Coworking or Co-working? What’s the difference? Is there a difference?
Well, in the realm of flexible workspaces, there exists a passionate, longstanding debate: Is it coworking or co-working? While both variations are commonly used, the question of which spelling is correct remains a subject of contention.
So, where do we stand?
Let’s go back to the beginning🌱
The term “coworking” emerged in the early 2000s as a descriptor for a new type of workspace that emphasized collaboration and community. It was coined by software engineer Brad Neuberg, who founded the first official coworking space in San Francisco. (You can read all about his journey on his blog here). It’s worth noting that he calls it ‘Coworking’ throughout his story 👀
Cultural Impact and Usage ✨
As coworking gained popularity and the movement spread globally, the spelling started to evolve. Over time, the hyphen in “co-working” (previously mostly meant to refer to working with your colleagues) began to disappear, and “coworking” gained momentum as the preferred form. This shift was likely influenced by the prevalence of technology terms written as a single word, such as “email” and “website.” The streamlined spelling aligns with modern linguistic trends and reflects the contemporary nature of coworking spaces.
Moreover, the spelling of “coworking” without a hyphen has become widely adopted in coworking communities, industry publications, and marketing materials. It has become the dominant form in everyday usage and has gained recognition and acceptance within the coworking ecosystem.
Finding Common Ground 🤝
Of course, in the grand scheme of things, the spelling discrepancy between coworking and co-working may not be a definitive matter. The evolution of language is pretty fluid, and it’s not uncommon for compound words to transition from hyphenated to unhyphenated forms over time.
Ultimately, what matters most is clear communication and understanding. As long as the intended meaning is conveyed, the choice between “coworking” and “co-working” becomes a matter of personal preference.
So, whether you choose to embrace the streamlined “coworking”, like us, or prefer the traditional “co-working,” the essence of this collaborative workspace movement remains unchanged. It is a testament to the changing nature of work, fostering innovation, community, and connection among professionals from diverse backgrounds.
In conclusion, let us celebrate the spirit of coworking, regardless of how we choose to spell it 🎉
So, fancy giving coworking a try? If you’re in South Wales, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll give you a little tour to see if we’re a good fit for you ✨
NEXT: Read about How Coworking Can Boost Your Mental Health.
Check out our coworking options here or email [email protected] for more details.
