When the term “coworking” is heard, visions of casually dressed freelancers in modern and trendy spaces wired in with a laptop and a coffee nearby certainly spring to mind but this perception tends to overshadow the vast number of professionals and businesses who call coworking “home.” Contrary to popular myth, coworking spaces extend far beyond the freelancing world.
Sure, it’s undeniable that freelancers are a significant portion of the coworking community but these collaborative hubs are like bees to honey for professionals seeking comfort and convenience so, unsurprisingly, startups, medium-sized companies, remote teams, and even large corporations needing office space accommodations are also attracted to the industry and optimize these offered services.
“One of the things I like about coworking spaces is that there’s a lot of flexibility, especially for growing startups and small businesses,” said Eva Chan, a senior career expert at Resume Genius. You can scale your space as your team grows without being locked into a traditional lease.”
Startups find coworking spaces vastly appealing due to their flexibility and cost-efficiency considering cost is everything when you’re trying to build from scratch and don’t want to be crushed with the financial burden of a traditional office lease. Additional benefits such as networking opportunities in the shared space come with the territory.
The small and midsize enterprises (SME) may be more established than their startup counterparts but the requirements and concerns remain the same. Coworking spaces is advantageous for them mainly in terms of scalability. As the business grows, they can add more spaces/equipment or they can scale down depending on their circumstances which is difficult in a long-term commercial lease with infrastructure limitations.
Post-pandemic, remote teams have become an increasingly growing segment of the workforce landscape and they too, flock to coworking spaces. They could be a segment of a large corporation but feel on an island by themselves not being in an office. You don’t want the isolation of working from home but you also don’t want the office distractions. Coworking spaces fix this. Plus, you’re a part of the community and see your fellow coworking members at networking events or going to the community café. Comradery can still be achieved and also help with mental health.
Even corporations are recognizing the value of incorporating coworking spaces into their business model and strategies. They can serve as a cost-effective satellite office, a convenient meeting space with professional setting and the latest technology and a great spot for project collaborations which is often a welcome departure from the sterile corporate office environment
Apart from catering to a wide range of professionals, coworking spaces stand out by providing an array of amenities and services. While freelancers value flexibility and cost-effectiveness, every occupant reaps the rewards of shared resources like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, communal spaces, and administrative assistance. These offerings bridge the gap for businesses of any scale, granting access to resources that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
Moreover, the thriving community spirit nurtured in coworking spaces greatly enhances their allure. It transcends the physical setting, embracing a culture centered on collaboration, mutual support, and collective experiences. Through organized events, workshops, and networking sessions, these spaces become platforms for professional growth, the exchange of insights, and the establishment of meaningful connections—a perk cherished not only by freelancers but also by other professionals.
Like the town square, coworking spaces are a lively and collaborative workspace that welcome all across the professional spectrum. They’re the Swiss Army knives of workplaces, offering flexibility, a tight-knit community vibe, and must-have resources.
