Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I visit or tour the coworking space before making a decision?

  In some cases, coworking operators will provide you with a free tour of the space before you can make your decision. By doing so, you can assess the space’s floorplan, the different work areas, the overall amenities, and the quality of the site to see if they match your needs and overall vision. At the same time, some operators have virtual tours that you can take from the comfort of your own home — without having to make an extra trip.

• What types of coworking spaces are available?

  In Oakland, there are various coworking spaces that enable different working arrangements — whether that’s a desk in an open workspace, which is ideal for collaboration, a dedicated desk that will be assigned only to you, or a private office that enables more privacy for both individual workers and teams. Most coworking spaces also have meeting or conference rooms where you can host client meetings, brainstorming sessions or presentations. These are often bookable by the hour.

• Are there any pet-friendly coworking spaces in Oakland?

  In some coworking spaces, pets are more than welcome as they bring an extra dose of joy to the members of the community. If your furry friend needs to accompany you during your workday, make sure to filter your search and choose from the pet-friendly coworking spaces available in Oakland. However, if you’re not sure about a location’s policy, you can always reach out directly to the operator to inquire about that.

• What should a good coworking space in Oakland provide?

  A good coworking space should offer all of the essential amenities required to work efficiently and comfortably — like a quick and reliable internet connection, ergonomic furniture, tech equipment and various work or relaxation areas — but also some extra perks, such as printing, copying, and scanning services or complimentary snacks and beverages. Plus, coworking spaces offer various work settings, such as open desk areas and private offices to accommodate workers’ diverse needs. Last, but not least, a solid coworking space community is one of its best qualities. To that end, coworking business owners often cultivate and support a sense of community by organizing networking events to help members connect and socialize.

• Do I need a membership to work at a coworking space in Oakland?

  Generally, coworking spaces are all about flexibility and that applies to memberships as well. This means that certain memberships are available, especially for users who need a workspace for a longer period of time, however, day passes or hourly subscriptions are also provided by coworking operators in Oakland. Members who choose a monthly membership, for instance, are prone to getting more bang for their buck, as these types of memberships are more cost-effective than the short-term usage of coworking spaces and they come with extra benefits, amenities and access to events included. Memberships ensure a complete coworking experience that goes beyond a simple desk area and those who opt for one can be part of a community of professionals from different backgrounds, who get together to enhance their respective businesses, as well as to network and socialize.