Singapore
For decades, the landscape of work was defined by rigid structures. Offices were confined to single locations, with businesses operating close to their physical locations. The traditional 9-to-5 model had employees tethered to assigned desks, with limited interaction amongst teams and colleagues.
However, in recent years, the widespread adoption of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has fundamentally challenged the traditional 9-to-5 structure. Many companies are now embracing hybrid models, where employees split their time between the office and remote work. According to EY, 76% of employers in Singapore have company policies that allow employees to work remotely two to four days a week.
With this shift in work paradigm, business leaders are increasingly considering smart and strategic workspace choices to reflect dynamic workspace needs: flexibility, scalability and cost-efficiency. The SME Workspace Preferences Study commissioned by JustCo and conducted by Milieu Insight found that small medium enterprises are increasingly open to flexible office solutions like coworking space as a viable office option.
The benefits of a coworking space include cost-effectiveness, scalability, but also networking opportunities and access to a community of fellow entrepreneurs and professionals.
This guide will explore how to build your dream team from a coworking space, highlighting why it’s so beneficial for startups and small companies.
What is a coworking space, and how did it come about?
Coworking spaces, as we know it today, emerged in the early 2000s, responding to the growing need for flexible and collaborative work environments.
The earliest coworking spaces were often makeshift, community-driven spaces, built for freelancers or remote workers looking to break free from the isolation of working from home or in solitary cafes.
Today, coworking spaces in Singapore have grown in sophistication: we now have modern, flexible office solutions with core features like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, a stocked pantry and other essential office facilities.
Types of workspace solutions at coworking spaces in Singapore
Singapore’s coworking scene is as diverse as its business landscape, offering a range of solutions to cater to different needs and work styles. Coworking spaces in Singapore like JustCo provide a variety of services for freelancers seeking a community to small startups or even established companies needing flexible expansion options.
Hot desks: Flexible and focused
Hot desks are ideal for freelancers, remote workers, and small teams. They offer free seating within a shared office space. Often, you’ll find workstations or partitioned areas that offer a sense of personal space and focus. This allows for concentrated work when needed.
Some coworking spaces also offer dedicated hot desks. These provide the flexibility of a hot desk but with an assigned spot within the shared area, ensuring you always have a guaranteed workspace. This option is ideal for those who prefer a sense of consistency and a designated work area each day. If you’re flying solo, you may want to consider this dedicated desk option, so you can personalise your workspace for comfort and inspiration.
Virtual office: Building a professional presence
For businesses seeking a professional presence without the overhead of a physical office, virtual offices offer a prestigious business address, mail handling, and on-demand meeting rooms. Ideal for remote teams, startups, or international companies, they help establish credibility, enhance local image, and build trust with clients. grow their business in the country, enhancing their local image and building trust with clients.
Choosing between a virtual office or hot desk for your business? Explore the key differences and benefits to determine the best option.
Private offices: Enjoy both security and flexibility
For teams and businesses seeking a dedicated and secure workspace, private offices within coworking spaces offer an excellent flexible workspace solution. These enclosed offices, which most people are probably familiar with, provide the necessary privacy and focused environment for teams, while still granting access to shared amenities, such as meeting rooms, and community events.
Take Privyr, a mobile-first customer relationship management tool built for businesses and salespeople, as an example. Their team has grown with JustCo, showcasing how flexibility and convenience allowed them to focus on building the company and serving customers—crucial for startup founders like Aaron Lim, CEO & Co-founder of Privyr.
“The main [way] JustCo has helped is allowing us to really focus on building the business and serving our customers, and not having to worry about all the office admin stuff: the utilities, maintenance, cleaning.”
At the end of 2022, Privyr moved to a 10-person office JustCo at International Plaza right after raising their Series A. They had plans to triple their team size and needed a workspace that could flexibly accommodate their rapid growth, while providing a modern, clean, and fun environment. A two-year lease term wasn’t ideal for their needs.
With JustCo, they were able to scale quickly, upgrading three times within just six months.
“It was super smooth, super easy. Very happy that we didn’t have to renegotiate and settle utilities and moving so many times. It was all within the same centre.”
Meeting rooms and event spaces: Unlock at your convenience
Coworking spaces in Singapore like JustCo also provide fully equipped meeting rooms and event spaces, catering to diverse business needs from client meetings to large-scale corporate events. These spaces ensure seamless, productive meetings through well maintained amenities like high-speed internet and advanced video conferencing.
Coworking spaces’ bookable meeting rooms eliminate costly long-term commitments and offer ways to meet your clients at prime locations, or where they are based, improving your business professionalism and reputation.
On top of meeting rooms where private discussions can be held, event spaces are conveniently located in the coworking space. Furthermore, these spaces can be flexibly arranged to create various atmospheres suited to any occasion – from networking events and seminars to brown bag lunches where your team can lunch and learn, joyful celebrations, or casual team gatherings!
More tips to growing your team in a coworking space
A coworking space isn’t just a place to work, it can be a strategic tool for team growth. Whether you are an individual operator or a business leader, your coworking space offers numerous benefits for running your organisation efficiently and effectively.
One of the benefits of a coworking space is its dynamic environment that fosters connections and opportunities that are hard to replicate in a traditional office setting. Here’s how:
For entrepreneurs: Leverage full benefits of coworking to grow your team and business
Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces usually feature both private spaces for focused work and collaborative areas for team projects and brainstorming sessions all around the island. Coworking space providers like JustCo have multiple locations across Singapore and worldwide, meaning you and your team members can choose the most convenient workspace, reducing commute times and improving work-life balance.
With multiple locations and flexible memberships, you can confidently offer your team a hybrid work model and a comfortable environment to work anywhere in the city, especially as your team builds crucial relationships and secure commercial deals.
These memberships offer the flexibility to adapt as your business grows as you can scale your workspace up or down according to your needs, the way Privyr did.
Finally, you unlock access to prestigious business addresses or meeting spaces. On top of productivity gains in a comfortable, clean, and private environment, having access to a professional workspace can help you build trust with your clients as you grow your business.
Improving mental health with social interaction, connection, and sunlight
Regular interaction with diverse professionals within a coworking space significantly reduces the sense of isolation often experienced by remote workers or small teams. This consistent engagement fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, boosting overall social well-being and creating a more supportive work environment.
Furthermore, a well-designed coworking space provides a pleasant and inspiring work environment, boosting morale and productivity. Modern amenities, ergonomic furniture, and thoughtfully curated aesthetic elements contribute to a professional atmosphere that encourages innovation and enhances overall well-being.
Natural light, open layouts, and comfortable communal areas also promote collaboration and a sense of community, further contributing to a positive and productive work experience.
For teams: Attend exclusive professional events and networking opportunities
Coworking spaces in Singapore like JustCo regularly host workshops, seminars, and social events, providing valuable opportunities for your team to learn new skills and network with industry professionals.
The community environment within a coworking space creates a constant flow of networking opportunities. Your team can connect with potential clients and partners, expanding your professional network.
Source of talent acquisition
Being surrounded by talented professionals can be a major advantage. You can discover potential team members within the coworking space, making talent acquisition more efficient and organic.
Making the most out of your coworking space experience
If you have set your mind on a coworking space, maximising your coworking experience is all about actively engaging with the community and leveraging the resources available to you. Here are some detailed tips to help you thrive in your coworking environment:
Set clear office hours
While the open environment fosters collaboration, it’s understable to worry about distractions and noise.
One way is to set clear office hours to maintain focus and productivity. Communicate your availability to others to avoid unnecessary interruptions, and consider using time blocking on your calendar.
[Did you know?: Your home centre is open to you 24/7, so you can get your work done anytime.] .
Engage with the community
Don’t just stay at your desk. Attend social events, workshops, and networking sessions hosted by the coworking space. Introduce yourself to other members, participate in discussions, share your expertise, and get to know other members in the coworking community.
These interactions can lead to valuable collaborations, partnerships, and friendships. Make an effort to connect with people from diverse industries to broaden your perspective.
Seek out networking opportunities:
Actively seek out networking opportunities within the coworking space. Introduce yourself to people during lunch breaks, in communal areas, or at organised events.
Exchange contact information and follow up with individuals you find interesting. Attend industry-specific events and workshops to connect with professionals in your field.
Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from other coworking community members on your ideas or projects. The diverse perspectives from professionals in other industries in a coworking space can provide valuable insights and help you refine your work.
Contribute your expertise!:
Share your knowledge and expertise with other members. Offer to give a workshop, host a lunch-and-learn session, or if you’re an experienced hand, provide mentorship to startups.
Contributing to the community not only benefits others but also enhances your reputation and creates opportunities for collaboration.
Utilise all available amenities
Explore and utilise all the amenities provided by your coworking space. This includes meeting rooms, high-speed internet, printing services, and kitchen facilities.
Familiarise yourself with how to book meeting rooms and access resources efficiently. Take advantage of any workshops or training sessions offered to help you maximize your use of the space.
Just speak with one of our friendly community team members to help you get the most out of your experience at JustCo.
Bonus Checklist: Finding the right coworking space for your needs
Finding the right coworking space is crucial for your business’s success and your team’s satisfaction. Here is an easy checklist to help you evaluate flexible office solutions:
- Location and Accessibility:
- Is the location convenient for you and your team?
Consider commute times, proximity to public transportation, and nearby amenities like restaurants and cafes. - Is the location accessible for clients and partners?
- Is the location convenient for you and your team?
- Workspace Options and Flexibility:
- What types of workspace solutions are available? Do they offer hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices, or virtual offices?
- Does the coworking space offer flexible workspace solutions and memberships that align with your business’s growth plans?
- “Can you easily scale up or down as your needs change?
- Amenities and Resources:
- What amenities are included? Some basics include high-speed internet, free breakout areas or bookable meeting rooms, printing and scanning services, mail handling, kitchen facilities, and event spaces.
- Does the coworking space provide the necessary technology and equipment for your work?
- Community and Culture:
- What is the overall atmosphere and culture of the coworking space?
- “Are there regular networking events, workshops, or social gatherings?”
- Cost and Value:
- What are the membership fees, and what is included in each plan?
- How flexible is the plan for my business needs right now, and in 3 months’ time?
- Professional Environment:
- Does the space maintain a professional and productive environment?
- Are there designated areas for focused work?
- Are the meeting rooms and event spaces well-maintained and equipped?
- Growth and Networking Opportunities:
- Does the space attract a diverse range of professionals and businesses?
- Are there opportunities for collaboration and partnerships?
- Will this space help my business grow its professional network?
The future of work is flexible, collaborative, and community-driven. Coworking spaces embody these principles, offering agile businesses the tools and environment to build high-performing teams and find success in a fast-paced market.
Looking for a flexible office solution in Singapore? Explore coworking spaces by JustCo with multiple locations in gateway cities around Asia Pacific, or speak to one of our friendly sales team members featured in this video!
