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 review of the must-haves for a more attractive 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 perks 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 needs that you may be overlooking.

Consider renting large-screen computer monitors. Your customers would appreciate having an additional monitor to use for video calls or accessing 4K monitors to view graphic designs.

Having an outdoor space would also be an attractive feature in your co-working space. A large patio or rooftop full of trees and plants would definitely lift anyone’s spirits, giving your clients a respite from their work and a chance to socialize with each other. If some fresh air is not accessible in your space, a seating 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 just a place where one could plug in their laptops, but a place where they can also disconnect from work. Wellness activities in coworking spaces are absolutely all the rage and could be the deciding factor for potential clients. From offering healthy drinks and snacks to meditation rooms, nap room, or yoga classes, there are many ways to incorporate health and wellness into your space.

However, the best advantage 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 co-working space is not just about renting desks or meeting rooms, it also provides 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 joint working space experience more enjoyable and engaging for customers.

BUILD A COMMUNITY

One surefire way to keep and multiply your members is to build a community in your co-working space. Without it, there is nothing to stop your customer from choosing other locations available to them. Being part of a community is an important reason why a member would renew their subscription.

Consider hosting events in 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 clients. Or better yet, give your members the opportunity to share their work or talents with the rest of the community.

You could also host a skills exchange 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

Regardless of the amenities, perks, 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 rather than worrying about the little things.