Choosing the Right Coworking Space for Your Business

As a business owner, you make hundreds of decisions every day. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where your business will live. The right workspace can boost your team’s productivity, impress your clients, and even help you grow your company. The wrong workspace, on the other hand, can be a constant source of frustration and a drain on your resources.

For a long time, the only option for a business was to sign a long, expensive lease on a traditional office. But today, there’s a better way. Coworking spaces have changed the game.

They offer businesses of all sizes a flexible, cost-effective, and professional place to call home. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small startup, or a growing team, a coworking space can provide the perfect environment for your business to thrive.

But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? How do you find a space that fits your company’s culture, your team’s needs, and your budget? It can feel like a big, overwhelming decision.

That’s why we created this guide. We’re here to walk you through every step of the process. We’ll break down the most important factors to consider, from the location and amenities to the community and cost.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to finding the perfect coworking space that will feel like a true partner in your business’s success.

Chapter 1: Why Your Office Isn’t Just an Expense—It’s an Investment

Many business owners think of their office as just another line item on their budget. But a great workspace is much more than that. It’s an investment in your team, your brand, and your future. The right environment can pay for itself over and over again in the form of higher productivity, better employee morale, and a stronger company image.

Let’s look at why a coworking space is often a smarter investment than a traditional office lease:

The Traditional Office Lease: Signing a lease on an office is a huge commitment. You’re usually locked in for several years. You have to pay for everything separately: the rent, the utilities, the internet, the furniture, the cleaning services, and the coffee.

If your team grows, you might run out of space. If you need to downsize, you’re still stuck paying for an office that’s too big. It’s a rigid, expensive model that doesn’t make sense for many modern businesses.

The Coworking Solution: A coworking space turns this old model on its head. It’s all about flexibility and value. Instead of a long-term lease, you have a simple monthly membership. All the amenities are included in one price.

You get a fully furnished, professionally managed office without any of the hassle. And the best part? It’s flexible. You can add or remove team members as your business changes. You can start with a few desks and grow into a private office, all within the same community. This allows you to be agile and only pay for what you need, when you need it.

But the benefits go beyond just cost savings. A coworking space provides a professional environment that can help you attract and retain top talent.

Today’s employees want a great place to work. They want a space that is inspiring, comfortable, and has great amenities. A coworking space can give you a top-tier office environment at a fraction of the cost, helping you compete with larger companies for the best employees.

Furthermore, a coworking space instantly gives your business a more professional image. When you meet clients in a sleek, modern meeting room instead of a coffee shop, it sends a powerful message. It shows that your business is successful and that you pay attention to the details. In the following chapters, we’ll explore all of these benefits in more detail and show you how to find a space that will be a true asset for your business.

Chapter 2: Location, Location, Location: The Triple-Win Strategy

When choosing a coworking space for your business, the location is the first and most important factor to consider. But you’re not just choosing a location for yourself; you’re choosing it for your team and your clients. You need to find a location that is a “triple-win”—a place that is convenient for everyone.

1. A Win for Your Team

Your employees are your most valuable asset. If their daily commute is long and stressful, they are going to be unhappy and less productive. Choosing a coworking space that is centrally located and easy for your team to get to is crucial.

Before you even start looking at spaces, it’s a good idea to map out where all of your team members live. Look for a location that offers a reasonable commute time for the majority of your team. A happy team is a productive team, and a short commute is a huge factor in employee happiness.

Also, consider what’s around the office. Are there good places for your team to grab lunch? Is there a gym nearby for a pre-work workout? Are there parks where they can take a walking break?

A great neighborhood with lots of amenities makes the workday more enjoyable and can be a major perk for your employees.

2. A Win for Your Clients

The location of your office also sends a message to your clients. A professional address in a well-known, reputable area can instantly boost your company’s credibility. When you invite a client to your office, you want it to be easy for them to find and get to.

Look for a space with easy access from major roads and highways. And don’t forget about parking! A coworking space with ample, free parking is a huge plus for your clients. You don’t want their first impression of your business to be frustration over finding a parking spot.

3. A Win for Your Business

Finally, the location needs to be a win for your business itself. Being located in a vibrant business district can open up new opportunities. You might be closer to potential partners, suppliers, or a talent pool of potential new hires.

For example, being in a place like the Rose District in Broken Arrow puts you right in the middle of a thriving community of other businesses, restaurants, and shops. This creates a dynamic, energetic environment that can be great for business.

Action Step: Before you start your search, survey your team to find out where they live and what’s important to them in a work location. Then, identify a few key neighborhoods that would be a good central point. Focus your search for coworking spaces within these target areas. When you tour a space, be sure to drive the route from your own home and check out the parking situation and the surrounding neighborhood amenities.

Chapter 3: Finding Your Tribe: The Importance of Community and Culture

A coworking space is more than just a collection of desks and offices; it’s a community. The culture of the space—the “vibe”—can have a big impact on your team’s happiness and your company’s productivity. You want to find a space where your team feels comfortable, inspired, and connected.

What is Company Culture?

Every business has a culture. It’s the shared values, attitudes, and behaviors that make your company unique. Are you a fast-paced, high-energy startup?

Or are you a more quiet, focused, and formal professional services firm? Your office environment should be a reflection of your company culture.

Matching Your Culture to the Coworking Vibe

Just like companies, every coworking space has its own unique culture. Some are loud, creative, and social, with music playing and people constantly collaborating. Others are quiet, professional, and heads-down, designed for deep, focused work. Neither one is better than the other; they just serve different types of businesses.

• If your team is in a creative field like marketing or design, you might thrive in a vibrant, energetic space with lots of common areas for brainstorming.
• If your team is in a field like law or finance, you might need a more quiet, professional, and private environment to do your best work.

When you choose a coworking space, you are essentially choosing to merge your company culture with the culture of the space. It’s important to find a good match. If you put your quiet, focused team in a loud, social coworking space, they might get distracted and frustrated. If you put your creative, collaborative team in a silent, library-like space, they might feel stifled and uninspired.

The Power of Networking and Collaboration

One of the biggest benefits of a coworking space is the built-in community. Your team will be working alongside professionals from dozens of other companies and industries. This creates amazing opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Your graphic designer might get a great idea from a conversation with a programmer from another company. Your sales team might find a new lead while chatting with someone at the coffee machine. These spontaneous interactions can be incredibly valuable.

Look for a coworking space that actively fosters this sense of community. Do they host networking events, workshops, or social gatherings? Is there a friendly community manager who introduces members to each other? A space that invests in its community is a space that is invested in its members’ success.

Action Step: When you tour a coworking space, pay close attention to the atmosphere. How does it feel? What is the noise level? How are the other members interacting? Talk to the community manager about the culture of the space and the types of businesses that work there.

Try to imagine your team working in that environment. Can you see them being happy and productive there? If possible, ask for a few day passes so that you and a few key team members can try out the space for a day to see how it feels.

Chapter 4: The Nuts and Bolts: Amenities That Matter for Your Business

Once you’ve found a few spaces with the right location and culture, it’s time to dig into the practical details. The amenities a coworking space offers can make a huge difference in your team’s day-to-day productivity and happiness. A great workspace should provide all the tools and services your business needs to operate smoothly and professionally.

Here’s a checklist of the key amenities to look for, broken down by what’s essential for almost any business.

Core Infrastructure for Every Business

• Blazing-Fast, Reliable Internet: This is the single most important amenity. In today’s digital world, your business can’t afford slow or unreliable Wi-Fi. Ask about the internet speed, whether they have a dedicated fiber connection, and if they have a backup system in case the primary one goes down. The internet should be secure and easy for your team and guests to access.
• Professional Meeting Rooms: Your business will need a private, professional space to meet with clients, interview candidates, or have team discussions. Look for a coworking space with well-equipped meeting rooms. Check how many rooms they have, what technology is in them (like a large TV for presentations), and how you book them. It’s also important to understand how many hours of meeting room time are included in your membership and what the cost is for additional hours.
• Printing, Scanning, and Office Supplies: Even in a digital world, businesses still need to print and scan documents. A good coworking space will have a high-quality business-class printer and scanner available for members. Find out how printing is managed and what the costs are.
• Mail and Package Handling: Using the coworking space’s address as your business address adds a layer of professionalism. Look for a space that offers mail and package handling. This means they will accept mail and packages on your behalf, so you never have to worry about missing an important delivery.

Amenities for Your Team’s Productivity and Well-being

• A Variety of Workspaces: People work in different ways. A great coworking space will offer a mix of environments. This includes quiet, heads-down areas for focused work, collaborative common areas for team discussions, and comfortable lounge areas for taking a break. At Elevate Coworking, we have a mix of open-plan desks, private offices, and cozy lounge spots to suit every work style.
• Private Phone Booths: If your team makes a lot of phone or video calls, soundproof phone booths are a must-have. They provide a private, quiet space to have conversations without disturbing others or being overheard.
• A Well-Stocked Kitchen: A kitchen or break area is essential. It gives your team a place to store and heat up their lunch, which can save them a lot of money. It’s also a central hub for socializing. Look for a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink. And of course, great coffee! Most coworking spaces, including Elevate, offer complimentary gourmet coffee, tea, and filtered water to keep your team fueled up all day.
• Comfortable and Ergonomic Furniture: Your team will be spending a lot of time in their chairs and at their desks. This furniture should be comfortable and supportive to prevent back pain and fatigue. Ergonomic chairs and spacious desks are a sign of a quality coworking space.

Action Step: Create a checklist of the amenities that are most important for your specific business needs. When you tour a space, use this checklist to evaluate what they offer. Don’t just take their word for it; ask to see the meeting rooms, test out the chairs, and look at the quality of the printer. These details will have a big impact on your daily work life.

Chapter 5: The Bottom Line: Understanding Cost and Value

For any business, the cost is a major consideration. But when it comes to your workspace, it’s crucial to think about the overall value, not just the monthly price. The cheapest option is rarely the best option. You need to find a space that fits your budget while also providing the environment and amenities your business needs to succeed.

Understanding Coworking Membership Models

Most coworking spaces offer a few standard membership types for businesses:

• Team Memberships (Hot Desks): If your team values flexibility and doesn’t need a permanent desk, a block of hot desk memberships can be a great option. This gives your team members access to the common areas, and they can choose a different spot to work from each day.
• Dedicated Desks: If you want to give your team a more permanent home base, dedicated desks are a great choice. Each team member gets their own desk that they can set up with their monitor and personal items. This is often done in a designated “team area” to keep your group together.
• Private Offices: For teams that need privacy, a quiet environment, or a secure space to store equipment, a private office is the best solution. These lockable, fully furnished offices come in various sizes to accommodate teams from two people up to 20 or more. This is the most popular option for established businesses and growing startups.

How to Calculate the True Value

When comparing the cost of a coworking space to a traditional lease, you have to look at the total picture. With a traditional lease, the monthly rent is just the beginning. You also have to pay for:

• Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
• Internet and phone lines
• Furniture and office equipment
• A receptionist’s salary
• Cleaning services
• Security systems
• Coffee and office supplies
• Maintenance and repairs

When you add up all these costs, the total is often two to three times the base rent. With a coworking space, all of these things are typically included in one simple monthly membership fee. This makes budgeting much easier and often results in significant cost savings.

Action Step: Ask for a detailed pricing sheet from your top coworking choices. Make sure you understand exactly what is included in each membership level. Are there any setup fees? What are the costs for add-ons like extra meeting room hours or printing?

Create a simple spreadsheet to compare the total monthly cost per employee for each option. But remember to factor in the value of the location, community, and amenities. The right workspace is an investment that will pay you back in productivity and growth.

Your Business’s New Home is Waiting

Choosing a workspace is one of the most important decisions you will make as a business leader. It’s about so much more than finding a place to work. It’s about creating a home for your business—a place where your team can collaborate, your culture can flourish, and your company can grow.

By thinking carefully about the location, the community, the amenities, and the value, you can find a coworking space that is the perfect fit for your business. You can find a partner that will support you on your journey to success.

If your business is in the Tulsa or Broken Arrow area, we invite you to discover the Elevate Coworking difference. We have designed our space with the needs of modern businesses in mind. We offer flexible private offices, dedicated desks, and a vibrant community, all in a prime location. We take care of all the details of managing an office so that you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Contact us today to schedule a private tour for you and your team. Let us show you how Elevate Coworking can be the launchpad for the next chapter of your business’s growth. Your new office is waiting.