The Complete Guide
By Ohad Gilad
Reviewed by Kristian Voldrich
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Do you work at a coworking office space? Maybe you’re just curious about the office spaces in which coworking enthusiasts work.
Whatever your office space setup is, whether it’s a shared office space in an incubator building or your corner of Starbucks (not recommended), this guide is here to help.
Read further to learn more about must-have essentials for your workspace, office space setup ideas, facilities, and tips for maximising your office space experience.
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First, you’ll need some way to store your belongings. A crate or bag with a lock works well for this. You can also get a filing cabinet, but those take up more room and might not fit in your space as easily as something leaner like a filing crate of some sort. Many modern coworking spaces in the Netherlands, such as 42workspace, now provide digital locker management systems integrated via member apps, enhancing security and accessibility for personal storage.
Your desk is your home base in an office space. So, make sure to bring a comfortable chair. Moreover, good lighting is essential in any workspace. LED lighting with adjustable colour temperatures and daylight simulation increasingly supports healthier circadian rhythms and productivity, especially in windowless or enclosed office spaces. If the office space doesn’t have good natural light to work with, seek a room with a lamp or at least a reputable desk lamp with an adjustable head.
Active noise-cancelling headphones with transparency modes are now a common recommendation to balance focus and situational awareness in open-plan and shared office environments. Some office spaces are noisier than usual because of all the people working in one room. So, if you’re sensitive to outside noise, try investing in some noise-cancelling headphones. This way, you can tune out the distractions around you and stay productive!
Almost everyone has a device of some sort that needs to be charged regularly. Ensure you have plenty of outlets to charge everything and bring a power strip if there aren’t enough. Alternatively, you could invest in a charging station that has enough plugs for everyone in your space.
Most spaces will have wi-fi readily available, but you might want to check and make sure. If it doesn’t, be sure to bring some type of wireless internet device or a way to tether your laptop to your phone.
Advanced digital integration has become essential, with many coworking spaces adopting app-based resource booking, touchless entry, smart climate control, and high-security VLAN Wi-Fi networks to provide a seamless and secure member experience tailored to hybrid and remote work needs.
Pay attention to the space’s rules regarding time limits for each session. Some people like coming in early, and others like taking all day, so make sure you plan for time limits.
Coworking spaces do not only offer a chair and a desk to do work. Sometimes, there are plenty of bonuses to be found for members. Flexibility extends to smart workspace design featuring movable walls, modular furniture, hot-desking, and versatile collaboration zones that accommodate fluctuating team sizes and hybrid work schedules. These adaptations make coworking spaces optimal for post-pandemic working patterns, supporting both individual focus and team interaction with minimal downtime and resource waste.
Some office spaces have printers available for member use. Other times, you’ll need to bring your own. Be sure to check the printer rules before printing something large or expensive.
Notably, some office spaces offer food and beverages for their members. For example, the premium desk area membership provided by 42workspace provides you with access to:
Office spaces are full of other freelancers and entrepreneurs like yourself. So, don’t be awkward! Instead, take advantage of office space events and meetups to network and make friends with the people around you — don’t make the mistake of choosing an office with no community!
If office spaces provide these things for their members, they might also provide office supplies. Make sure to ask about this when you’re setting up your office space membership.
Creating your perfect workspace is essential for building a productive routine that keeps creativity high. Of course, you need to make your office space feel like home, but don’t go too overboard.
Although you work at a shared office space, there are subtle ways in which you can transform your designated space by adding a more personal touch to it.
First and foremost, begin by renting a private office. It will give you more freedom for your office space setup by designing your working space as you please.
Consider purchasing a whiteboard or pinboard to hang on the wall. Interactive digital whiteboards are widely adopted in coworking and shared offices, allowing seamless hybrid collaboration and brainstorming. It’s a great way to stay organised. Moreover, a whiteboard is convenient for team collaboration and brainstorming ideas.
Perhaps some pictures of friends and family would look nice on your desk. It’s a great way to personalise your space, but don’t go overboard with it either. You can keep a small photo book or postcards under your desk too!
Think about purchasing a plant or two, and perhaps some other nature-themed décor. Many plants are perfect for boosting productivity at work. Biophilic design, incorporating natural elements like plants and wood materials, is promoted by European office design standards and Dutch sustainability initiatives, enhancing workplace well-being. Just make sure it doesn’t clash with the existing design scheme of your coworking space! If all else fails, keep it simple and stick to the essentials.
Modern Dutch workspaces increasingly incorporate biophilic design—bringing natural light, greenery, organic materials, and air quality enhancements into offices—which has been proven to boost employee well-being, creativity, and productivity. Supported by government subsidies for sustainable buildings, many coworking spaces now feature green roofs, living walls, and energy-efficient systems aligned with EU environmental targets.
Creating a productive office space is all about balance and prioritising. Make sure that you keep necessities such as lighting, noise, and office supplies, at the top of your list. A chair may be all you need for a comfortable office space setup, but it’s worth investing in other office equipment if it keeps you focused and productive.
In addition, personalise your desk with small items that are aesthetically pleasing. For example, some people like to hang up posters of their favourite movies or artists.
Find below some basic rules and guidelines that you should be aware of when working in a shared office space:
With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll be sure to have a successful experience working out of office space. In addition, you can now feel much more confident about renting your own office or desk at one of the many shared workspaces available today.
Organise your space so that everything has its place. Having a designated area for each tool and object will give you peace of mind and prevent unnecessary clutter and distractions from getting in the way of productivity.
