Who uses coworking spaces?
By now, you’ve probably heard of coworking spaces, where professionals share flexible, fully-equipped workspaces with a community of teams and individuals. But you might be wondering who is actually doing this coworking thing. Young professionals in tech? Seasoned consultants working a part-time schedule? A secret third option?
We’re here to tell you that coworking is for every type of business and professional—and we do mean every type, from creatives to entrepreneurs to enterprise companies. Find out why coworking is becoming a more popular workplace solution across industries.
Key Takeaways:
- Coworking is a convenient and flexible alternative to working from a corporate or home office.
- Companies and individuals alike utilize coworking spaces to fit their needs.
- Coworking spaces can help workers feel more connected and productive during the workday.
Architects
Coworking spaces for architects offer flexible alternatives to traditional office spaces without sacrificing critical amenities such as large, flat-surface worktables, high-speed internet, networking opportunities, and meeting rooms for meetings and presentations.
Architecture firms use coworking spaces when they need scalable workspace options as project demands change and their businesses grow. They also benefit from proximity to other architecture, engineering, and construction firms. A bonus for architects using coworking spaces is that they are often modern spaces with innovative design—built-in inspiration!
Creatives
Think coworking is just for tech bros? Think again. Coworking spaces for creatives are growing in popularity. Many creatives thrive in a shared work environment, but that often means working in places like busy coffee shops or cafes. Coworking spaces give creatives the space to work and network, but without the distractions and inconveniences of working in coffee shops and cafes. They can also be affordable alternatives to pricey private office or studio spaces.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs have a reputation for being scrappy and getting stuff done. That’s what makes coworking spaces for entrepreneurs so appealing—they get access to flexible, resource-rich workspaces and amenities at an affordable price point. They don’t have to worry about securing IT support or high-speed internet, or other time-consuming and expensive operational concerns. With coworking spaces, entrepreneurs get the tools and environment they need to succeed and scale their ventures. Some coworking spaces even have membership options with office space for entrepreneurs that combine the benefits of coworking with dedicated private offices.
Freelancers
Finding clients, managing invoices, juggling multiple projects at once…freelancing is hard enough without having to worry about securing an expensive office space. Coworking space for freelancers is the perfect middle ground between working at home from an uncomfortable couch and spending an eye-watering amount on a private lease.
Benefits of coworking for freelancers include: financial flexibility, networking and community, a collaborative environment, and ease of access for clients. Many freelancers also choose coworking spaces as a way to improve their professional image.
Individuals
Although coworking spaces are becoming more popular for companies and teams, they’re also a great option for individuals who need a place where they can get work done. Coworking spaces for individuals offer a variety of services that may not be available to them in home offices or even traditional offices. From people cutting down on their commute time to work-from-homers discovering it can be challenging to work from home, coworking spaces can be crucial for maintaining work-life balance. A bonus: gaining access to office space for individuals alongside all of the amenities of coworking memberships!
Interior Designers
Okay, we’re brave enough to say it: most office spaces look like a set from Severance. How are you supposed to get inspired in a place like that? Many coworking spaces, on the other hand, are intentionally designed for comfort, productivity, and aesthetics. This is why more people are considering coworking spaces for interior designers—they need a place to work that combines form and function, without exorbitant costs. Get lost in your work, not in a maze of cubicles. And for folks who need more privacy, many coworking networks also offer office space for interior designers that are flexible and stocked with all of the must-have amenities.
Nonprofits
Many organizations don’t have a lot of budget for office space, especially nonprofits. Coworking spaces for nonprofits are a cost-effective way to get fully-equipped, collaborative workspaces that help mission-driven organizations maximize their impact without being a drain on resources. Being a member of a network of coworking spaces is especially beneficial because it enhances a nonprofit’s professional image and allows nonprofit leaders to meet with volunteers, donors, and sponsors in convenient locations.
Lawyers
Quiet space for research, private areas for taking confidential calls, and professional-looking rooms for hosting client meetings. These are the benefits of using coworking and office space for lawyers, with virtually none of the downsides from long-term leases and office management. Leave the expensive, drab offices for other legal professionals!
Parents
An important meeting in the morning, a can’t-miss track meet in the afternoon, and you have an hour-long commute both ways. Sound familiar? Parents don’t just have to maintain their own busy schedules—they have to juggle multiple and still show up productively. This is where coworking spaces for parents come in. Rather than choosing between traffic to get to the office or working in the car because you’re on the clock, parents with coworking memberships can access a network of conveniently-placed workspaces that work with their workdays.
Startups
Did you know that companies like Uber, Spotify, and Instagram all started in coworking spaces? It’s not surprising that coworking spaces for startups are so popular. Coworking is flexible, full of opportunities to network and build community, and substantially more affordable than long-term office leases. Not to mention that coworking spaces are usually home to a thriving community of entrepreneurs and professionals who need innovative working solutions that will scale with them.
Students
Studying is hard enough. But trying to study in an apartment with three roommates and no good quiet space? Yikes. Coworking spaces for students offer everything you need for academic success: high-speed internet, comfortable, productive spaces, and access to resources like printers and scanners. Plus, coworking spaces typically have flexible hours and affordable membership options, making them a desirable alternative to traditional libraries or home study.
Therapists
Therapists need private, comfortable spaces that create a confidential environment for client sessions. Coworking spaces for therapists offer just that—alongside flexible booking options, top-notch amenities, and a supportive professional community. Therapists and other wellness professionals can use coworking spaces to meet financial constraints, improve access for clients, and ensure they always have a confidential, professional space for taking meetings. Office space for therapists through coworking memberships can also provide much-needed privacy while offering more networking opportunities.
Writers
Some writers prefer to work in busy, noisy spaces, while others need absolute quiet to be productive. Coworking spaces for writers are a great middle ground, with access to collaborative spaces for networking (and people-watching), and private spaces where they can switch on do-not-disturb mode and get into a flow state. Need more peace and quiet? Many coworking spaces also offer office space for writers that don’t require pricey long-term leases.
Coworking spaces enable the future of work
64% of organizations use a hybrid model of work that includes remote and office work. 84% of employees say they’re more productive when they can choose where they work. 46% of U.S. employees say they would be unlikely to stay in their job if they could no longer work remotely.
The trend is clear: people want flexible work options that make work work for them. Coworking spaces make that possible.
Workbar offers a regional network of coworking and private office spaces in Greater Boston. All of our Workbar locations are designed to boost productivity and intentionally placed for convenience and access. Ready to try coworking that works? Book a tour for more info!
FAQs
What are the benefits of coworking?
There are many benefits to coworking. In our experience, people choose to join coworking spaces for the following reasons:
- Hybrid work model
- Large corporations use them for remote teams, distributed offices, etc
- Cost savings
- Networking opportunities
- All the amenities of an office
- Access that fits their schedules
Why is coworking popular?
For many professionals, coworking is a popular alternative to working from home or a corporate office. Coworking spaces are conveniently located, which cuts down on commute time and gives professionals more time back in their days. Coworking spaces have also been proven to increase productivity, social interaction, and concentration.
What types of professionals use coworking spaces?
Every kind of professional uses coworking spaces! From solo freelancers to employees of large corporations, coworking spaces attract a wide range of members. Most people choose coworking because they desire flexibility, productivity, and community in their workdays.