Working remotely has plenty of advantages, but after a while, the kitchen table starts to lose some of its appeal.
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote employees and small businesses, coworking can offer something that working from home often can’t: a professional environment built specifically for getting work done.
The challenge is that not every coworking space in NYC is the same.
Some are designed around casual drop-in use. Others cater to businesses that want a more polished, office-like environment. Some focus heavily on community and events, while others emphasize privacy, quiet and professional amenities.
Before choosing a workspace, it helps to think about how you actually plan to use it.
The right coworking space for someone who visits twice a month may be very different from the right space for someone who works there four days a week.
If you spend most of your day on video calls, noise and privacy will matter.
If you regularly meet clients, you may care more about conference rooms and the overall appearance of the space.
If you primarily need somewhere to sit with a laptop for a few hours, flexibility may be your biggest priority.
Thinking through your typical workday makes it much easier to compare options.
New York has no shortage of coworking spaces, but convenience matters.
A space that looks great online may become frustrating if it adds forty minutes to your daily commute.
Look at nearby subway lines, bus routes, restaurants and neighborhoods you frequently visit for meetings.
A centrally located coworking space in Manhattan can also be useful if clients or colleagues are traveling from different parts of the city.
Park Avenue South, for example, sits near several major Manhattan neighborhoods, including Flatiron, Madison Square Park, NoMad, Gramercy and Union Square.
A central location gives members more flexibility when their day involves multiple meetings around the city.
Coworking doesn’t necessarily mean sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers all day. Many modern coworking environments offer multiple ways to work.
You may have access to shared desks for ordinary work, more dedicated seating for regular use, meeting rooms for private conversations, and private offices for people who need greater separation.
If your work involves sensitive information, frequent phone calls or client meetings, ask how privacy is handled before joining.
The least expensive membership may not be the best option if you constantly have to leave the space to make a confidential call.
Meeting rooms are one of the most practical advantages of coworking.
A freelancer may not need a conference room every day, but there will eventually be a situation where meeting at a coffee shop doesn’t feel appropriate.
You might need to present something to a client, interview a candidate, meet a business partner or bring several team members together.
Before choosing a coworking space, find out how meeting rooms are reserved and whether there are multiple room sizes available.
It is much easier to work from a flexible environment when you know professional meeting space is available when you need it.
Working from home is convenient, but convenience doesn’t always equal productivity. Laundry, television, family members and household responsibilities can become distractions.
There is also a psychological difference between waking up and working ten feet from your bed versus leaving the house and arriving somewhere specifically designed for work.
For some people, simply having a separate professional environment creates a clearer boundary between working hours and personal time.
That structure can be particularly valuable for people who have worked remotely for several years and are starting to feel isolated.
Coffee shops can be great for an hour or two.
They’re less ideal when you need to work an entire day.
Seating can disappear quickly. Power outlets may be limited. Phone calls can be awkward. Background noise is unpredictable, and you may end up buying several coffees simply to justify keeping the table.
A professional coworking environment is designed around longer working sessions.
That means you aren’t constantly wondering whether the person waiting near your table wants your seat.
Coworking can also be a useful first step for a growing business. A founder may initially need only one desk.
Several months later, that same company may have two employees. Eventually, it may need a private office.
Choosing a workspace provider that offers coworking, private offices and meeting rooms under the same roof can make those transitions easier.
Instead of moving to an entirely new location every time the company changes, you may be able to expand within the same environment.
Even if your company is small, clients may not know that.
Where you meet people can influence how they perceive your business.
A well-maintained professional environment creates a different impression than meeting at a café or hotel lobby.
This is especially relevant for consultants, attorneys, financial professionals, designers, recruiters and other businesses that regularly meet clients face to face.
Le Parc Offices offers coworking and workspace options at 287 Park Avenue South in Manhattan.
The location provides convenient access to Flatiron, Madison Square Park, NoMad, Gramercy and Union Square, making it a practical option for professionals who want a central place to work.
When comparing coworking space in NYC, don’t make the decision based solely on price.
Consider location, privacy, meeting-room availability, the overall atmosphere and whether the workspace can continue serving you if your needs change.
Ultimately, the best coworking space is the one that makes it easier to sit down, focus and get your work done.
