Singapore’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual demographic contributes to the diversity that makes living and working in the country worth it. In addition, this diversity, the quality of life for professionals in the city is quite high with many earning a substantial salary. Throw in the many beautiful sites and diversions, and you have a country rife with opportunity and resources.
Furthermore, the business and residential landscapes support industry from around the world. Singapore’s coworking scene is looking to reinvent itself while incorporating more of life into many of its workspaces. With many variations on the coworking space, professionals working in the city or stopping in for a short while can find something to fit out their outfit.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know to get the most out of your coworking space in Singapore.
Contemporary Coworking
The typical coworking office places professionals in a shared space where they have the opportunity to rent a hot desk or a dedicated desk. Furthermore, professionals benefit from this low-cost alternative that provides them with office equipment and amenities. Take a look at Servcorp’s coworking Singapore’s site at http://www.servcorp.com.sg/en/coworking/ to view one version of the way coworking spaces operate.
Singapore’s take on the coworking space has grown to include spaces that cater to a variety of populations. Female-centred coworking spaces and industry-specific spaces offer a variety of perks including daycare for working parents and activities centred on professionally relevant topics. There are also spaces that focus on nurturing start-ups.
Sense Of Community
One of the most important aspects of the coworking space is the social interaction that it provides its occupants. While the purpose is to work, much of the networking that takes place in the community is the foundation of such businesses. The culmination of networking in the coworking space is usually connecting with mentors who act as a resource and collaborating with others in the space.
The collaboration is important because, if successful, can raise your business’s visibility in the Singapore business community. Furthermore, the collaboration is one way to learn about an array of industries while working toward business growth. Ultimately, when joining a space, consider whether the outfit has a sense of community.
Prime Location
Regardless of the industry, location is extremely important when looking for a space. In general, offices that are located near CBDs tend to offer businesses more in terms of access to resources and traffic. In Singapore, businesses that are near Marina Boulevard, Market Street, and other prime locations are attractive and prestigious. The benefit to coworking is because you are essentially paying for space on an as-needed basis, your rent is going to be drastically reduced.
Coworking Etiquette
Coworking is primed for social interaction and this social interaction is pretty much a part of Singaporean culture, as business relationships are founded on family ties and friendship. Even so, being overly social in the coworking space does have its drawbacks, namely, lack of productivity. To avoid offending others at work, avoid some of the following behaviours.
Most coworking spaces come with cafés and lounges, and so if networking or even just hanging out, seek those areas so that you will not distract others who might be working. Also, hot desking presents opportunities to spy on your neighbour’s work, which might be sensitive, so try not be too intrusive. Finally, if you need to listen to some music while working, bring your own earplugs so that you will not disturb your neighbours.
Finding Space In The Coworking Singapore
The coworking format in Singapore runs similar to most. However, professionals benefit from spaces that cater to their various needs while providing a community with their services. In your hunt for office space, consider the many opportunities, including networking, that a coworking space can offer your business.