If you’re a freelancer or an entrepreneur who finds it less than conducive to work at home, co-working spaces might be right up your alley.
Co-working spaces are essentially shared office environments that facilitate independent activity, making them ideal for small business owners, freelancers and remote workers. And their popularity is growing, with more than 25 such spaces in Singapore at last count.
Besides providing amenities such as desks, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi and coffee, many such spaces are open 24/7 – perfect for those who prefer working at odd hours of the night. Membership is usually on a monthly basis, although some spaces offer day passes (upon request) that will suit those who need them on an ad hoc basis.
“Co-working spaces enable users to get their work done without the distractions of the laundry pile, the TV or the doorbell. Users also enjoy the social aspect of co-working, as it offers them plenty of opportunities for collaboration,” shares Michaela Anchan, founder of Woolf Works.
“You’re surrounded by a group of incredibly motivated and inspiring people. It’s like a physical social network,” adds Jonathan O’Byrne, CEO of Collective Works. “Besides, a co-working space saves you money due to economies of scale, so you get better facilities than you can afford on your own.”
THE WORKING CAPITOL
1 Keong Saik Road, tel: 6805-4050, www.theworkingcapitol.com
THE SPACE This multi-concept facility houses a co-working space, events venue, cafe and three restaurants (Neon Pigeon, Luxe and Lollapalooza). The workspace is largely open concept, with desks, breakout spots and meeting rooms interspersed throughout, and furnished private offices too.
THE COST From $50/day to upwards of $2,000/month for various working spaces.
COLLECTIVE WORKS
100 Cecil Street, tel: 6225-0030, www.collective.works
THE SPACE This co-working space boasts a prime location right in the heart of the Central Business District. That aside, it offers perks like ergonomic work chairs, direct line telephones, printing, scanning and faxing services, couriers and messengers, and fully stocked fridges.
THE COST Monthly membership costs range from $220 (for 40 hours a month) to $750 (for unlimited access).
WOOLF WORKS
176 Joo Chiat Road, tel: 9002-3724, www.woolfworks.sg
THE SPACE Named after author Virginia Woolf (who believed that women must have a space of their own to produce art), Woolf Works is Singapore’s first female-only co-working space. Its amenities include Wi-Fi, free flow of tea and coffee, and free printing and scanning services. If you need a breather, there are even HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and Pilates classes that you can sign up for.
THE COST $50 a day; monthly packages range from $200/month (for access one day a week) to $600/ month (for unlimited access).
WORKHOUSE
2 Veerasamy Road, tel: 9853-1641, www.ourworkhouse.com
THE SPACE This converted shophouse in the heart of Little India is home to communal tables, meeting rooms, a lounge area, a central pantry, shower facilities and a lovely outdoor terrace. Workhouse also conducts weekly networking sessions, and even offers accounting, secretarial and payroll services – ideal for those running small businesses.
THE COST $40/day or $450/month.
This article was originally published in Simply Her June 2015.