There are a lot of fun things to consider in your search for an office space to rent. Design, community vibe, amenities, and location all provide so options for finding the perfect rental for you and your business.
However, the most important thing when it comes to renting a shared office space is something you might not think about: security.
You’re spending a good chunk of your time each week in your workspace, so feeling safe is paramount for being calm and productive. You also probably have equipment, like monitors and laptops, and other work incidentals that you want to keep safe.
Security has many different facets. Below are a few points to touch on as you are touring shared office spaces.
Parking
Security starts from the outside. When you arrive at a coworking space, do you feel safe parking and walking in? This is definitely a benefit of renting office space in a building that has an attached parking lot. If parking is not a guarantee, you’ll have to find street parking, potentially further than you would like to walk (especially when it’s December and dark at 4:30 PM).
Another nice thing about attached parking lots is that you can be fairly sure that there will be people walking about throughout the day, deterring any would-be thieves or vandals who might see a secluded car as an easy target.
It’s an extra plus if the parking lot is well-lit into the evening, and even more of a plus if the parking lot features security cameras. Even rudimentary cameras could be helpful if anything ever happens to your car.
Building security
Now that we’ve parked, onward to the building: whether a coworking space is a standalone facility or is housed in a larger office complex, check out the entry situation. Is there a door code, keys, or a doorman? Does the building automatically lock at a certain hour? If it’s a large building, also note the fire escape routes, and ease of access from the stairs to the exit.
Space Security
As for the space itself, the above questions all apply. Some spaces have a community manager stationed by the door to check people in, and don’t necessarily lock the space. Others leave the door unattended and instead utilize a locking mechanism. For instance, at The Launch Factory we use a virtual key system. This means that members can access the space even when the Community Manager is not present. Whatever the method, it’s important that a shared office has some way of monitoring who comes in and out of the space.
If the coworking space is not open 24/7, be sure to inquire about the nighttime security. An alarm system or a security guard will put your mind at ease about your valuable equipment!
Security options within a shared office rental will vary, often depending on your membership level. It’s a safe bet to assume your private office will lock, but for dedicated desk and hot desk memberships you should check with the community manager.
Dedicated desks might have built in drawers, come with a file cabinet, or have space underneath for you to bring your own. Some coworking spaces offer lockers or cubbies, included in membership or as on add-on fee. It’s definitely something to consider if you work with more than just your laptop! At The Launch Factory, we have security cameras trained on the space 24/7, but the honor system prevails- we’ve never had an incident of theft. After all, everyone’s here to focus on their own work!
Click the link below to schedule your tour of The Launch Factory and hear more about our (very secure) coworking space and awesome community!
