What peripherals will work with the Airtame Hub? Do you have a list?

Peripherals that have been tested and validated by Airtame will be posted on our website and through our purchasing partners. With that said, any peripherals that use standard USB connections can be connected directly to the Hub. If the peripheral uses a separate power supply, then this should be powered separately.

What level of Power over Ethernet is needed to power the Airtame Hub?

The Airtame Hub comes with an RJ45 port, which can power the Airtame Hub through PoE. The PoE infrastructure will require a minimum of Type 2 “PoE+”. If the network is not PoE enabled, the Airtame Hub can be powered via our power adaptor accessory.

How does the Airtame Hub work in a complex environment with multiple wireless networks?

Many users have separate networks, where there is an enterprise network for employees and a guest network for those visiting. We designed our previous products like the Airtame 2 to operate effectively in these environments and bring this same functionality to the Airtame Hub. We have user guides regarding this topic, and our support team is here to advise on how to set this up in a way that performs well and is also secure.

What conferencing platforms are on the road map? 

We are currently supporting Microsoft Teams, with Zoom support to launch by the end of 2022. We are working with other vendors on implementing support for other platforms our customers want. 

How do you control your video and audio?

Peripheral devices, including cameras and microphones, can be controlled directly through the Airtame App while in your video conferencing call. 

Will the Airtame Hub have dual screen support?

The Airtame Hub has 2 HDMI ports and will eventually support dual screens. At launch, the Airtame Hub will only support one display, but this feature will be unlocked with a firmware update and is a part of our product roadmap.

Do I need a specific version of O365 or Zoom to use these products?

No specific version is needed! Our approach to conferencing uses the web-based integrations for each conferencing provider, allowing Airtame Rooms to always run the latest version of these services. We also support authentication through Microsoft and Google, which will allow you to integrate your calendars with Airtame Rooms, and eliminate worry about having the latest version of a software or needing to perform an upgrade.

Does the Airtame Hub require an ongoing subscription?

Yes – to ensure the best possible user experience, the Airtame Hub is only offered in a bundled package which includes the hardware device and a one-year software license with an annual renewal. Airtame Rooms offers all the features of our Cloud Plus offering, as well as everything you need to run Microsoft Teams and (coming soon) Zoom calls for your hybrid meetings

Are administrative rights required for the installation of the Airtame app?

Our most frequently used version of the application does require administrative rights for the device in question. However, for guests with Windows devices, we do offer a version that does not require installation or admin rights. We also offer the ability to mass deploy the app for both Windows and Mac. 

Will this replace my Airtame 2? 

The Airtame 2 is still our top pick for wireless screen sharing and digital signage for the majority of your screens. For rooms in need of a conferencing solution, the Airtame Hub and Airtame Rooms will give you hybrid video conferencing functionality, in addition to the features you love about the Airtame 2. With a unified ecosystem, you can use a blend of Airtame 2’s and Airtame Hubs across your organization at scale. 

Want to learn more about our hybrid conferencing solution? If you missed the webinar, you can watch it on-demand here. Better yet, schedule a demo with a member of our sales team using the form below to walk you through how the Airtame hybrid conferencing solution brings simplicity to meetings. 

The post Your top questions about Airtame hybrid conferencing appeared first on Airtame.

An office relocation is an experience as exciting as moving homes but multiply those grand expectations with 80 – that’s the current headcount of Airtame at this moment.

My name is Ana, and I’m Airtame’s proud Employee Experience Manager. It’s my goal to help Airtame employees feel at home, whether in a temporary space or in a new office. It’s also my job to make sure every move goes as smoothly as possible.

These are my learnings from going through several moving processes with big companies and how I plan to apply it with the upcoming Airtame office relocation.

Planning a new HQ

While some employees work remotely and others from our cool office in New York City, the Airtame HQ in Copenhagen is the core of our culture. The people working here regularly should, of course, feel at home, but when those remote workers come to visit, they should feel welcome too.

Not only that, but we’re also trying to push our limits in the way we design our new office space. It’s an old building that we are completely renovating, and we thus have the opportunity to start from scratch and try to fit in all of our needs – plus a little something for the future.

We want the Airtame HQ to be one of the best working spaces in Copenhagen, a space that accommodates everyone’s needs. It should be a space that both nurtures teamwork and communication while still making room for deep solo work.

Plan, prepare, test, repeat

Moving offices is not just about showing up on Monday morning at a new address; it can be a key experience in any employee’s journey if organized well. It’s a chance to work together and help form the new surroundings, and I’d actually go so far as to say it’s an empowering exercise for everyone involved.

Ever heard Abraham Lincoln’s famous words: ’’Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe’’? We took those words very literally because we believe a smooth transition, in this instance a move, should always be founded on excellent planning.

I’ve helped Airtame move once before, and I’ve learned in the process that there are five important steps to consider:

1. Prior to the move

This is in some ways the most important part of the whole moving process because, without it, the move will be chaotic and stressful for all parties involved.

Everyone has an opinion about seating plans and new furniture, and while it’s great to have democratic processes in a company, it’s impossible to let everyone get a say. That’s why we sat together the interior designer, our two CEOs, and the People Team to prepare the moving process.

Important steps to consider early on

• List all tasks for the move. Rank them by the level of urgency and priority
• Contact moving companies to get quotes asap
• Do inventory. Moving is a good opportunity to declutter and sell or throw out or donate things that are no longer needed
• Inform relevant authorities of the new address: who needs to know of your move? Resellers, suppliers, postal services
• Figure out a seating plan. This is a tedious task and should not be rushed
• Delegate tasks and make sure someone is in charge. For Airtame, that’s me. It ensures efficiency and order throughout the process

2. The teams’ contributions

Clear communication is extremely important both before, throughout the move and afterward. Keep your employees in the loop with updates about the moving date, seating plan, moving schedule, and general expectations – it ensures transparency around the planning and keeps people engaged.

Even if you don’t have anything to communicate, I believe it’s important to notify what you’re doing, so something as simple as reiterating the current status will still be of great value.

When the big day is soon approaching, encourage the team to get involved. Use this opportunity to engage employees socially and gather people in groups to oversee specific projects such as guiding the movers, wrapping coffee cups etc. Make the experience enjoyable for everyone and think of it as an opportunity for your colleagues to bond with each other.

3. The move

This is the big day. Last time we moved, we planned on doing it during the weekend so everyone would arrive on Monday morning to a brand new office. We’ll do the same this time around.

How well the move goes depends very much on the planning beforehand, however. My best advice is to plan for it to be smooth, structured, and perfectly organized – but expect it to be messy and challenging!

IT equipment such as networking setup is the first thing that should be moved. While it’s nice to have the plants safe and sound at the new office, it’s more important to get the network up and running.

We’re hiring a moving company but I’ll be overseeing the move as the “move manager”. It makes sense because I’ve sketched out the seating plan and know where everything and everyone should go. We encourage our employees to join and move lighter objects such as plants or their personal items, but they should refrain from moving anything heavy – that’s why we hire professionals.

Luckily our new HQ is located right next to the building we’re staying in now, so even if the weather gods won’t indulge us, we are not going to have a huge problem.

4. First day at the new office

Unpacking and getting settled is necessary and important, but the first day at a new place shouldn’t only be about those dull tasks. We want to celebrate the fresh start with something nice for everyone. I think bubbles and cupcakes are definitely in order!  

5. Adjustment period

This stage is usually the most underestimated phase of a moving process. It’s not over once all the furniture has been moved from A to B; it continues with the settling-in period. In my experience, this phase can last several weeks until everything is fully functional, the storage spaces are all sorted, the new canteen is fully equipped, etc.

Handing over the old space is part of this phase too. Sometimes there are things that need fixing before a handover and this takes a lot of time and focus away from settling in in the new space. This is one of the reasons why I think this stage shouldn’t be underestimated, so plan on tackling the ghost of the old space before it’s too late.

In the adjustment period, other challenges could arise. This is where all the planning that went into the moving project beforehand has to stand the test. Remember that all good intentions might not work in reality, such as seating plans and desk setups. Play around with it, gather feedback from employees, and start implementing changes thereafter. Nothing has to be perfect from the get-go.

The Danish rules on health and safety state that we must have a health and safety organization made up of certified employees that represent all of Airtame. They’ll be helping me and the rest of the People Team gather feedback via online surveys, a physical “feedback box”, and open discussions with their co-workers. Sharing the work with them makes sure I’m not missing something.

Ready for a new chapter?

As you can tell from my post, moving offices is both an exciting and challenging project to handle. Don’t underestimate all the hard work that comes with it. That being said, I also think it’s important to add fun to it where applicable, make it a social and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. With these five steps, you’re well on your way to a smooth move.

Have you gone through the chaos and excitement of moving offices? We’d love to hear what your journey looked like. You’re always welcome to stop by our brand new office in Copenhagen – we hope to see you there!

Looking for more business advice? Check out our 50 tips for better business meetings and the upcoming work trends coming to an office near you

The post 5 steps to successful office relocation appeared first on Airtame.

Whether the impression is good or bad depends on you, but also the aesthetics of the reception area or lobby – the first thing your visitors will come across when they enter your workspace.

It’s the first room you encounter in any business, and that makes it a very prominent space to influence your guests. That’s why we included the reception area in this article series so you can decide for yourself whether it’s beneficial for your company (hint: it’s not necessarily for everyone).

The essentials:

• The reception area can be big or small, but they should be easy to figure out no matter the size
• It provides an excellent opportunity for reflecting your brand’s values and making a good first impression
• Companies can benefit from a visitor management system and clever signage options

Check out the other rooms we’ve explored previously: the all-hands room, the conference room, office pods, and the huddle room.

What is a reception area?

The reception area is the first room you enter in a workspace. It’s located by the entrance and can be either big or small. Its primary function is to greet visitors and guide them on their way to meetings, but it has many other uses besides that.

It can provide a waiting area for guests, delivery, and pick-up of parcels – besides an overview of the office. It’s the physical space that directly reflects your company’s values, which is why it’s so pertinent that you put some thought into how it looks.

Welcoming staff

A “floating receptionist” could be sufficient in mid-size companies, whereas larger companies need a full-time receptionist. Having someone dedicated to taking care of guests, packages and incoming calls frees up time from other employees and exudes a sense of order. For a smaller business, however, a sign-in kiosk and good visitor management system is more than enough.

A receptionist is often likely to double as an office manager or People Operations employee.

Security

The reception area is accessible to many people, so video surveillance is a necessity – unlike any other space in an office, where video will most likely frustrate employees (and could be illegal).

A well-thought-out Visitor Management System (VMS) is also an excellent initiative for enhanced security if you don’t have a full-time receptionist to check on the entrance area.

What is a VMS? It’s something we see trendy in more technologically advanced businesses. Ostensibly, it can be anything as basic as a propped up tablet device that allows guests to check-in to the office and obtains a visitor pass if necessary, while notifying the associated employee that their guest(s) have arrived.

Inviting

The reception area is the first thing in-person experience for any guest, and it reflects the way you run your business. Every office is messy, but your reception area should never be.

Don’t use the reception area as a holding area for trash, food deliveries or stacked packages. Keep it comfortable, yet elegant. Clean and tidy, yet inviting.

High-traffic

This is such an obvious point but nonetheless very important to remember.

Regardless of what it looks like, this area is bound to have a lot of foot traffic both from employees and visitors.

A reception area that only looks beautiful when vacant is not a properly functioning one. Allow for easy movement and put in areas to wait, sit or relax.

On-brand

The reception area is not only your chance to make a positive first impression it’s also the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand identity. As this is the first glimpse of your company that visitors will get, it plays a vital role in the interaction you will have with them.

What message do you want to convey? What clients are likely to come by and what do you want them to understand about you as they enter your workspace?

Match the decor to your audience, show off your product and personality if it makes sense. If you specialize in AV gear, why not showcase it right there in the reception area?

How to set up a successful reception

The reception is nothing without a defined procedure for visitor management. This is something HR or the People team should factor in and define for the company. What is your approach to welcoming guests? How do you greet visitors and what do you want them to think about the business as they enter?

You need a waiting space, but not necessarily a front desk. If you have many visiting teams, make sure there’s enough room for them to gather while they wait on you. We recommend a few couches, armchairs, coffee tables, coat racks … things that feel comfortable.

People likely (hopefully!) won’t be staying long in the reception area, so consider something comfy.

If it doesn’t make sense to hire a full-time receptionist, go for a sign-in kiosk instead. A sign-in kiosk is actually a good choice no matter the size of your company because it alerts the right people and keeps track of visitor data.

Make sure the high-traffic reception area is secure, perhaps even under video surveillance. If you don’t have a receptionist stationed full-time in this space, you’re giving unwanted guests easy access to all the bling you’ve put in there.

Ample storage, the right furniture, durable floors, mats, and runner rugs all attribute to a more functional reception.

Even if you’re not keen on using your reception area as a way to communicate your brand values, there should still be something concrete about your business – so people know they are in the right place.

And, above all else, make sure it’s inviting! Don’t leave last week’s coffee cups or a pile of mail by the front door to trip over.

Reception area technology

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of digital signage. The reception area is the perfect place to showcase signage TVs – and Airtame is a perfect multi-function device to help you deliver informative, useful or playful content to visitors.

Elsewhere in tech, the sign-in kiosks we mentioned are actually already quite common in reception areas, and they really lift the purpose of the room.

Using that, visitors feel taken care of while you get the right notifications. In a bigger company, a large display could also be used to relay relevant information such as public company news, values, recent successes, use cases – you name it.

Is a reception area for you?

As we’ve pointed out a few times already in this article, the reception area doesn’t make sense for companies of all shapes and sizes.

Established, larger companies that highly prioritize security and put a lot of value in an external aesthetic can benefit greatly from having a designated and well-designed reception area.

Some more experimental companies or those that advocate for a flat hierarchy might find the very concept of a reception area and receptionist old-fashioned; that it’s the responsibility of everyone in the company to carry the brand values and welcome guests when necessary.

Of course, any company with many visitors is bound to put some thought into how they greet their guests, and the reception area provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. So if you decide to have a reception area, you can watch this short video and learn how Airtame can transform your blank standby screens:

The post Office essentials: the reception appeared first on Airtame.

In every office space, you need an area dedicated to bigger team assemblies. Room for all departments, individuals and maybe some visitors. That would be the all-hands room.

The essentials:

• All-hands rooms can be committed meeting spaces or double up as a common area
• They need to be kitted with good tech, most notably microphones/presentation tools
• In some form or another, we deem them essential for a scaling company of 30+ people

Check out our rundown of how you can improve your workspace with huddle rooms and office pods.

What is an all-hands room?

It’s a sort of town hall meeting space where everyone at the office gathers regularly to share updates and accomplishments, bring wider team alignment or host Q&A forums. In the all-hands room, you can gather for all-hands meetings.

The name really says it all, doesn’t it? An all-hands room is crucial for work environments that are advocating for flat hierarchy and it’s a space that encourages people to speak their mind, without being intimidated.

All-hands meetings are about the team. Team wins, team learning, team strategy. Running regular all-hands meetings has the benefit of empowering your entire staff as well as keeping them in the loop. And if you – like us – have remote workers in other offices or locations, this is the perfect time to connect with them as well.

At Airtame, we call it the all-hands room, but perhaps you call it the general meeting room or something entirely different.  We use the second largest room in our office because the largest is used for dining and not equipped with the VA gear we want for our all-hands meetings. It’s not perfect, but we’ll get back to that.

No matter the size of your company, you must have an area that can accommodate everyone for when you need to share a collective message. You can use the all-hands room for:

• Larger meetings
• Q&A sessions
• Company celebrations
• Updates
• Company-wide tactics
• Open forums
• Workshops

The key elements of an all-hands room

The all-hands room could be a room that’s already doubling as something else; your canteen, reception, larger conference room – maybe it’s a separate room, though ideally, it’s its own space.

Large

That the all-hands room is big should come as no surprise, seeing as it hypothetically needs to fit all employees in there, plus a few guests. Of course, as a smaller organization, your all-hands room doesn’t have to be extremely spacious, but if you have a large staff, then your all-hands room needs to match that.

Good seating

Equipment is crucial for the all-hands room, but so is good seating. We think desks aren’t quite so important – they would make the space too formal, and thus less approachable for people to speak their mind or, hint hint, raise a hand.

That being said, they do need a place to sit while meetings take place. Benches, for example, are a no-go as there’s no back support. We can testify to that! Find comfortable seats for everyone with good back support. Back support doesn’t mean bean bags – you don’t want participants to doze off either.

Well-equipped

Because it’s one of the largest rooms in your office needs to meet so many different demands, it should have the equipment to cater to all requests.

We’re talking big screens – quite possibly more than one – plus microphones and camera equipment to support video conferencing with your remote team members or clients. Collaborative tools such as whiteboards or interactive sketch boards will help flesh out all of the ideas that pop up when you all meet and get creative.

Flexible

What might be the biggest room in the workplace shouldn’t only be reserved for special gatherings once in a while. Design your all-hands room in such a way that it will meet various meeting needs – both for employees and outside clients who may want to utilize that space. Otherwise, this huge conference area will just waste space.

Ventilated and well-lit

Often overlooked in big spaces but certainly one of the most important points to make. A lot of people in the same, big room is bound to come with poor air quality. You want to make sure you can crack a window in the peak of summer, and that the lighting is inviting, though not dim. What you should go for is neutral.

How to set up a successful all-hands room

It’s important to have an area in your workplace where people can get together for bigger events or discussions. It should be separate from the main workspace so as not to distract those who might not be a part of whatever is going in there.

Additionally, if this room or area doubles up as another space (canteen, reception, work area, etc.) then you need to be able to transform it with ease so that it takes on more “weight” as a serious conference space.

An idea could be to have room dividers that easily slide to the side when you need the whole space ready but can serve as decorations or dividers for when more than one group want to make use of the space.

It’s also important to build a space that is inviting and encourages very active participation from all attendees. Just think about it – the bigger the room, the more likely people are to have reduced focus, be procrastinating or simply switched off.

All-hands room technology

You need a lot more than just a big space. It’s important to consider supporting AV equipment, depending on your company size. You should incorporate larger form projection spaces, conferencing functionalities and microphones for teams/individuals that are working remote or out of office.

Of course, technology should always be up to par with your team’s requirements but in the all-hands room, this is especially important. Microphones, and potentially a raised presentation space, will make it easier for presenters to get their point across.

Just make sure your tech solutions are not too complex, or you will end up wasting time trying to set it up or work it out. Go for something simple, yet stable.

Is an all-hands room for you?

Airtame’s all-hands room is by no means perfect for several reasons. It doesn’t have seating for all employees and the acoustics and sound gear aren’t the best, to be frank. But we have plans to set up a bigger and better all-hands room once we move into our new HQ in mid-2019.

As a company that considers itself to run a collaborative, open culture and workspace, we can’t live without an all-hands room. Everyone is encouraged to voice their opinions on how the new all-hands room should look like and what it should include – to make sure that it is, indeed, a room that works for everybody.

Likewise, you should ask your wider team how they imagine improving a communal space that’s used for cross-communication.

The core principles are pretty much transferable to any company of any size. What makes them distinctive is the requirements, skills and wants of your team. Without their counsel, this will end up being an uninspired and uninspiring place to listen and communicate.

The post Office essentials: the all-hands room appeared first on Airtame.

What is a coworking space?

A coworking space is a place where working people can share an office and amenities, even if they don’t work at the same company.

Brad Neuberg is generally credited for having started the coworking phenomenon back in 2005. He wanted to combine the freedom of solo productivity with the community feel of working with other likeminded.

And that’s the story of the first coworking Space (according to Neuberg) called San Francisco Coworking Space, originally a feminist collective that Neuberg joined by paying a monthly fee to go there a few times a month.

And that’s what coworking spaces stand for; the combination of independence and togetherness, all neatly packed into what is often aesthetically well-though-out, open floor plans, suitable for freelancers, small and growing businesses, or travelers that happen to be in the neighborhood and need a place to get in the work groove.

We’ve put together a list of the most exceptional coworking spaces, the cream of the crop when it comes to beautiful, smart, and well-designed areas. 

Betahaus Berlin – Germany

Betahaus is a coworking powerhouse with multiple locations in several different countries.

Their first Betahaus is located in Berlin and one of the coworking spaces that set high standards across Europe. It has helped turn the capital into the startup hub it is. Betahaus offers more than just a seat in an innovative environment. They do promotion packages, event management and even catering for all of your special needs or event ideas.

Pro tip: Want to sit and work from the cafe downstairs? It will only cost you a cup of coffee.

Cost: prices starting at €99 ($112) per person (pp) / month

Find out more: Betahaus Berlin

The Hub Chiang Mai – Thailand

Maybe Chiang Mai in Thailand isn’t the first place you think of when you consider a startup mentality, but really, the city of Chiang Mai (second largest in Thailand) is a growing digital nomad spot.

The Hub Chiang Mai is run by Rx Cafe and built with sustainability in mind by stacking old containers and only featuring LED lights.

Cost: prices starting at 250 baht (or around $8) pp / day

Find out more: The Hub Chiang Mai

Huckletree Clerkenwell – London, UK

Huckletree was one of the first creative coworking spaces to open up in London. This, their Central-East establishment is one of three Huckletrees in London.

They have a unique accelerator program for pre-seed companies called the “Alpha Programme”. It’s a 12-week program for new founders with a bright idea in the stage where they have not yet raised their seed round of capital. For startups who see a hole in the market and have the ambition to take it somewhere, this is a brilliant offer.

The space is equipped with convenient office pods for calls and an outdoor workspace overlooking the Smithfield Market.

Cost: from £175 (or $224) pp  / month

Find out more: Huckletree Clerkenwell

Innov8 – Connaught Place, New Delhi, India

Innov8 has multiple locations across India. The one in Connaught Place, New Delhi is equipped with a multitude of different rooms for different purposes, all with a clear design vision.

Top-of-the-line furniture is in every room, and the green terrace makes up an inviting space to relax for the entrepreneurs. The surroundings play a big role in our productivity and that’s where Innov8 has taken a lot of bold choices with their design. There’s not a chair, plant or light fixture out of place and everything seems to harmoniously go together.

Cost: contact Innov8 for price plans

Find out more: Innov8

The Landing Zone – New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Modern-looking and cool, The Landing Zone or LZ NOLA in New Orleans is the perfect place to start coworking.

Even cooler, The Landing Zone is run by VetLaunch, a business accelerator for veterans and spouses of veterans who help launch vet-owned companies.

Cost: $200 pp / month

Find out more: The Landing Zone

Mokrin House – Serbia

Maybe you fancy getting into the coworking spirit but you’re not a huge fan of the bustling city feeling that often goes along with the startup environment. Introducing Mokrin House in Serbia.

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Belgrade, this is the perfect eco-scape for small and climate-conscious teams and individuals. It’s more than coworking, it’s co-living too with three homemade meals a day and a lovely, countryside feeling.

Cost: starting at €993 ($1,120) pp / month – but remember that housing is also included

Find out more: Mokrin House

Naked Hub Jiuxiangiao – Beijing, China

Naked Hub has six locations in Beijing alone. For many local upstarts with global ambitions, this is the perfect home to share ideas and start creating. You even get an executive assistant to help you excel, and the open floor plans really invite people in for collaboration.

Cost: 1800RMB ($259) pp / month

Find out more: Naked Hub Jiuxianqiao

New Women Space – Brooklyn, NY, USA

This place is too important not to be mentioned. “100% of our programming is led by women, femme, queer, transgender and gender nonconforming individuals,” writes the Brooklyn-based coworking space.

They’re looking to create equal opportunities and a supportive, safe space for the LGBTQ community, and we salute them for that. You can become a volunteer at New Women Space as well or help them out financially by “adopting” one of their monthly bills. They offer discounts on various partnerships too.

Cost: Rental rates are based on income and cheaper for members. Income less than 20K for members – $75/hour rate pp

Find out more: New Women Space

REBEL Work Space – Copenhagen, Denmark

REBEL Work Space in Copenhagen (same city as our HQ) is not just a workspace. It’s built with a strong focus on aesthetics and designed to foster collaboration across disciplines.

Many of their rooms are equipped with Airtame to support all the different kinds of professionals working there (we wrote an article about their beautiful place here).

Cost: starting prices at DKK2,000 ($305) pp / month

Find out more: REBEL Work Space

Sustainable Valley – Byron Bay, Australia

Sustainable Valley isn’t called “sustainable” for nothing. The coworking community in Byron Bay, Australia, is focused on operating in an environmentally friendly way. Their workspace is simple with luscious greenery to go with the hardwood interior and they feature both indoor and outdoor amenities.

Cost: starts at AUS25 ($21) pp / day

Find out more: Sustainable Valley

Urban Station San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina

With coworking spaces in more than 12 locations (spanning 5 different countries), Urban Station is steadfastly becoming the WeWork behemoth of Latin America, plus Egypt.

Their most attractive plan in San Telmo, Buenos Aires is a drop-in, pay-as-you-go pricing structure that makes it more affordable for young innovators to join the coworking community.

Cost: $29 pp / day

Find out more: Urban Station San Telmo

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La Vaca Coworking – Barcelona, Spain

Based in a former dairy shop (“la vaca” means “the cow”), La Vaca is now a bustling coworking space in the heart of Poble Sec, Barcelona.

If you join La Vaca, be sure to enjoy their many events such as workshops, sports activities, art exhibitions and many other interesting things that will help you get to know your fellow “Vaqueros” and the city. There’s even a monthly paella day for coworkers in the space, encouraging collaboration and team building. 

Cost: starts at €90 ($102) pp / month

Find out more: La Vaca Coworking

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WeWork South Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY, USA

There’s two WeWork spots in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. We prefer the Southside joint, which overlooks the Williamsburg bridge and is a mere two-minute walk from the newly vamped Domino Park, overlooking the East River.

It’s not just great if you need a “hot desk” to drop in and get to work along with other brilliant minds, it’s a frontrunner in community-driven engagement. Better still, we’re proud to call this place our second home. Join us at the nitro cold brew coffee draft if you’re in the area!

Cost: from $475 pp / month

Find out more: WeWork South Williamsburg

Workplace One – Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

The location on Peter Street in Toronto is the newest addition to the Workplace One lineup that opens up in January.

We think you better show your interest quick! Ask anyone in the know – the Waterloo region is becoming one of the more significant areas in the tech world, with the highest startup density of any area globally outside of Silicon Valley.

Workplace One is known for having open and light workspaces with flexible options for members, such as virtual offices, private offices, dedicated desks, and coworking spaces.

Cost: $225 pp / month

Find out more: Workplace One

What does the future hold for coworking spaces?

The coworking trend is growing because more and more choose a life of freelancing. That means amenities need to keep up with the growing number too. While a complimentary gym area could work for the young freelancer with no kids right now, that same freelancer could want daycare amenities in the future.

Another thing we could see on the rise is the community feeling that goes along with coworking. That means cooking classes, sightseeing and learning together with your fellow coworkers. With regular colleagues, you rub elbows every day, whereas coworkers in a coworking space basically choose whom to hang out with.

If establishments are able to match these increased off-work benefits with cutting-edge technology and strong organizational flow then the future of coworking will continue to shine brightly.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Reach out to us and tell us about it.

Curious about what we do? Watch this short video explaining how the Airtame 2 is the perfect tool for easy collaboration in a co-working and business environment:

The post The best coworking spaces around the world appeared first on Airtame.

Usually at some point in every business, startup or otherwise, you realize you can’t take of everything by yourself. That’s when it’s time to hire someone who can do the job more efficiently than you, freeing up that time for you to bring income to the company.

It’s an often overlooked position, filled by an unsung hero. Not only does an office manager help create flow within the business, they keep the whole ship afloat, and everyone onboard happy.

We believe an office manager is essential to a smooth-running office, especially in an ever-changing environment like that of a growing company.

Wait, what is an “office manager”?

The office manager’s responsibilities vary depending on the size and type of organization. The role tends to take many forms, ranging from financial overseer and liability supervisor to recruitment officer and secretary. They are the jack of all trades in any office, fulfilling roles and duties that fluctuate over time just like your business.

Airtame has its very own office manager too. Her name is Ana Visan, and she’s been working with us since the beginning of 2018. She’s from Romania, but now she’s based here with us in Copenhagen where she acts as the backbone of our HQ office.

When the company’s growth is skyrocketing and transitioning from an intimate, cozy group of 20-30 people to a bigger company of 70-100 employees, it can be quite a challenge to keep up with the same casual and liberal culture. Ana is a true office savior. She keeps up the same cozy working environment without weighing it down with impersonal policies and forms.

In tribute to the amazing work Ana does at Airtame, and in celebration of hard-working office managers everywhere, we’ve compiled a list of eight reasons why an office manager will enhance your business.

1. Culture booster

The office manager is one of the few people other than the CEO or senior staff members who interact with all employees of all levels every day. Having a central point of contact offers stability in a chaotic environment and could also generate a better sense of community. They do this by overseeing social calendars, keeping everyone in the loop and establishing a concise onboarding process. A strong office manager can act as a human troubleshooter who spends time nurturing social connections and working relationships across all departments.

2. Organizational overview

Many business owners take it upon themselves to handle day-to-day office operations, but it takes away time from growth potential and business opportunities in the long run. It’s a demanding responsibility to oversee many different operational tasks, but it’s something an office manager with stellar organizational skills handles well.

Everyone knows that coordination between top management and floor workers doesn’t always run seamlessly, and that’s where the office manager can shine. Handing over responsibilities can be painful, because you, as a business owner, would like a good grip on everything that goes on in the company. Delegating tasks can help you focus on ROI tasks and achieving your goals while the office manager takes care of administrative work.

3. Facilities management

Imagine a situation where you have an important business meeting planned – prospective clients are visiting the office and while they’re mainly concerned about what you have to offer, they will notice the general tidiness of your office. Who takes care of the toilet when it stops working? That light bulb that needs replacing?  While the office manager can’t fix every practical issue, they can find someone who can.

4. Equipment and supplies

Chances are that you will run out of toilet paper at some point. You don’t know the content of every shelf and cabinet, but your office manager does, and that’s why they’re a lifesaver in many cases.

5. Backbone of the business

An office manager can bring a sense of realism to a work environment. When sales targets or engineering hackathons highlight the ambition and growth of a company, an office manager provides just the dose of realism needed for a workforce not to lose sight of the present.

6. Secretary superstar

Keeping track of meeting schedules, lunch terms and supply prices fall under the remit of an office manager. The office manager isn’t your personal secretary, but some secretarial duties are best done by an all-hands person in your office.

7. Financial operator

Depending on what type of business you run, you might need an extra pair of hands to take care of financial issues, such as making sure bills are paid on time. In the end, your business could save money by having an office manager because they know how to negotiate prices. They remember where the good deals are on hardware, lunch and office supplies, and they know when to restock.

If you experience steady growth, you will need to relocate at some point. That’s when the office manager comes in handy. They know every person working in your company as well as their needs, and that’s why they’ll excel at figuring out whether a potential new space is the right fit. The logistics involved with a move is a time-consuming job for any person, and it takes away your focus. Leave it to your experienced office manager instead.

8. HR duties

A good office manager will create an office handbook or update the current one. They will have the answers to questions about personal holidays, sick days or maternity leave.

They enforce the rules, so you don’t have to, but at the same time they’re the go-to person if any issues occur. It’s smart to have that central point of communication that everyone can rely on instead of asking questions left and right. Concerns will be answered a lot faster, and your employees will be happier.

As we’ve outlined, an office manager is a vital member of any business. And yet, they are probably the most under-appreciated. When was the last time you asked how they are doing of if they need help?

If you have an office manager, remember to always respect them and say thank you every once in a while. With them, the amount of work you’ll be able to get done will increase along with the quality. Without them … need we say more?

Interested in a job at Airtame? We’re hiring! Take a look at our open positions.

The post 8 reasons why you need an office manager appeared first on Airtame.

This is what Rainmaking Loft is facilitating. Rainmaking Loft is a co-working hub for tech entrepreneurs located in three European capitals: London, Berlin and Copenhagen.

Here, startups can rent a desk and get access to all the facilities needed when starting a company. But the real gem is becoming a part of the melting pot with more than 700 creative and bright minds spread over the three cities.

At Airtame we are naturally very interested in the startup environment, which is why we were very excited to learn that Rainmaking Loft uses Airtames to work more efficiently. We sat down with Kristian Justesen, Managing Director for the Copenhagen space, to learn more about how Rainmaking Loft makes it easier to be an entrepreneur and how AIRTAME helps them.

Can you share with us what makes Rainmaking Loft special?

One of the key factors behind Rainmaking Loft is that we collect all the things entrepreneurs need under one roof. Not only the physical elements but also different stakeholders such as business angels, media partners, large corporations and capital funds in general.

When visiting Rainmaking Loft one of the most striking things is the design of the 3200m2 office space located at one of the most coveted locations in Copenhagen. When entering the building the clean lines, bright rooms and warm atmosphere instantly welcome you. And that is not a coincidence.

Why Airtame?

We have a few elements we focus on when we create the co-working spaces. One of those elements is aesthetics. We are very into the Scandinavian way of living and interior design. Airtame fits perfectly into that environment because it helps to remove clutter and cables resulting in a nicer solution.

Streaming with Airtame proved to be a good fit for the company and the startups that reside there. Therefore, we decided to equip 7 meeting rooms and a large event space with Airtames.

Airtame allows everybody to stream wirelessly everywhere, and help ease the workflow of Rainmaking Loft. Plus, we got it up and running in seconds.

With the number of people and companies going in and out of the meeting rooms at Rainmaking Loft, it’s important to have a solution that works smoothly for everybody. Everybody has their own computer brand and operating system. Airtame works with all of them.

What are your values at Rainmaking Loft?

We believe entrepreneurs are the heroes of our time. Our payoff is: Heroes at work. Without entrepreneurs in the world, we would not be where we are. Take yourselves as an example. You have done something amazing with Airtame and entrepreneurs around the world do things that affect a lot of people all the time.

The more heroes in the world the better. Therefore Kristian Justesen has one piece of advice for all the would be entrepreneurs out there (a piece of advice that may seem simple and intuitive for most people in the startup community

Be part of a community. Share your idea and get inputs from others. And most of all, do not be afraid of sharing and discussing your idea. It only gets better from doing that.

If you are sitting in either London, Berlin or Copenhagen and are interested in having a desk in their coworking hub, check out Rainmaking Loft’s website to see their services and pricing.

If you also want to upgrade your meeting rooms at your company or coworking space, please get in touch or simply go to the Airtame shop and get your own right away.

The post How Rainmaking Loft uses Airtame to become a wireless coworking space appeared first on Airtame.