more important than any specialty coffee. A coworking space is not just about renting desks or meeting rooms, but also about providing a high-quality experience. You need well-trained staff who can help your members with the little things so they can focus on maximizing their productivity. Customer service, IT support, marketing or member management are just some of the services that will make your work together Space experience more pleasant and attractive for customers.
BUILD A COMMUNITY
A sure way to keep and multiply your members is to build a community in your co-working space. Without it, there is nothing stopping your customer from choosing other locations available to him. Being part of a community is an important reason why a member would renew their subscription.
Consider hosting events at your co-working space on a regular basis. Events such as happy hours, weekend barbecues or seminars on a wide range of topics will give your members the opportunity to network or meet potential business partners or customers. Or better yet, give your members the opportunity to share their work or talents with the rest of the community.
You can also host a skills sharing event where you could hire a professional from various industries who could help your members with their projects. Shared skills like photography, app development, social media marketing, or even mindfulness and calligraphy could be interesting to your members and give them a new set of skills that would be beneficial to their work and well-being.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
Whatever amenities, benefits, or environment you offer clients in your co-working space, the overall experience is key. Your clients need to feel engaged and cared for in a co-working environment, as well as a sense of community, so they can focus on doing what they do best instead of worrying about the little things.