Building a business? A co-working space might be just the motivational tool you need

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27th Jun 2019

In a time where the boundaries between our personal and professional lives are increasingly blurred, our places of work are more important than ever. We’re also becoming increasingly globalised, expected to do our jobs from anywhere in the world. Co-working is an idea born out of this movement: the idea that flexibility and a strong sense of community are paramount when it comes to launching and building a business.

The Wing is the perfect example: a female-only community, known for its incredible co-working spaces complete with showers, in-house cafes, speedy wifi, pump rooms for breastfeeding mothers, and even libraries in some instances. But what’s more is the support on offer in the form of women’s circles, mentoring, and networking opportunities galore.

In Australia, we don’t have The Wing right now, but there is a bunch of incredible co-working communities popping up perfect for anyone running their own business, or building something incredible – perfect for when working in isolation from the lounge gets intolerable. See a few of our favourites below.

Wotso

Wotso is actually a subsidiary of BlackWall Limited – a funds management business that’s long been in the office real estate space. The idea of co-working spaces was originally rolled out in businesses owned by the parent company, but they now occupy locations across Australia and Malaysia. The focus is on suburban and regional locations as opposed to CBD-exclusivity, or where the work is, and is all about growing medium-sized businesses in a collaborative and innovative way.

Depending on your circumstances, you can hot desk, rent a permanent space, or take out a serviced office – all come with flexibility agreements (no lock in contracts) and access to the Wotso Passport for those that travel often. Wotso spaces are equipped with wifi, printing facilities, meeting rooms, wine (naturally), and are pet-friendly. The aesthetic is minimal and modern, too. 

WeWork

WeWork is an international co-working chain with multiple locations around Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. You pay a monthly membership, either for desk space, up to private offices if you’re planning to bring your team. The interiors are bright, cheery, and host all the common charms of a co-working space: excellent internet facilities, printers, meetings rooms, breakout spaces, coffee, bike storage, craft beer and postage handling. There’s also a great opportunity to network with entrepreneurial neighbours.

Lol Space

Lol Space is a relatively new venture happening in Fitzroy, Melbourne not dissimilar to traditional co-working, but with a few interesting features. Founded by Savannah Anand-Sobti and Sally Tabart, it’s part of their business, Ladies of Leisure; a creative collective that works to publish zines and films, run workshops, and create imagery and essay content.

Lol Space is essentially a physical workshop and studio that hosts all of the above, plus events like friendship speed dating, mentoring sessions, and honest talks from industry leaders. Also, the décor is incredible – think shades of tangerine, stunning floral arrangements, and millennial pink velvet furnishings. 

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