How to Choose the Right Coworking Space for Your Team

Selecting a coworking space is more than choosing a convenient address. The right environment can shape productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. Teams that align their workspace with their size, culture, and operational needs are better positioned to perform at their best.

This guide draws on data from The Instant Group's 2025 Global Occupier Survey, covering occupiers across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, to walk you through the key considerations when evaluating coworking options.

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Start with Team Size and Growth

Before evaluating spaces, define your team's current size and anticipated growth. Coworking is no longer just for small teams - 45% of all desk requirements across APAC in 2025 came from companies needing 26 or more desks, up from 35% in 2020.

Think about your current headcount, how it might change over the next six to twelve months, and how often you need to accommodate visitors or collaborators. A space that fits today but can't scale quickly can become a constraint sooner than expected.

Match the Space to How Your Team Works

Coworking environments vary widely, and not all will suit your team. Some people need quiet, private areas for focused work, while others benefit from more open, collaborative settings.

The data reflects this split: 70% of respondents prefer working from home for individual tasks, while offices are still the preferred setting for collaboration and meetings. Coworking spaces sit somewhere in between, with over 20% choosing them for creative work. The best spaces recognise this and offer a mix of environments, so your team can work in ways that suit them.

Consider Location and Accessibility

Location affects more than convenience - it has a direct impact on whether people actually show up. Long commute times are cited as one of the biggest barriers to office attendance by 35% of APAC occupiers, so it's worth evaluating:

• Proximity to public transport, highways, or airports.
• Nearby amenities.
• Safety, walkability, and accessibility for employees with mobility needs.

Teams often need to balance commute efficiency with access to business hubs and client-facing locations, so it's worth visiting at different times of day before deciding.

Focus on What You Actually Need

Coworking spaces vary widely in what they provide, so it's worth separating must-haves from nice-to-haves before you start comparing. Consider:

• Private offices, dedicated desks or hot desks depending on how your team works.
• Meeting rooms, event spaces and breakout areas - 44% of occupiers say access to collaboration spaces makes the office worth travelling to.
• IT infrastructure, printing and reception services.
• Wellness facilities such as gyms, quiet rooms, or cafés.
• Flexibility in lease terms, add-ons, and scaling options.

Running through this list before you visit gives you a clear basis for comparing providers objectively rather than being swayed by surface-level impressions.

Look Closely at Cost and Flexibility

Pricing isn't always straightforward. Beyond the base fee, it's important to understand what's included, how easily you can scale your space, and what happens if your needs change.

Flexibility is a growing priority: 37% of respondents cite shorter lease terms as a key factor when choosing workspace. This reflects a broader shift towards reducing long-term risk and maintaining the ability to adapt as teams evolve.

Visit Before You Decide

Finally, touring potential spaces is critical. Observe:

• Overall atmosphere and noise levels.
• Employee and member engagement.
• Cleanliness, safety, and ergonomics.

A walk-through reveals how well the environment aligns with your team's needs and expectations.

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Making the Right Choice

Choosing a coworking space is an investment in productivity, engagement, and team cohesion. By considering team size, culture, location, and amenities, you can select a space that meets current needs while remaining adaptable for future growth.

Practical tools such as checklists or worksheets make evaluation objective, ensuring your choice supports both operational goals and employee wellbeing.