I Worked At 3 Different JustCo Coworking Locations For A Week – Here’s Why The Comfortable Seats And Cafe Designs Help Improve Productivity At Work

Being able to work from anywhere is one of the benefits of working in a post-pandemic society.

We used to have to clock in on time and work back-breaking long hours before we can be “approved” to leave work. Nowadays, we have the flexibility to work outside of the office (if the job allows so) as employers and employees have established the trust that they can still deliver quality work even if they are not working on-site.

With that, coworking spaces have blossomed amid the changes. Employers who acknowledge the change in working trends have also opted to switch to coworking spaces to fulfil their flexible needs for office spaces.

In the first of a coworking series content by DollarsAndSense, I am visiting three different JustCo locations for a week to experience what it is like to work in a flexible workspace environment.

The three locations are in different parts of the island – in Buona Vista, Tampines, and Tanjong Pagar.

Read Also: Price Guide To Co-Living Spaces And Serviced Apartments 

JustCo – A Singaporean Coworking Provider

People may have heard of JustCo being a coworking provider, but not many know that it is actually a Singaporean company.

Headquartered in Singapore, it was founded in 2011 by Kong Wan Sing, the current CEO, alongside co-founders Liu Lu and Kong Wan Long.

The brand manages around two million square feet (sqft) of space across offices in seven countries (nine cities), including Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore.

JustCo is a GIC-backed company that was last valued at over US$1 billion.

It has plans to launch more centres in Asia-Pacific, after it hit a profitability milestone in August 2022 following market recovery.

Coworking Office Experience At Tanjong Pagar JustCo (International Plaza): A Quick Getaway From The “Craziness” Of The CBD

Enter the office and be greeted by plush cushions and sofas for you to melt your tiredness away.

The JustCo office is located at level five of International Plaza and is a new workspace that just started operations around Jan this year.

The office has two pantries to cater to office users, with free flow of tea and coffee, and reusable mugs.

Wide-spaced pantry for free coffee and tea / Image Credit: Angela Teng

It is one of the larger workspaces among the JustCo offices, as it takes up an entire floor of International Plaza, which is approximately 50,000 sqft large. The carpark access is also directly found on the same floor of the coworking space.

The location is a favourable choice for many, as the coworking space is more packed compared with the other JustCo offices in other locations. In the same building on the first floor, there are multiple eateries, retail stores, banks, and gyms within a stone’s throw away.

Cafe vibes and relaxed seating arrangement at JustCo International Plaza / Image Credit: Angela Teng

Enjoying my free cup of coffee and comfy seats while working to submit my deadlines / Image Credit: Angela Teng

This workspace is really suitable for individuals who want to maximise their time and productivity because of its location and accessibility. The unique features of this office include an event space, a well-stocked pantry and it being directly next to Tanjong Pagar MRT.

There was a Fruity Friday event when I was there, and I got to eat some free fruits before my lunch.

I “crashed” a free fruits party / Image Credit: Angela Teng

A possible drawback is that this is a popular coworking destination for many JustCo users, and you may have to “chope” seats early as the space may be filled quite quickly.

Some people also conduct their meeting discussions at tables near the pantry, so you may have to plug in to your earphones if you want to focus on your work and not overhear their conversations.

The office is open daily, from 8.30am to 6.00pm.

• 10 Anson Road , #05-01, Singapore 079903
• 8.30am – 6.00pm
• International Plaza drop off point
• Direct access via Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit C

Coworking Office Experience At Tampines JustCo (Asia Green): Relaxing Vibes Coupled With A Productive Quiet Working Environment

I had to change for a visitor pass to access the office building, so if you are visiting, do head over to the reception when you arrive at the lobby of JustCo at Asia Green. When I took the lift up to the JustCo floor at level two, I noticed that this office is slightly smaller than the one at International Plaza.

The entrance to JustCo at Asia Green after taking the lift up / Image Credit: Angela Teng

The resting area with low comfy seats at JustCo Asia Green / Image Credit: Angela Teng

JustCo at Asia Green is located in the Tampines Regional Centre, and is a medium-sized coworking space for businesses who wish to work away from the city, or want remote working spaces for their workers.

This JustCo centre is two minutes away from Tampines MRT Station and has direct access to nearby shopping malls such as Tampines Mall, Tampines 1 and Century Square. It is also within walking distance to The Tampines Hub, where many office workers head to for lunch.

There are unique amenities like shower rooms, bicycle stands in the building, as well as lockers.

The pantry at JustCo Asia Green / Image Credit: Angela Teng

A great feature about this space is that it is quiet and the users are not talking or having discussions as most are working individually. I could hear the lounge music the entire time, making it feel like I was working in a quiet café.

The choice of chairs and tables are rather limited though, so if they run out, you might have to sit by the resting area which has lower and comfy sofas filled with cushions and throw towels (which may be too comfortable for working purposes).

I spotted one pantry which was close to the entrance of the office and that made it easy to access water and drinks.

I got lucky with finding seats and parked myself at this “cafe spot” for the day / Image Credit: Angela Teng

This space is recommended for workers who are staying closer to the East side of Singapore and are looking for workspace options to get their work done productively. But do note that this office is closed on weekends and public holidays.

The JustCo Asia Green office is a few minutes walk to Tampines MRT Station / Image Credit: Angela Teng

• 9 Tampines Grande, Asia Green, #02-00, Singapore 528735
• Mon – Fri, 8.30am to 6pm (closed on weekends and public holidays)
• Asia Green
• Tampines MRT Station (3 min walk)

Coworking Office Experience At Buona Vista JustCo (The Metropolis): A Quick Plug In At The West Side Of Singapore

The One North area is a growing tech and science hub in Singapore and JustCo has an office – in The Metropolis – located at North Buona Vista Drive. It attempts to offer businesses workspace options outside of the central region.

The Metropolis is the only Grade-A office located in One-North Precinct at Buona Vista and is designed to optimise the sharing of spaces, assets, and amenities within the building.

The coworking space relies on tech for its operations, including facial recognition turnstiles. Unique amenities of this workspace include bicycle stands in the building, lockers, and an event space.

This space is recommended for workers who are looking for an alternative workspace slightly away from the CBD, and closer to Buona Vista and One North, or for those who just had meetings with some companies in the area (e.g. Grab, Razer, Mediacorp). This office is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Other than it being next to Buona Vista MRT, other perks of this location is that it is next to One North Park and you can take a stroll there after work to recharge your batteries. The NTU Alumni Club and shopping complex The Star Vista are also close by.

People focused at work at JustCo Metropolis/ Image Credit: JustCo

• 9 North Buona Vista Drive, The Metropolis Tower One, Level 2 and 3, Singapore 138588
• Mon – Fri, 8.30am to 6pm (closed on weekends and public holidays)
• The Metropolis
• Buona Vista MRT Station

The Benefits Of Coworking At JustCo

Essentially the layouts and designs at JustCo are well thought out, and the locations are generally accessible within walking distance from MRTs.

Being a member of JustCo is useful if you are a worker who may have to go to multiple places for meetings and events, and need a space where you can plug in and focus without spending extra.

Office spaces at JustCo Asia Green / Image Credit: Angela Teng

Workers dressed in any attire they prefer (some in office wear and some in slippers, t-shirt and shorts) at JustCo Asia Green / Image Credit: Angela Teng

The office workers with JustCo seem to be a slightly older crowd in their late 30s to 50s, so there is quite a serious atmosphere you will get when working in the spaces which is great if you want to really work.

The free coffee and tea serve as great perk-me-ups when one is tired after slogging in front of the computer for hours, and the mugs will be washed by the cleaners so there’s no need for you to do any cleaning up. The same is said for the toilets, which are well maintained and clean to use and well stocked with soap and toilet paper.

There are also indoor plants found within the spaces, making your work days feel healthier with the air not as stale as compared to traditional offices.

JustCo memberships come with access to JustCo centres and communities globally, exclusive member perks and opportunities to make new connections through curated events.

For those who are looking for greater flexibility, there are also hybrid packages like a combination of hot desks and private offices for your team. There are also virtual corporate address and mail handling services provided by the JustDesk Basic plan.

What Are The Rates For A Desk And The Offices

The rates for a desk start from $398 per month, for a JustDesk Dedicated or JustDesk Unlimited.

This is ideal for individuals and users can access the offices 24/7, with an unlimited monthly usage limit.

A standard office starts from $531 per month, for a JustStudio package. This is suitable for small teams with a capacity of two to 20 people.

A utility station at JustCo Asia Green / Image Credit: Angela Teng

Users can choose the office layout and have unlimited access. The benefits include a lockable office and personal branding at the doors of the offices.

For firms that are larger with more than 20 people, an Enterprise Suite is the suited package for them. They also get a choice of office layout, unlimited access, 24/7, and similar JustStudio essentials, with customisable options such as private meeting rooms and holding areas.

Featured Image Credit: Angela Teng

Read Also: [2019 Edition] Guide To The Cheapest And Coolest Coworking Spaces In Singapore 

Listen to our podcast, where we have in-depth discussions on finance topics that matter to you.