The rise of remote work in the last two decades has led to the popularity of co-working spaces in the Philippines. Many co-working spaces in the country offer amenities and perks that make remote work easier for both freelancers and digital nomads, from high-speed internet and wifi to unlimited coffee and comfy chairs.
Not all co-working spaces in the country are created equal, however. Costs for renting and maintaining co-working spaces remain high, and variables such as noise levels aren’t always controlled. Still, co-working spaces offer convenience and comfort that cannot always be found in homes and hotels.
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Criteria For Choosing an Ideal Co-Working Space
Choosing a co-working space requires a lot of planning and forethought. Regardless of where you are in the country, here are a few considerations for choosing the perfect co-working space for your needs.
1. Consistent Power Supply and Internet Speed
The reason why remote workers turn to co-working spaces has a lot to do with the constant interruptions on power and internet in certain areas. Regardless of where you are in the Philippines, an ideal co-working space should have constant access to basic utilities such as electricity and high-speed internet.
If possible, ask if the space has access to a generator, and perform your own speed test on the space’s internet service. Also, don’t forget to ask if the space charges extra fees for using power outlets to charge laptops and cell phones, as they may add to the expense.
2. Location
Ideally, the location of the co-working space should be convenient for your purposes, especially if you don’t live in an urban area like Manila, Baguio, or Cebu. Note, however, that the location can be a deciding factor in choosing a co-working space in terms of ambiance and comfort.
Always err on the side of safety and comfort by picking a space that’s located in an area with the least distractions. There’s no use going to a co-working space in a neighborhood with high noise levels or a risky environment, especially if you will be interrupted during your co-working hours.
3. Amenities
A good co-working space should always carry basic amenities such as easy access to electrical outlets and clean restrooms. Again, not all co-working spaces can guarantee the basics, but comfort and convenience should be strong considerations when considering a co-working space.
Beyond these basics, any additional amenity should come as a value-added benefit of using the space. Some popular amenities include use of office equipment, conference rooms, affordable snacks, and comfortable ergonomic seating.
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4. Privacy
In the old days of the internet café, users would log into computers from dedicated cubicles, which guaranteed privacy. Recently, however, there have been a few co-working spaces that have been experimenting with open layouts and living areas to encourage socialization.
While this can be a good thing for networking, users who value privacy might find such arrangements less than useful. That’s why it’s a good idea to check out pictures and other information from websites, social media accounts, and even online reviews of co-working spaces beforehand.
5. Cost
When you look up individual rates for co-working spaces, the costs can go from hourly to monthly depending on how long you want to work at the space. The rates may vary depending on factors such as amenities and maintenance.
If you intend to use a co-working space for a long period of time, consider buying a daily, weekly, or monthly package. Chances are that the more time you spend at a co-working space, the less you will be likely to pay compared to the hourly rate. You can also enquire about special discounts for group rates and off-peak hours.
6. Ambiance
This goes together with location, amenities, privacy, and even cost. Sometimes deciding on a co-working space comes down to deciding on a vibe. What is the appeal of the co-working space for you? Does it cater to an exclusive clientele? Is the overall ambiance casual, or luxurious?
Always note that co-working spaces, like bars and coffee shops, can appeal to different crowds. A co-working space that’s designed for students or tourists may not be a good fit for a remote worker who deals with high-value corporate clients, and vice versa.
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Choose The Co-Working Space That Meets Your Needs
When you choose a co-working space, prioritizing comfort, convenience, and safety is a must. You will want to choose a space where you feel at ease, if not “at home,” while you’re working remotely, even if the amenities vary. The main point is that you will need a place that meets your specific needs as a remote worker.
Whether you’re a digital nomad in the Philippines on a “workation” or a local going remote full-time, finding a co-working space that you feel comfortable in should not be a chore. Take these important criteria into consideration, and you will find a co-working space that will make your work hours worthwhile.
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Featured Image by Office-hub.com
