Your work environment and setting matters way more than you know. Management and coworkers aside, nothing kills productivity and creativity more than being cooped up in a miserable cubicle. Admittedly, the legions of papers, sticky notes and mindless clutter on one’s desk spilling out onto another colleague’s space can be an eyesore, but let’s be real – Mess is insignificant when measured up against other major workplace annoyances.
The result? Alternative workspaces that have been thriving incessantly as of late amongst startups, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and various businesses. It isn’t just the flexible work stations and private meeting rooms that are tempting. Most non-traditional workspaces also feature enticing amenities and benefits such as breakout spaces, on-site cafés and most importantly, opportunities to network and grow their businesses as well as hone new skills.
One alternative workspace we’ve recently experienced is Common Ground (CG). Redefining the notion of a workspace, CG prides itself for its community development and lifestyle services alongside its communal office. Since its inception in March 2017, the brand now boasts five branches with seven more sprouting up in the Klang Valley, and those accomplishments exclude its upcoming regional expansion across Southeast Asia.
CG’s booming success is testament that something must be done right, and we were out to unearth its leverage against other co-working space players around. For the purpose of logistics, the Lipstiq team settled with CG’s 1,600 square-metre Damansara Heights location, nestled on the 16th floor within Wisma UOA Damansara II. Here is what we thought about the co-working space after spending one full day there.
The sprawling industrial meets mid-century modern space is aesthetically pleasing from the get go. The amber-coloured hardwood floors and desks that exude warmth are juxtaposed against dark exposed steel, whereas its contemporary furnishings with pops of colour yield a sense of vibrancy against the soothing clean lines of the walls. It’s comforting, calm and definitely the ideal environment for serious brainstorming.
While the monthly membership at CG is charged on a per person basis, there are three packages available based on the amount of privacy required. Hot Desk allows the member the flexibility of moving about within the Hot Desk Zone. Meanwhile, Fixed Desk members are assigned a designated desk each, and the Private Offices, which members are given the full freedom to accessorise, extend enclosed spaces with minimal interruption.
The packages only scratch the surface of the perks in store. Aside from necessities like high-speed internet, conference rooms, a relaxing lounge, pantries stocked with snacks, printing allocation, on-site staff for assistance and complimentary free-flow water, coffee and tea, all members are entitled to access to the CG app for networking amongst one another through a forum, admittance to a plethora of complimentary activities as well as support services. Allow us to explain..
Through partnerships with power players across various industries, CG strives to forge an inviting and dynamic environment that transcends work and play – the secret to success. Learn new skills at the masterclasses, talks and workshops. Work up a sweat at Fitness First with your exclusive gym membership. Need assistance pertaining to insurance, legal advice, taxes or accounting? CG’s partners such as Baker Tilly and UOB Bank will be ready with professional help.
Sustenance is vital and all CG locations are appointed with an on-site café – Coffee in Common. Headed by 2011 MasterChef Malaysia alum Nik Michael Imran, the simple menu showcases offerings of Japanese, Italian and Malaysian influences. We thoroughly devoured our build-your-own-bowl lunch, with a plethora of sides and protein such as salmon poke on offer. Coffee is taken charge by League of Captains barista-founder Danial Naim, so there is no chance of a sh*tty cuppa here.
We spent the day hopping around the vicinity, moving from one Hot Desk to another then taking shameless photos sat atop the rattan ottoman of our dreams at the lounge and peeking into the Private Offices, before snacking on the complimentary fruits. It’s easy to see why CG would fast become a second home. Did we also mention that there is a Private Office decked out to resemble a bedroom with a plush Sonno mattress? Totally crucial for those mid-day naps, but booking is a must!
Common Ground Damansara Heights
Penthouse 16-1 Level 16,
Wisma UOA Damansara Ⅱ,
No 6, Changkat Semantan,
Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Access www.commonground.work to check out Common Ground’s other locations or call 03-20119888 for enquiries. Alternatively, you may reach Common Ground via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
