4 Key Factors to Consider When Designing Your Co-working Space
Designing your co-working space can be a juggling act. Whether you’re picking out furniture or setting up lighting systems, a lot goes into creating a visually stunning, productivity-boosting space that keeps your members coming back.
With so much to consider, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the details and end up overlooking some key considerations. This could lead to serious issues down the line, so it’s important to be aware of them and adapt your design accordingly.
Jade Aden Interiors are the South’s leading specialists in office redesigns, fit-outs, and refurbishments. Below, we’ve highlighted four key factors to keep in mind when designing your co-working space.
1. Accessibility
Everyone deserves the right to safely access their workplace. According to The Equality Act 2010, owners, leaseholders, service providers, and employers all play a role in making sure the workplace is accessible for disabled employees.
Designing your office to be wheelchair-accessible is a crucial first step. This involves installing ramps or lifts at the main entrance, maintaining obstacle-free hallways, and providing at least one disabled bathroom.
You should also consider incorporating additional features like height-adjustable desks and workstations, easy-access cabinets, and adaptive technology options. These simple additions can hugely improve the working experience for employees with disabilities.
Creating an accessible co-working space may prove more challenging compared to a private office. Hot desking, where furniture is often moved around, can unintentionally neglect the needs of individuals with disabilities. To tackle this ahead of time, maintain open communication with businesses and employees. Making sure they understand the importance of upholding accessibility within the space will raise awareness and promote a barrier-free environment for everyone.
2. Privacy and confidentiality
Thanks to their communal nature, co-working spaces can be more of a privacy risk than standard offices. Conversations can be overheard, or sensitive data can be left unintentionally on screens or desks, both of which can cause serious damage in the wrong hands.
You can improve the privacy of your space by encouraging members to adopt confidentiality measures, such as using privacy films on laptops and implementing two-factor authentication on devices. Placing clear and noticeable signage will serve as a reminder for users to take these precautions, and it can also protect you from potential repercussions if an incident were to occur.
On top of this, the physical layout of your co-working space can have a big impact on privacy. You should consider installing video surveillance cameras, providing lockable storage options, and creating soundproofed meeting spaces to facilitate confidentiality.
When we carry out a redesign fit-out, we often implement double-glazed wall partitions for this very purpose – they’re soundproofed enough to block out most noise, but still allow for plenty of natural light and an airy working environment. They can even be fitted with blinds for extra privacy!
3. Worker safeguarding
Co-working spaces are used by all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds. This helps foster a diverse and inclusive community, but it also poses the risk of staff being exposed to harassment, discrimination, and bullying from other users of the space.
You can prevent this by implementing a zero-tolerance policy for harassing and discriminatory behaviour, as well as having a clear way for people to report incidents. In the case of a report, you should have a plan for identifying the parties involved and taking appropriate action.
As with the privacy concerns mentioned above, placing signs around the office can help make it clear that discrimination is not tolerated, and provide information for members to safely report incidents should they occur.
4. Security
According to the Commercial Victimisation Survey, around 28% of all business premises fell victim to crime in 2022, with theft and burglary being the most common offences.
With both your own equipment and your members’ belongings at risk, it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your co-working space from intruders. Here are just a few examples of security measures you can implement:
- Electronic key card readers, biometric scanners (fingerprint or retina), or PIN code accessSurveillance cameras
- Alarm systems
- A sign-in process that lets you track who enters and leaves the premises
- Strong locks and hardware to prevent forced entry
- Security guards
- Locked cabinets or restricted access rooms
- Secure shredding and disposal areas
Talk to the specialists in co-working space design
Looking for help setting up your co-working space? You’ve come to the right place.
At Jade Aden Interiors, we have years of experience designing and outfitting workplaces for businesses across the South. Our expertise allows us to create co-working spaces that are not only visually stunning, but also accessible, secure, and private.
Whatever style or functionality you envision for your co-working space, you can rely on our team to bring your ideas to life. We’ll work closely with you to make sure the design perfectly aligns with your vision, and we’ll manage everything from planning to installation, all within your specified timeframe and budget.
Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation online or give us a call on 01425 689199 today!