Coworking challenges
The move from a dedicated to a shared space can have its challenges, too.
McCune says crowding is sometimes an issue because while there is open seating, there are only so many seats available. There are private meeting rooms in her coworking space, but they're first-come, first-serve, which can be inconvenient. And shared common areas sometimes get taken over by video shoots from other companies, which makes it harder for employees to navigate the halls.
Smart scheduling and adopting a good neighbor policy are essential in those situations. McCune's company also uses common areas for video shoots, but there are mindful of not monopolizing those areas and privileges.
In Tan's case, security is the biggest concern. "Our company handles private customer data, so we have to take extra precautions to ensure that our laptops and phones meet the internet security requirements," he says.
You can ease security concerns by verifying that a coworking space has a password-protected Wi-Fi network and testing out your software and hardware to make sure there are no issues with compatibility. Take time to develop an office security policy that covers things like password use, sharing information, securing laptops, and who has access to your coworking space.
Song says his biggest struggle so far has been the noise factor. In his coworking space, offices are built with glass walls separating each one from the next so sounds tend to carry. That can make client phone calls, not to mention getting along with your neighbors, more challenging.
To cut down on noise, Song outfitted his coworking space with rugs, plants, and insulation to cut down on echoes. He and his employees take advantage of designated call booths to handle phone conversations with minimal distractions. And he makes an effort to keep noise in his space at a reasonable level so it doesn't trickle out into the offices next door.