Embracing Flexibility and Collaboration in the New Era of Work
The way we work has changed. Flexibility is more important than ever, both in terms of work patterns but also environment. The rise of working from home has had a big impact on industries across the world, but many professionals are opting for a hybrid approach to their working week and are choosing coworking over a traditional office space.
But what is coworking? đ€
At its core, coworking embodies the spirit of collaboration. It’s a space where professionals from various industries, and backgrounds come together to work side by side instead of opting for the home office or a coffee shop.
Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces foster an environment of openness, community, and resource-sharing. With flexible membership options and a wide range of amenities, coworking spaces have become a vibrant hub for freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups, and even remote employees from established companies.
Coworking spaces often offer a range of amenities, including desks, private offices, meeting rooms, high speed internet, printers and communal areas. They foster a sense of community and encourage interaction and collaboration among members, creating a supportive, productive and inspiring work environment.
Where did it all start? đ±
With the rise of portable computers (laptops) in the early 2000s, being productive on the go became a reality and many freelancers and business owners were opting to work out of coffee shops and similar spaces.
However, the first official coworking space was opened in 2005 by software engineer, Brad Neuberg. Brad wanted to combine the social benefits of working in a team with being self employed so started renting a space from his friends at Spiral Muse (a feminist collective in the Mission district in San Francisco) for two days a week with the aim of renting desks out to the fellow self employed.
You can read all about his journey here.
In 2008, the global financial crash and subsequent recession changed the world of work further. Businesses failed or downsized causing huge job losses and many people turned to self-employment.
In the early 2010s coworking really began to take off and giants like Wework plus smaller independent spaces started cropping up across the world – including of course, our very own Welsh ICE which was born in 2012 âš
The Covid-19 global pandemic changed things again when social distancing came into effect and people were forced to work from home. Since then, greater flexibility is expected in both how people work and where they work, so coworking became an attractive option.
As of a report in 2022, there was an estimated 19,400 coworking spaces in the world. That’s a whole lot of coworkers!
Who uses coworking spaces? đą
Well, it kind of depends. But almost anyone can benefit from coworking.
The average age of coworking space members is 36 and according to recent reports there’s roughly a 50/50 split of male and female coworkers.
There are also lots of coworking spaces that are tailored towards specific industries such as tech, but a good chunk (like Welsh ICE) are accessible for all.
Generally, the main people who use coworking spaces are:
Freelancers and Consultants
These individuals often seek an alternative to working from home or coffee shops, desiring a dedicated workspace that provides a professional environment and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Entrepreneurs and Startups
Coworking spaces offer an ideal setting for entrepreneurs and startup teams to establish their businesses. These spaces provide a cost-effective solution compared to renting traditional office spaces, and they also offer an ecosystem of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, support, and potential business partnerships.
Remote Workers
With the rise of remote work, many professionals now have the freedom to work from anywhere. Coworking spaces provide remote workers with a physical space to separate their work life from their home environment. They offer reliable infrastructure, networking opportunities, and a sense of structure that can boost productivity and motivation.
Small Businesses and Small Teams
Small businesses with a few employees or small teams within larger organizations often opt for coworking spaces. These spaces can accommodate their specific needs, providing flexibility in terms of space requirements and the ability to scale as the business grows. Coworking spaces also offer access to shared amenities and services that may be cost-prohibitive for small teams to maintain independently.
Digital Nomads
Coworking spaces have become a haven for digital nomads, individuals who embrace a location independent lifestyle and work remotely while traveling. These professionals can find a temporary workspace in coworking spaces as they explore different cities and countries, benefiting from the amenities and networking opportunities available.
Corporate Employees
Traditional companies are increasingly recognizing the advantages of coworking spaces for their employees. Some companies provide their remote workers with coworking memberships to ensure they have access to a productive work environment. Additionally, employees visiting different cities for business purposes can utilize coworking spaces as a flexible and professional workspace away from their home office.
Overall, coworking spaces cater to a wide range of professionals seeking an environment that promotes productivity, collaboration, and community. The inclusive nature of these spaces fosters diversity, encouraging interaction and knowledge-sharing among individuals from various industries, backgrounds, and work arrangements.
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 âš
NEXT: Read about How Coworking Can Boost Your Mental Health.
Check out our coworking options here or email [email protected] for more details.
