Introduction

Co-working spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years, as remote work has become more prevalent. These shared offices provide a professional and collaborative environment for individuals and teams to work remotely. With so many co-working spaces on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your team.

In this article, we will discuss five tips to help you choose the right co-working space for your remote team, with a focus on the availability and options of co-working spaces in Nairobi. These tips include determining your team’s needs, considering location and commute times, looking for amenities and perks, reading reviews, and negotiating the right contract. Additionally, we will also touch on the importance of internet reliability, a supportive community, and cost in the decision making process. By following these tips, you can ensure that your remote team finds a co-working space in Nairobi that meets their needs and allows them to thrive.

1. Determine Your Team’s Needs

When searching for a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s essential to determine your team’s specific needs in terms of workspace. Consider factors such as the size of your team, the type of work you do, and any specific amenities or features that would make your team more productive. For example, if your team is mostly made up of creatives, you may want to look for a co-working space with ample whiteboard space and breakout rooms for brainstorming sessions. Additionally, you may want to look for spaces that have a creative atmosphere and offer events or workshops that align with the creative industry.

On the other hand, if your team is primarily composed of developers, you may want to prioritize co-working spaces with private offices, high-speed internet, and access to tech-related events or resources. It’s also important to think about the team’s future growth and look for spaces that offer flexible options in terms of adding or removing team members. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to take into account the specific needs of your team such as preferred office hours, security, or parking availability.

2. Consider Location and Commute Times

When looking for a co-working space in Nairobi, location is an important factor to consider, especially if your team is spread out across different areas within the city. It’s essential to choose a co-working space that is easily accessible for all team members, whether that means being located in a central location or near major transportation hubs such as bus or train stations.

This will help reduce commute times and increase productivity for your team. Additionally, it’s a good idea to consider the proximity to other amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers or gyms. These amenities can help boost team morale and make the work experience more enjoyable. Furthermore, it’s important to take into account the traffic and parking availability in the area, as this can greatly affect the commute time and ease of access for your team.

3. Look for Amenities and Perks

When searching for a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s important to consider the amenities and perks that are offered. Many co-working spaces in the city offer a variety of amenities such as free coffee, access to conference rooms and event spaces, and fitness facilities to attract members. It’s important to take the time to consider which amenities and perks will be most useful for your team and factor them into your decision-making process.

For example, if your team frequently hosts video conferences or client meetings, access to a private conference room or video conferencing equipment may be a must-have. Additionally, it’s important to look for spaces that offer a range of services such as printing, mailing, or administrative support to help your team stay organized and efficient. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to look for spaces that offer additional resources such as access to business mentors or networking events to help your team grow professionally.

4. Read Reviews and Visit the Space

When looking for a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s important to read reviews from current and former members before committing. This can give you a good sense of the overall atmosphere and culture of the space, as well as any issues or concerns that previous members have had. Additionally, it’s important to look out for any specific complaints or praises related to the space’s amenities, staff, or location. It’s also a good idea to visit the space in person to get a feel for the layout, the level of natural light, and the overall vibe.

This will allow you to better gauge whether the co-working space is a good fit for your team. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to visit the space during the time of the day when your team would be working to get a sense of the noise level and overall energy of the space. This will help you to better assess whether the space will be conducive to your team’s productivity and comfort.

5. Negotiate the Right Contract

When you have found a co-working space in Nairobi that meets your team’s needs, it’s important to negotiate the right contract. Be sure to clearly outline the terms of your agreement, including the length of the contract, any cancellation fees, and any additional costs or fees. It’s also important to read the contract carefully and make sure that the space offers the services and amenities that were promised during your visit.

It’s also a good idea to consider the potential for future growth and ensure that the contract allows for flexibility in terms of adding or removing team members. Furthermore, it’s important to negotiate the contract in a way that suits your team’s budget and ensures that you are getting the best value for your money. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the contract’s policy on the termination of the contract, to avoid any unexpected charges or penalties.

6. Check for Network and Internet Reliability

When looking for a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s important to check for network and internet reliability. As a remote team, having a reliable internet connection is crucial for your productivity. Before committing to a co-working space, be sure to ask about the reliability and speed of the internet connection. You may also want to ask about the availability of backup internet options in case of outages.

Additionally, it’s important to inquire about the security of the internet connection and whether the space offers any firewalls or VPN options to protect your team’s data. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to test the internet connection yourself during your visit to the co-working space to ensure that it meets your team’s needs. This will help ensure that your team can work efficiently and securely, without interruption.

7. Look for a Supportive Community

When searching for a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s important to look for spaces that foster a sense of community among their members. This can be especially beneficial for remote teams, as it can help them feel more connected and engaged. Look for co-working spaces that offer networking events, workshops, and other opportunities for professional development and collaboration. Such spaces will provide a platform for your team to meet other professionals, learn new skills and share ideas.

A supportive community can also provide valuable resources and connections that can help your team grow both professionally and personally. Additionally, it’s important to look for spaces that have a diverse community, as this can expose your team to different perspectives, cultures and ways of working that can be beneficial for their growth. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to look for spaces that have a community manager or a dedicated team that organizes events and facilitates networking opportunities.

8. Consider the Cost

When searching for a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s important to consider the cost as it can vary significantly from one space to another. It’s essential to compare the cost of different co-working spaces and determine what is included in the price. Some co-working spaces may offer discounts for long-term contracts or for teams, so be sure to ask about any available discounts. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost of additional services or amenities that your team may need, such as printing, mailing or additional storage.

Furthermore, it’s a good idea to factor in the cost of additional expenses such as parking or transportation to the space. It’s important to find a balance between cost and value, by choosing a space that fits your team’s needs and budget while also providing a comfortable and productive environment.

9. Evaluate the Physical Space

When looking for a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s important to evaluate the physical layout and design of the space. The physical space can have a big impact on your team’s productivity, comfort, and overall work experience. Consider factors such as the size of the workspace, the availability of natural light, and the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the space. It’s also a good idea to think about the type of work environment that will be most conducive to your team’s needs.

For example, if your team prefers a quiet, focused environment, you may want to look for a co-working space with private offices or designated quiet areas. The space should provide a comfortable and ergonomic environment for your team to work in. Additionally, it’s important to look for spaces that have natural light and good ventilation to ensure a healthy and productive work environment. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to think about the space’s accessibility and whether it’s compliant with any disability laws or accessibility requirements.

10. Consider the Security Measures

When evaluating the security measures of a co-working space in Nairobi, it’s important to consider not just physical security, but also data and network security. This includes measures such as secure Wi-Fi networks and firewalls, as well as data encryption and backup protocols. You should also inquire about the space’s policy on data privacy and compliance with regulations such as GDPR.

It’s also a good idea to check if the space has a dedicated IT support team that can help you with any network or security issues that may arise. Furthermore, it’s important to check if the space has a disaster recovery plan, in case of any unexpected events such as power outages or natural disasters. By taking a comprehensive approach to security and considering both physical and digital measures, you can ensure that your team’s personal belongings and data are protected and secure.

Conclusion

In summary, finding the perfect co-working space for your remote team in Nairobi requires careful consideration of various factors such as your team’s needs, location, amenities, cost, security and the physical space. It’s essential to determine the specific needs of your team, whether it’s a quiet, focused environment, or a space with ample whiteboard space and breakout rooms for brainstorming sessions.

Location is an important factor to consider, as you want to choose a space that is easily accessible for all team members. Furthermore, it’s important to consider the cost of the space, and any additional services or amenities that your team may need, such as printing, mailing or additional storage. Security should also be a top priority when choosing a co-working space, as it affects the safety and security of your team’s personal belongings and data. By following these tips, you can find a co-working space in Nairobi that is a good fit for your team and helps them thrive.