what-makes-a-good-coworking-space
6 minute read

What Makes a Good Coworking Space: Find Your Perfect Fit

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Emma Campbell

Venue Lead, Tally Workspace

Sunday 25th May 2025

Contents

Coworking spaces have carved out a special role in the modern world of work.

Businesses and professionals appreciate an environment that’s flexible, sociable, and geared towards productivity.

A good coworking space balances a community atmosphere with the amenities of a well-resourced office.

It anticipates professional needs and embraces the variety of work styles found in any team or individual.

That blend of hospitality, accessibility, and practical support can nurture both small start-ups and established businesses alike.

Below, we’ll explore key elements that turn a regular coworking space into a great one, to help you pick the perfect coworking space for your team.

What makes a coworking space unique?

Coworking spaces often offer a special combination of autonomy and collaboration.

They’re designed to accommodate varied work patterns, which makes them different from traditional offices or solo home setups.

Here are some of the factors that make them stand out:
  1. Flexibility: Coworking spaces enable teams and individuals to pay only for the facilities they need. This could be as simple as hot-desking on certain days or taking a fully serviced private office. That freedom can be a major advantage for those seeking agile office arrangements.
  2. Community spirit: Vibrant coworking spaces are home to diverse groups of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote teams. This mix encourages spontaneous networking, partnership opportunities, and a supportive environment. People are often keen to share experiences, collaborate, or simply chat over coffee.
  3. Professional amenities: While the atmosphere is more relaxed than a traditional corporate office, professional resources are usually readily available. Meeting rooms, phone booths, event spaces, breakout areas, and high-quality tech infrastructure cater to virtually every work scenario.
  4. Well-being and inclusivity: Designers of modern coworking spaces think carefully about atmosphere. There’s often an emphasis on natural light, comfortable furniture, well-ventilated rooms, and a pleasing visual aesthetic, which helps people feel at ease. Many spaces also put significant effort into creating an inclusive culture that welcomes various backgrounds and business types.
  5. Greater sense of ownership: Coworking members often feel a shared sense of purpose. They’re proud to call their space a second home or a valued professional hub, and that spirit can translate into a willingness to keep things tidy, organise mini-events, or simply greet new members with a smile.

Why do people thrive in coworking spaces?

Remote work has its benefits, and many businesses now allow hybrid arrangements.

Yet, professionals often feel that coworking spaces provide a healthier divide between home and work life.

Here’s why many find it better than being at home:
  1. Clear separation: Home can blur the lines between professional and personal time. By going to a dedicated workspace, people step into “work mode” mentally and physically. This boundary encourages focus and can improve overall work-life balance.
  2. Professional focus and fewer distractions: Coworking spaces create an environment where people expect to be productive. Family members, household chores, or personal tasks are less likely to intrude on your flow. You’re in a shared environment of focused individuals, which can help keep you on track.
  3. Access to essential facilities: Good coffee, quiet booths for calls, stable high-speed internet, and meeting rooms are almost guaranteed in a well-managed coworking space. Working from home might mean grappling with slower Wi-Fi or a noisy background. Coworking facilities also often include whiteboards, projectors, or even event spaces. There’s a sense of readiness that can uplift your workday.
  4. Sense of community: Humans generally thrive on interaction. Coworking spaces give you daily opportunities for spontaneous human connection or scheduled community events. This blends the perks of an office (social opportunities, shared spirit) with the independence and flexibility of a remote lifestyle.
  5. Opportunities to up-skill and collaborate: Being around a variety of businesses often leads to cross-pollination of ideas. You might pick up new software tips, discover a promising lead, or form an unexpected partnership. These opportunities rarely happen when you’re on your own, surrounded by the same four walls each day.

Do coworking spaces increase productivity?

Countless organisations now advocate for coworking as a long-term productivity strategy.

Coworking members often report getting more done, provided the space is set up to support efficient workflows.

The presence of comfortable furniture, quiet phone booths, reliable tech, and collaborative areas all contribute to a smoother process.

This environment is especially beneficial for teams who may only meet face-to-face occasionally but want to make the most of their time together.

Beyond practical factors, coworking spaces cultivate a certain energy that can elevate morale.

Enthusiasm and dedication are contagious.

If your coworking neighbours are deep in conversation about the next big innovation, it might inspire you to refine your own ideas.

If everyone around you is focused, you’re more likely to stay on task, too.

Essential coworking amenities that make all the difference

Many coworking spaces stand out thanks to their added touches.

These make a difference to everyday comfort and show that the space has genuinely considered what people need:

Natural light

Bright, airy work environments often keep energy levels higher throughout the day.

Spaces flooded with daylight minimise that late-afternoon slump.

Large windows, strategic skylights, and open-plan layouts help people feel connected to the outside world, even if they spend hours focused on a project.

It’s also a key factor for overall mental well-being.

Whiteboards

In-person collaboration gets a boost when you can map out ideas visually.

Whiteboards (or glass walls that double as writing surfaces) allow teams to brainstorm together and stay organised.

Coworking spaces with decent supplies — markers of all colours and fresh erasers — encourage regular creativity.

Some teams like to start the week by mapping projects out on a shared board, which sets a productive tone.

Phone booths and meeting rooms

Call-heavy days can be less stressful when you have a dedicated booth to duck into.

These small, soundproof pods add privacy and reduce distractions for everyone else on the floor.

Meeting rooms with reliable conferencing tech, whiteboards, and plenty of seats simplify team get-togethers.

They’re also great for receiving clients in a professional setting, without needing to rent or maintain an entire office suite full-time.

Great coffee and more

Many coworking spaces go all-in on refreshments.

Quality coffee can be the backbone of a productive day, and it’s even better when you don’t have to rush to the local café at every break.

Oat, almond, and coconut milk

Every year, more people embrace dairy alternatives for health, environmental, or lifestyle reasons.

Coworking spaces that stock a wide variety of milks (or mylks) show they’re on top of trends and respect different preferences.

Many facilities now keep fridges full of oat, almond, and coconut milks — alongside lactose-free and standard dairy options — so your team has what they need without leaving the building.

That variety caters to different tastes and dietary needs.

For instance, Buzzspace and Hotel Elephant in London include everything from oat cappuccinos to almond milk turmeric lattes in one place.

Choosing the right coworking space for your team

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a large business, finding the right coworking environment can have a powerful effect on your team’s satisfaction and output.

Consider these questions when you’re scouting locations:
  • Location and transport: Is it easy for everyone to get there? Proximity to public transport, parking facilities, or bike storage might matter more if your team commutes from various places.
  • Atmosphere and layout: Some teams thrive in open-plan areas bustling with activity, while others prefer more private corners. Look for a style that complements your team’s personality and the work you do. If your projects require deep focus, make sure there’s an option for quiet concentration.
  • Amenities and perks: Think about the resources your employees rely on. If you need frequent brainstorming sessions, phone booths and whiteboards are crucial. If you’re holding regular client meetings, professional conference rooms and a welcoming reception area matter. If good coffee or alternative milks are top of your list, seek out a space that prides itself on daily quality brews.
  • Community and events: Some coworking operators host talks, workshops, or social gatherings for members. These can be great for networking, team bonding, or learning new skills. If this resonates with you, choose a space known for a lively programme.
  • Budget: Coworking contracts vary widely. Some spaces allow daily or monthly hot-desking. Others rent private offices or meeting rooms by the hour. Assess which arrangement is best for your workflow and budget, and see if the venue offers flexibility to grow with you.

Practical tips for making the most of your coworking experience

To get the most out of your coworking setup, consider a few straightforward strategies that can boost productivity and spark valuable connections.

Here are some key tips that turn a good day’s work into a great one.
  1. Try different spaces: If you have a monthly membership, explore partner sites. You might discover a space that aligns more naturally with your working style.
  2. Engage with the community: Take advantage of networking events, lunches, and coffee breaks. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might arise simply by saying hello.
  3. Manage shared spaces considerately: If you use meeting rooms or whiteboards, leave them clean for the next team. A respectful, friendly environment makes the workday better for everyone.
  4. Enjoy the perks: Indulge in the quality coffee, enjoy the phone booths when you need privacy, and make the most of the comfortable seating. These features are there to make your work more pleasant.
  5. Keep an eye on upcoming amenities: Some coworking locations upgrade facilities or introduce new perks over time. If you’re a regular user, stay updated. You might discover the perfect newly added space or feature right when you need it.

How Tally Workspace can help

At Tally Workspace, our team of office space experts match businesses with flexible, well-equipped spaces, from open-plan hubs to private offices.

Browse photos, amenities, and instant booking for everything from last-minute client meetings to creative team sessions.

Flexible offices reduce costs, maximise productivity, and deliver top features like well-lit rooms, phone booths, and a variety of milks.

A strong coworking environment balances personal focus with community and comfort.

It caters to diverse preferences, offers good coffee, and nurtures a sense of belonging.

People get clearer work-home boundaries and discover networking opportunities with like-minded professionals.

If you’re seeking an energising, fully serviced workspace or on-demand desks for growing teams, Tally Workspace helps you find the perfect setting.

Coworking fuels collaboration, erases isolation, and supports innovative thinking.

When you’re ready to embrace a more flexible approach, our team is here to guide you toward a shared space that matches your goals, budget, and team dynamics.

Your Ideal Coworking Space is Just a Click Away

Say goodbye to multiple memberships, accounts and invoicing. Instantly access a wide range of vetted coworking spaces with one account and no commitments.

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