As much as the idea of working from home sounds appealing, sometimes it's just not practical...
We all know life is never the same after kids. and that we’d be bereft without our parent tribe. But what about when you’re ready to take that HUGE step and launch back into the workforce? Going back to work can be even trickier when you’re a freelancer or an entrepreneur without an office to call your own.
We know scraping more than a few consecutive minutes together in the midst of a toddler meltdown at home just ain’t humanly possible. Don’t give up your dream (or your will to live) – there are loads of cool co-working spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi in Singapore that you can head to for a few hours (or days) of uninterrupted time to get stuff done. We’re talking about lovely, calm environments with all the mod cons (and coffee!) you’ll need to get your work on. And without leaving you broke.
JustCo
With loads of sites in the CBD and Orchard, you’re sure to find an awesome JustCo co-working hub that works for you. And with the inspirational wall art in this place including ‘I’ve just had a great idea’ and ‘Think Big’, you can’t help but focus your mind on your next project.
Just Co, various locations; www.justcoglobal.com
ClubCo
Nestled in behind one of our go-to-lunch spots, Club Meatballs, you’ll find the hip ClubCo co-working space – our go-to for offsites! We’re loving the sweet perks that come with membership: your fee (current membership promotions starting at $400 a month) can be fully redeemed on food, beverage, and other on-site services. Think discounts on club amenities, unlimited Wi-Fi, invitations to events and networking functions, and credit that you can spend on any F&B purchases at Club Meatballs and Club House. We just took our latest brainstorming session to this joint: because lightbulb moments are more likely to come when there’s Eggs Benedict and damn good coffee in the mix. Snap up a free trial, stat!
ClubCo, #01-05/06 China Court, Singapore 048422 ; www.clubco.sg
Distrii Singapore
Whether you’re looking for work digs for one person, or 100 people, Distrii Singapore is packed with tech and located in the heart of the CBD overlooking Raffles Place. With 900 workstations spanning seven floors, meeting rooms, team spaces, a coffee bar (very important!) and even a multi-purpose events hall, this is co-working at its bustling best.
Distrii Singapore, 9 Raffles Place, Republic Plaza, 048619; www.distrii.com.sg
The Book Cafe
If you’re not ready to commit to a formal co-working facility but you’re after an intimate atmosphere with book-lined walls and comfy sofas, then look no further than the Book Café. This is the perfect place for you if you work well with a soft hubbub in the background or if you’re just after a spot to catch up on admin. Order a coffee and a bite to eat from the well-priced menu and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Psst: there are power sockets a plenty.
The Book Café, Seng Kee Building, 20 Martin Road, #01-02 Singapore 239070; www.thebookcafe.com.sg
SmartSpace
A group of friendly entrepreneurs that has grown into a co-working space where all types of people can network and learn from each other…sounds fab! SmartSpace (pictured top) is located in Bras Basah and attracts a wide variety of professionals, all with a common interest of helping their business thrive in a friendly environment (with some good coffee thrown in, too).
SmartSpace, 261 Waterloo Street, #03-32/36 Waterloo Centre, Singapore 180261; www.smartspace.com.sg
Trehaus
There’s a LOT to love about Trehaus with its central Orchard Road location, light and bright feel and on-site children’s atelier. Tap tapping away on your computer within sight of your little people gives precious peace of mind. And there’s no need for mum guilt – we know first-hand that the kids have to be dragged out come home time. Read our full review of Trehaus to see how this could be a game changer for you…
Trehaus, Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Road, #03-01, Singapore 238879; www.trehauscowork.com
Workhouse
If you’re keen to steer away from the city, why not check out Workhouse, housed in a refurbished shophouse in lively Little India. We love the focus on collaboration here, encouraging people to brainstorm, network and foster creativity (there’s even a monthly social). For as little as $40 per day for a ‘Crasher’, you’ll also have access to Workhouse’s pantry and super fast internet.
Workhouse, 60 Upper Weld Road, Singapore 207413; www.ourworkhouse.com
WOTSO WorkSpace
Located on buzzing downtown Cecil Street, WOTSO is an open-plan office space flanked by some cosy offices that can also be rented privately. Access to a roof terrace provides a ready-made event venue. It’s also just above The Black Swan for that post-work beverage (you’ll probably spot a few of the Honeycombers crew there).
WOTSO WorkSpace, #04-01 The Quadrant at Cecil Street
, 19 Cecil Street
Singapore 049707; www.wotsoworkspace.com.au
Collective Works
Self described as being “crafted around the spectrum of human behaviour to foster collaboration”, Collective Works is more than just a premium co-working facility. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with some inspiring people and cutting-edge small businesses all while enjoying an immaculately styled space.
Collective Works, #10-01/02 The Globe, 100 Cecil Street, Singapore 069532 and #12-01 Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Road, Singapore 068912; www.collective.works
The Refinery
The Refinery, situated in up-and-coming ‘hood Jalan Besar, is designed with craftsmen in mind. So if you’re handy with tools, why not set up a craftwork station? You’ll be surrounded by like-minded artisans and by natural light just perfect for creating beautiful things. It helps that everyone will want to come to you for after work knock offs with delish mod-Japanese nosh downstairs.
The Refinery, 115 King George’s Avenue, 208561; www.therefinery.sg
The Working Capitol
With its hip Keong Siak Road location and undeniably cool styling, The Working Capitol is favoured by creatives and edgy start-ups. The offerings are very flexible depending on your needs, with everything from a hot desk workspot to a private, dedicated office for a large team. It’s all about community at TWC, with like-minded people making authentic business connections.
The Working Capitol, 1A Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089109; www.theworkingcapitol.com
District6
With a real passion for technology driving innovation, District 6 is a hub for like-minded individuals to meet. You can opt for a flex desk, fixed desk, or even a private office. And imagine sitting down at your swanky desk with a delicious coffee from Kurasu to boot! Other impressive features include quiet zones, phone booths, lockers, meeting rooms and even a rooftop bar.
District6, Odeon Towers, #02-01, 331 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188720; www.district6.co
MOX
Are you in a creative field and do you want to mix with like-minded individuals? MOX may just be the co-working space for you. Located in the hip Joo Chiat ‘hood, MOX is a workspace where entrepreneurs and creative teams can rent desk space or even retail spaces. You can join a creative workshop or craft experience when you’re not networking.
MOX, 451 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427664; www.themox.co
Paperwork
Paperwork is based in the National Design Center (NDC)…can’t get much cooler than that. This creative co-creation hub offers entrepreneurs a space to help their ideas thrive, with private suites, flexible or dedicated desks available. It also has a materials library, with a range of product catalogues, swatches, samples and different reference media from Paperwork’s partner merchants.
Paperwork, National Design Centre 111 Middle Road, #03-01, Singapore 188969; sg.paperwork.asia
WeWork
The mission at WeWork is to “create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living.” We’re totally in tune with that, especially as parents juggling many balls. WeWork has six co-working spaces in Singapore that offer loads of amenities, like super-fast internet, IT support and business-grade printers.
WeWork, various locations; www.wework.com
The Great Room
Beautiful, highly functional spaces are the name of the co-working game at The Great Room, and its three locations are designed with flattering lighting (we love the sound of this!), classy interiors and plush furniture to make you feel right at home. (Although in our case, our home is full of tiny maniacs so beautiful spaces are not a reality, sadly). It has five different plans that range from hot desking to a virtual office (where you can use the space as corporate address without the need for actual space), and with space at George Street, Ngee Ann City and Centennial Tower, the locations are as spot on as the decor.
The Great Room, various locations; www.thegreatroom.co
Hackerspace
If you’re more geek than outgoing entrepreneur (though they don’t have to be mutually exclusive), and you’re working on something to do with computers, technology, science, or digital and electronic art, then this is the right place for you. It was the first co-working space in Singapore, and it’s a lovely, popular community. From as little as $64 per month for those who don’t need to use the space too often, this will be right up your street. Hackerspace operates for a small profit, of which proceeds go back into the Hackerspace community.
Hackerspace, 344B King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208576; www.hackerspace.sg
Hired Turf
This feels a bit like working in a condo (you’ll be beavering away on the 9th floor of the Southbank building), and you’ll even have access to a gym and infinity pool. Oh, and a BBQ area and function room. Aside from the club facilities, get your work done in the two-storey open concept office framed by large windows. Hired Turf is walking distance from Loysel’s Toy and Antoinette and 25 hours per month will cost you from $100.
Hired Turf, 883 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198784; www.hiredturf.com
The Hive
With five locations dotted around Singapore, The Hive offers a relaxed, comfortable, collaborative workspace for modern professionals. Each location is furnished in a fresh, welcoming way to help businesses thrive and you’ll find rooftop spaces if you fancy a bit of alfresco work time. The Lavender location even has a photography studio and design workshop.
The Hive, various locations; www.thehive.sg
Top image: SmartSpace via Facebook
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