Gurugram is rapidly growing into a significant business hub for start-ups, established companies, consultants, and freelancers. As businesses look for alternatives to the traditional office setup, coworking becomes a viable choice for those who want a professional work environment without having to run an office by themselves. There are various options such as shared desks and private cabins in such coworking spaces that cater to various professional needs. 

However, choosing a coworking space in Gurgaon does not only depend on whether there is an available seat at the desk or not. There are many other factors that play a significant role. Such are location, seating, amenities, and membership plans offered by the particular facility.  

1. Understand What Influences Coworking Costs

The cost of coworking depends on a number of factors, including location, type of seating area, building facilities, and agreement. The workspaces located in popular commercial zones can have different pricing schemes compared to other business locations. 

When evaluating the coworking office prices per seat, it is vital to know what kind of membership will be offered. Internet access, power supply, cleaning, and access to the common areas may be included in the cost, whereas meeting rooms, parking, and printing may cost extra. 

The kind of membership plays a role in determining the cost involved too. Desks that are shared have different purposes compared to reserved seats and individual cabins.  

A business needs to factor in all its costs, such as tax, security deposit, and other costs for the services rendered. This can be accomplished through the comparison of the various services offered by different businesses. 

2. Explore the Different Types of Coworking Seats

Coworking spaces provide different seating types depending on different working styles. It becomes easy to choose the appropriate seating style after understanding the different types. 

Hot Desk 

A hot desk provides members with the opportunity to access a workstation instead of being tied up with their own fixed workstation. Hot desks are ideal for freelancers, consultants, and remote workers, since they don’t necessarily have to come to the office every day. 

This arrangement offers convenience for the people who have to work from their homes, client places, and common office locations. But the members must check whether there are any seating reservations at busy hours and whether it is essential to make advance bookings. 

Dedicated Desk 

A dedicated desk offers the provision of a specific workspace for one individual only. This type of desk is appropriate for individuals who work in a fixed place. 

This choice may prove beneficial for those individuals who require stability in their working schedule and use of storage space to perform their day-to-day work. Before choosing this option, one should consider whether there is locker space and extended operational time available. 

Day Pass 

A day pass is a temporary permit giving one access to the workplace for a particular period, normally one day at a time. It could be helpful to those businesspeople who are travelling between cities or even to individuals who just want to try the workspace. 

Some providers offer internet connectivity and common area access, whereas others might need some separate arrangement. It is good to see what is offered beforehand. 

Private Cabins and Plug and Play Offices 

Privacy cabins provide an enclosed working space for individual or group work that requires more privacy.  However, plug-and-play offices offer an environment that is pre-furnished with furniture and facilities necessary for office work. This can be an attractive option for companies that wish to start working without organising every element of their traditional office. 

For those firms considering a coworking space in Gurgaon, the choice of whether to choose either open seating or a private cabin must be made based on team size and work dynamics, among others. 

3. Choose a Location That Supports Your Work

Location plays a crucial role in defining the convenience of the workspace in the future. There are numerous commercial areas in Gurugram, like MG Road, Cyber City, Golf Course Road, and Udyog Vihar. 

For some professionals, proximity to the metro station and easy accessibility will be important. Businesses which visit clients very often will surely be glad to have their office located in such a place, which will be easy to find for the visiting people. 

When considering a coworking space in Gurgaon, one needs to evaluate factors like commute, parking facilities, transportation links and proximity to restaurants or other amenities. Visiting the building and getting an idea about the process of arriving at space and the overall ambience is important. 

While businesses are looking for a comparison between the coworking spaces in Delhi NCR and the options available in Gurugram, it is important that they look into the place for their employees and clients as well as the frequency at which the teams need to meet in person. 

4. Look Beyond the Desk: Amenities and Community

A workspace involves more than just office furniture. Internet connectivity, power supply, housekeeping, proper seating, and clean common areas can help improve efficiency during work hours. 

Meeting rooms become an essential component for professionals who conduct interviews, make presentations, and hold meetings with their clients. Other helpful amenities could be having access to a pantry area, reception help, a printing facility, and phone booths. The type of facilities varies depending on the provider; hence, it is advisable to establish the amenities available. 

Community and amenities are other factors to consider. While some experts like networking that comes with meeting people from various sectors, some like working in quiet places where they can have little or no distractions at all. 

A flexible workspace should come with a clear indication of hours of operation, rules for guests, reservations, and membership options. This is necessary for making members aware of whether the working environment suits their needs in the future. 

5. Evaluate Flexibility and Membership Terms

Flexibility has been identified as a very crucial element in the search for shared office space. Nevertheless, the flexibility of such shared offices largely depends on the terms of membership. 

Whereas some of the contracts provide daily access, some might demand monthly or even long-term payment. This is why it is imperative for the business to be vigilant enough to scrutinise the minimum period, notice period, termination clause, and deposit. 

Moreover, when the group expands, it should evaluate how they will fit in extra seating as they add more personnel. Equally, individuals need to evaluate whether they will move out of the hot desk to a dedicated desk or even a cabin office. 

While evaluating a coworking space in Gurgaon, it is advisable to ask for a detailed breakdown in writing of the services, costs, and membership terms that apply to the business. This will help ensure consistency and avoid any future misunderstandings. 

6. Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Workspace

Before making any decision, consider a few practical factors about the shortlisted providers. 

  • Understand the full membership: Look at the services provided and any extra costs. 
  • Visit during office hours: Evaluate the level of noise, availability of seats, cleanliness, and overall ambience. 
  • Check connectivity: Internet connection plays a pivotal role in video conferencing, collaborating online and running businesses smoothly. 
  • Understand access to meeting rooms: Confirm booking procedures, facilities provided, and limitations. 
  • Assess security considerations: Ask about the policy on visitors, as well as security of personal possessions. 
  • Carefully read the agreement: Understand the notice period, renewal process, and how you can modify your membership. 

When it comes to small businesses, evaluating the demands of having several individual desks as opposed to a single private cabin can assist one in deciding which option will be best. There are some people who might find that having either a day pass or a hot desk is adequate for their needs. 

Final Thoughts 

Selecting an appropriate coworking model involves the need for considering such aspects as location, privacy, facilities, flexibility, and other aspects. The space that fits the needs of one individual may be unsuitable for an increasing business, and that is why it is necessary to assess how people work first. It will also be helpful to compare terms of membership, visit potential centres, etc. 

For those seeking workspace options in Gurugram, Avanta Business Centre is one of the service providers that could be considered. Reviewing the various coworking spaces offered by Avanta Business Centre will assist business entities to see if it meets their needs. 

Author

Rethinking The Future (RTF) is a Global Platform for Architecture and Design. RTF through more than 100 countries around the world provides an interactive platform of highest standard acknowledging the projects among creative and influential industry professionals.