13 Things to Look for in a SG Co-Working Space: A Beginner’s Guide

It would only be a slight exaggeration to say that co-working spaces are now as important to Singaporean professionals as the country’s famous MRT and bus systems. Since the 2010s, Singapore’s innovation ecosystem has increasingly depended on co-working spaces and shared offices, not just to accommodate digital nomads or bored home-based professionals but also a vibrant, globally-relevant startup culture. In fact, total floorspace tripled from about 111,480 square meters in 2015 to about 343,740 by 2022

Despite more people choosing to work from home, the market is seen as continuing its upward trajectory through the end of the decade. Indeed, online searches for "coworking space near me" have only continued to increase in volume, with individuals and businesses alike tapping into these facilities for various reasons.

Of course, choosing the right co-working spot isn’t just about finding a trendy address or picking whichever one is closest to home. The best spaces offer more than just a desk and a chair, providing holistic environments that support a plethora of professional, creative, and social needs. Whether you need space for a day, a month, or longer, here’s a what to look for before signing on:

1) Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi
Nothing enrages today’s gig economy worker more than slow or unstable internet. With everyday workflows now requiring more and more bandwidth because of AI, you’ll probably find yourself struggling if you had to make do with previous-generation connectivity. Be sure to ask about average download/upload speeds or whether dedicated networks are available for long-term users.

2) Ergonomic Setups with Extra Monitors

Some co-working spaces are not much more than typical cafés with, perhaps, slightly more electrical outlets. While they might be fine to use for a couple of days, sitting over a laptop at a janky desk for several hours is not a pleasant experience. Facilities that offer quality seats with lumbar support, desks at the right height, and extra monitors can make a huge difference in your productivity and comfort. Prioritise these spots if you’re interested in getting some real work done.

3) Flexible Membership

Apart from providing standard weekly and monthly rates, a good facility will offer out day passes for occasional use, well-equipped hot desks for nomadic workers, and private offices for teams or confidential tasks. Reasonable flexibility will make it possible to keep using the same space even as your needs change, minimising potential work disruptions.

4) A Convenient Location
Convenience and proximity matter. If you can’t find a good place near your home, spaces near MRT stations, bus interchanges, or walkable food options are often worth prioritising. If you have a team, you may also need to consider how accessible the area is to them during peak hours.

5) Private Meeting Rooms and Call Areas
Even if you prefer open-plan environments, you’ll still need privacy from time to time. Whether it’s for Zoom calls, interviews, or focused brainstorming with a team, a space with soundproof meeting rooms and AV equipment is needed more often than you might expect.

6) Networking Opportunities

It’s long been de rigeur for co-working spaces to also host regular events, talks, and industry mixers. Indeed, that’s a big reason some people prefer them over working from a hotel room or at a café. If you’re looking to expand your professional network or even find mentors, this can be worth the price of admission.

7) Perks That Matter to You
Many co-working spaces include complimentary coffee, tea, printing credits, or even access to well-equipped fitness centres. While these won’t move the needle for everyone, for the right people they can mean the difference an enjoyable space and one that’s just adequate.

8) Round-the-Clock Access

If you’re dealing with overseas time zones or simply find yourself more productive at night, 24/7/365 access is non-negotiable. Look for spaces that offer secure access systems for after-hours entry if you need this kind of flexibility.

9) Air-Conditioning and Ventilation
Lee Kwan Yew himself considered air-conditioning as central to Singapore’s economic performance. The country’s tropical climate makes poor ventilation and inadequate cooling a serious issue for workers and computers alike. Before you rent, ask how often the air-con is maintained and whether the space has natural light or open-air areas for your mental breaks.

10) Secure and Spacious Storage Options
Lockers and drawers can be a major convenience, keeping you from having to haul kilos of gear in and out every day. If you run a team, having a shared space to store materials or documents can also be a godsend for streamlining collaboration.

11) Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards

If you must use shared facilities, you wouldn’t want to skimp on hygiene. Daily cleaning schedules, sanitising stations, and consistent upkeep of communal areas like toilets, pantries, and meeting rooms are a definite green flag.

12) 24/7 Security
As safe as Singapore is, cybercrimes and instances of petty theft are still a daily occurrence. You are going to be sharing a space with strangers, which means security should never be an afterthought. Good co-working spaces will have such safeguards as keycard or biometric entry, competent reception staff, and CCTV monitoring at all hours to ensure members and their belongings are safe.

13) The Right Ambience

Finally, when it comes to coworking spaces, trust your instincts. Ambience can affect your mood and productivity, but we aren’t all wired to benefit from the same atmospheres. Only you know for sure whether you want a space that’s minimalist and quiet or one that’s lively and colourful. Book a trial day if you must but, with so many choices out there, there’s no reason you should stick with a place that doesn’t feel right for your workflow and personality.

Check These Essentials Before You Sign On

Co-working spaces have sprouted up all over Singapore, but not all of them are worth your time. You may have luck picking them at random but, if you’re going to need a co-working space for more than just a couple of hours, you’ll want one that matches your energy, directly supports your goals, and helps you thrive professionally.

Before you commit, take the time to check some online reviews and compare them against these essentials. Your future productivity (and sanity) will thank you later.