A guide to finding the best coworking space in Hong Kong

What truly makes a coworking space? Is it the professional work surroundings that allow you to focus and grow your business? The elegantly furnished high-tech meeting rooms that inspire thoughtful conversations and connections? Or is it the vibrant community of individuals that you encounter within the space on a daily basis?

Whether your answer is one of the above or something else entirely, the main point is – you know how important it is to find a shared office space that fits your individual needs and preferences. Freelancers, startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners alike will all be searching for the perfect space to let their ideas and businesses thrive.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about finding the best coworking space in Hong Kong to suit your workplace needs. From location and amenities to membership pricing and community, we’ll cover all the factors that could make a shared office space a great choice for your business, regardless of headcount or industry. Read on to begin the journey of finding your perfect coworking space:

What is a coworking space?

Commonly defined as a shared office space, a coworking space enables individuals and businesses to work alongside each other in a collaborative and flexible environment. It is usually made up of a variety of workspace offerings including hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and common areas to provide plenty of opportunities for interaction.

Since the first coworking space opened its doors, the concept of shared office spaces has undergone a significant evolution. They were initially seen as nothing more than a niche alternative to traditional offices which catered mainly to freelancers and remote workers. However, as the demand for flexible workspaces increased, coworking spaces learned to expand their offerings and consider the needs of a wider audience which was now made up of anything from startup entrepreneurs to specific teams within multinational companies.

One very significant trend was the shift towards a more premium coworking experience, with coworking spaces expected to offer much more than just a desk space to do your work. High-end offerings such as private offices, well-equipped meeting rooms, and flexible event venue spaces were suddenly on the table, making coworking spaces more popular amongst established businesses and remote teams looking for a professional workspace to settle down in.

Today, coworking spaces are available worldwide in an assortment of layouts, from more refined corporate office spaces to loftier, more creative venues. The one thing all these different spaces have in common is the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are pursuing their passions and building their businesses, giving you the workspace and tools to succeed right at your very fingertips.

In short, a coworking space could be a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level. It is a place to connect with others, build your brand, and work on what you love within an environment that enables you to thrive, individually and together.

Why coworking spaces are popular in Hong Kong

The city of Hong Kong is and always has been a bustling hub of business and innovation. As coworking spaces have evolved to offer flexible and dynamic environments that attract a diverse range of professionals, these office spaces have grown in popularity amongst the city’s community.

One of these factors is the level of flexibility and affordability offered for individuals and businesses. Coworking spaces offer an ideal solution which gives all its users access to a series of high-end amenities and facilities, a congenial community, and a professional business address to work from, all within a wide price range to accommodate all types of workers.

Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the popularity of coworking spaces in Hong Kong for a number of reasons. In some cases, many companies had to downsize or shift to remote working habits, leaving their regular offices empty and rendering long-term leases unfavorable. Flexible office spaces provided an attractive alternative, allowing businesses to scale up and down as needed, and providing a safe and secure workspace during uncertain times.

For freelancers and smaller teams of entrepreneurs, this type of space offered a more stable ‘coffee shop’ environment, where they could enjoy facilities such as unlimited WiFi, desk space, lockers, and other essentials for working at an affordable price that gave them another option to working from home or at a café.

Post-pandemic, shared office spaces have also become a popular option for professionals looking to create hybrid work models. This allows them to easily work from home part time and in a coworking space the other half, providing increased flexibility and improved work-life balance.

All in all, the popularity of coworking spaces in Hong Kong continues to thrive thanks to their flexibility, security, affordability, and ability to adapt to ever-changing business needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coworking Space in Hong Kong

When it comes to choosing the right coworking space, there are several factors to consider. From location to community, amenities to membership types, understanding these key factors can help you find the perfect workspace for your needs.

Location

Think about where you want to be based for the majority of your workday. Are you willing to put in a longer commute for a certain type of space, or do you want somewhere close to home? Consider your proximity to transport hubs and major business districts which may be relevant for your industry. If you’re a financial company, you could consider setting up shop in the bustling banking district of Central. If you’re a more creative type who thrives on culture and energy, perhaps think about commuting to the vibrant streets of Mong Kok.

You can also think about the local amenities in the area, such as restaurants, cafes, shops, banks, gyms, and walking routes. For many people, a good location is a key deciding factor of where they want to work, so make sure to do your research into Hong Kong’s different districts to ensure you find the right fit.

Membership Types

Many flexible workspaces offer a range of membership types for all sorts of individual needs. Some offer monthly, weekly, or even daily rates for those who want to just drop in from time to time or need maximum flexibility. Dedicated desks are a popular option for many freelancers and smaller-sized teams, and these can usually be offered at a fixed rate for a contracted period. Some spaces may even offer virtual offices on the occasion one is simply searching for a premium business address to establish their company.

For those who want a more private space but still want all the benefits a collaborative coworking space offers, you will be able to find a variety of private offices available at shared offices in Hong Kong. The capacities of these offices can range from anywhere between individual offices to whole floors available for rent in some spaces, so make sure you enquire about all the possibilities.

Amenities

Different membership types may also come along with access to different sets of amenities such as meeting rooms, event spaces, and more. All coworking memberships generally come equipped with the essentials – high-speed WiFi, access to kitchen facilities such as free coffee, on-site IT support, and access to community events.

However, some locations may have different coworking space benefits such as meeting room usage, printing credits, fitness and wellness facilities, free alcohol and snacks, childcare facilities for working parents, tech equipment rental, and free parking to name a few. Have a clear plan of what your absolute essentials are when it comes to having your perfect office space and try to find a membership plan that best suits your requirements.

Price

Another prime factor to consider is the price of each coworking space’s offerings. Pricing can vary greatly depending on several reasons. While it may be tempting to simply choose the cheapest option available, you should definitely consider the overall value of the space.

How is the pricing compared to other shared office spaces in the area? Are there any additional fees or charges in the cost breakdown? What is the actual value of the coworking space benefits, amenities, and services included in the price – will they greatly enhance your work experience? Ultimately, the decision should be influenced by the space’s total offerings, including amenities, services, and community.

Community and Networking Opportunities

Lastly, one of the biggest benefits of belonging to a coworking space is the unique opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded professionals on a daily basis. When evaluating a flexible workspace in Hong Kong, it’s important to be aware of the size and diversity of the community, as well as the types of events and networking opportunities offered.

Some people may be attracted to a large and diverse community which offers a wider range of perspectives and can be valuable for making new connections. Additionally, some coworking spaces cater towards specific workstyles, industries, or interests, which can provide even more targeted networking opportunities and a sense of camaraderie.

On top of the day-to-day community interaction, some coworking spaces also offer events and meet-ups. These might be regular networking events such as happy hours or coffee breaks so you can let off some steam after a busy workday, or they could be workshops and speaker lunches that could provide valuable instances to learn from and meet other professionals, helping you develop new skills and advance your career. You may also be looking for an emphasis on health and wellness within your chosen space, such as occasional yoga or fitness classes offered onsite, so be sure to ask what types of events are normally run when enquiring.

Discover your premium flexible workspace at Eaton Club

Think you’re ready to start finding the best coworking space in Hong Kong for your business needs? At our premium Eaton Club locations in Central, Wan Chai, and Kowloon, there’s something for every workstyle and workspace preference.

Come meet our diverse community of professionals from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, whilst enjoying a selection of first-rate amenities and facilities coupled with exceptional personalized services. Whether you need a private office, a dedicated desk, a meeting room, or even a virtual office, Eaton Club is ready to help you get connected and inspired. Book a tour with us today to start discovering the world of coworking.