Coworking spaces are exploding in popularity globally, offering a dynamic work environment that’s a great alternative to traditional offices. These coworking spaces provide businesses with flexible workspaces, and understanding what coworking is can help companies evaluate the advantages of such environments.
Forget the strict long-term renting leases and hefty overhead costs. In a coworking space, you'll find shared office space designed to spark creativity and collaboration, all at a fraction of the price. The professional setups include access to coworking space amenities that support productivity and networking.
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As the demand for coworking spaces rises, thousands of businesses are weighing up the pros and cons of transitioning their operations into these workspaces. The benefits of coworking spaces extend beyond cost savings, including flexibility and access to professional networks.
In this article, we explore all you need to know about coworking spaces and why they aren’t just workers hot desking in a shared office.
What are the costs of a coworking space in Australia?
As of 2024, the median price of a coworking hot desk is around AU$450 per month, with prices ranging between AU$180–AU$1,800 depending on the provider. Compared to the average cost of a traditional office, which is about AU$1,260 per month, coworking spaces are clearly a cost-efficient option.
Several factors influence the cost of coworking space, including location, included services, and membership length. For example, a coworking office in Sydney’s CBD typically comes at a premium due to its central location, while suburban coworking options provide more affordable coworking space in Australia without sacrificing amenities.
Additionally, coworking spaces are tax deductible, which can be a significant financial advantage for businesses and sole contractors.
How flexible are coworking memberships?
Flexibility is a defining feature of coworking spaces. Businesses can select a flexible coworking space package that scales with team size or project needs. Servcorp offers four key membership options:
- The Virtual Office: Ideal for mostly remote teams needing access to professional facilities.
- The Address Package: Provides businesses with a prime presence in top business centres.
- The Hot Desk: Perfect for freelancers and small teams seeking dynamic collaboration.
- The Dedicated Desk: For teams or individuals needing their own private workspace.
Each option represents a different coworking space membership suited to unique business requirements.
What amenities are common in Australian coworking spaces
Australian coworking spaces offer extensive coworking space amenities designed to enhance productivity:
The Essentials
- Ergonomic workspaces
- Hot desks
- Secure Wi-Fi
- Meeting rooms and private offices
- Printing and scanning facilities
Common Features
- Shared kitchen and refreshment areas
- Secure 24/7 building access
- Collaboration zones
- Biophilic design elements
Premium Perks
- Private phone booths
- Event spaces and networking opportunities
- Fitness facilities and classes
- Business supports such as receptionist and IT team
- Quiet zones and relaxation areas
- Tech solutions like air quality control
- Access to other locations when required
These facilities ensure businesses can maintain efficiency, comfort, and professionalism across their operations.
How do I find the best coworking space for me?
Finding the perfect coworking space hinges on understanding your needs and priorities.
Assess your business needs and goals
Before beginning your search, it’s imperative to identify your needs, wants, and don’t wants in your next offices.
Does your small team need dedicated spaces or are shared offices sufficient? What amenities and services will boost productivity? Will your team use the space full-time or just a few days a month?
Asking these questions can help you narrow your options for an ideal workspace.
As discussed, coworking spaces offer various membership tiers with different costs so consider your budget and what benefits are most valuable to you.
Research your options
You’ll find there’s no shortage of co working spaces in London so you’ll need to take the time to go beyond the first few results of “rent coworking space” in your browser.
Compare what spaces are available in your preferred geographic location with the amenities you need.
Pro-tip: Select a popular train or tube station (such as Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, or Paddington station) and see what’s within walking distance. Your coworkers and employees will thank you later on when their commute is easier.
Make sure you also read any reviews and testimonials of any coworking space providers you’ve shortlisted.
Take advantage of coworking space tours and free trials
Many coworking space providers will offer prospective members a tour or free trial of the office space and its facilities.
Before locking in a monthly membership, get a feel for the space's layout, noise level, and overall atmosphere to determine if it's right for you. Experiencing the workspace first-hand will also give you a clearer idea of your needs and or if other workspaces might be the better fit.
Finding the right coworking space begins with a thorough assessment of your business requirements:
- Assess your business needs and goals
- Determine if your team requires private offices or a shared office space is sufficient.
- Identify key coworking space amenities that boost productivity, such as conference rooms or 24/7 access.
- Decide whether the space will be used full-time, part-time, or just for client meetings.
- Evaluate locations and flexibility
- Choose a location close to transport hubs or client-facing operations in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
- Consider flexible coworking space options that allow expansion or downsizing as your business grows.
- Compare costs and membership tiers
- Review monthly rates for coworking space membership packages to balance cost efficiency and required amenities.
- Investigate an affordable coworking space in Australia that meets both budget and professional needs.
- Check reviews and schedule tours
- Read testimonials to understand user experiences.
- Many providers offer tours or free trials so you can experience noise levels, workspace layouts, and team dynamics firsthand.
- Explore options through Servcorp coworking spaces and compare coworking space amenities available across locations.
- Consider industry-specific spaces
- Some Australian coworking hubs cater to tech, finance, or creative industries, providing tailored benefits of coworking spaces and networking opportunities.
By carefully assessing options and visiting sites in person, businesses can secure a workspace that maximises both productivity and engagement.
What are the social aspects of coworking in Australia?
Working in coworking spaces provides more than just desks. The advantages of coworking spaces include built-in networking and collaboration:
- Regular in-house events, workshops, and mentoring programs
- Opportunities to meet professionals across different sectors in shared office spaces
- Social zones for informal brainstorming and creative collaboration
These benefits enhance professional growth, build partnerships, and provide access to resources beyond your company.
Are there industry-specific coworking spaces in Australia?
Some coworking providers focus on sectors such as tech, design, or creative industries. For instance, Melbourne’s Hub Australia and Sydney’s Tank Stream Labs cater to startups with access to specialised equipment, workshops, and mentorship. These options provide added value for businesses seeking targeted collaboration and networking.
Even general coworking locations can attract industry clusters due to location. Servcorp’s Sydney and Melbourne offices often host finance, consulting, and professional services firms, combining productivity with strategic networking opportunities.
Finding your fit
Selecting the right coworking space means aligning your business needs, team requirements, and location preferences. Start by assessing if your team needs private offices or if a shared office space is enough, and identify the essential coworking space amenities to support productivity.
Consider location and flexibility. Spaces near key transport hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane reduce commute time, and flexible coworking space options allow your business to scale up or down as needed. Compare coworking space membership packages and evaluate the cost of coworking space against your budget, looking for an affordable coworking space in Australia that meets your operational goals.
Visit potential spaces and read reviews to check the environment, noise levels, and community. Industry-specific hubs provide networking and collaboration opportunities, adding to the benefits of coworking spaces beyond desk rental.
By focusing on these factors, you can secure a coworking space that enhances productivity, supports growth, and fits your business style.
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