Introduction of Coworking: Types, Trends, and Business Impact :

Whether you run a large corporation or a small business, whether you're a startup or an established company, there's a shared attraction in coworking that transcends these distinctions – flexibility. Coworking spaces, with their tailored setups, adaptable lease terms, and an array of enticing amenities, cater to diverse needs and occasions. However, the challenge lies in determining which type aligns best with your specific requirements and objectives.

To provide you with a clearer understanding of the available options, we will explore nine fundamental categories of coworking office spaces. While acknowledging the abundance of diverse choices in the market, organizing flexible spaces can be a challenging task. Nonetheless, for the sake of our discussion, we will classify coworking space types into eleven distinct environments.

1. Conventional/Open
2. High-End/Full-Service
3. Corporate/Professional
4. Private Workspaces
5. Minimal/Bare Bones
6. Shared Space/Subleased
7. Lifestyle
8. Industry-Specific/Specialized
9. Venture/Accelerated
10. Meeting Space
11. Virtual Offices

As we explore each environment, pay attention to the characteristics that align with your organization. Once you gain a clearer understanding of which type or types suit your needs best, use them as a guide to navigate your search for coworking space that aligns with your vision, team, and expectations.

What is Coworking?

Coworking emerged in 2005 in San Francisco's Mission District within a small collective that operated just two days a week. This initial group experienced exponential growth, laying the foundation for the current flourishing state of coworking.

In essence, coworking provides a cost-effective means of securing dedicated office space in expensive urban and exurban markets, presenting a stark contrast to traditional commercial real estate options. However, coworking extends beyond the provision of an additional desk and shared Wi-Fi. It can be tailored to individual or collaborative needs, accommodating full-time or part-time arrangements, and offering a nearly limitless range of space configurations.

Today, coworking spaces cater to a diverse array of businesses and professionals, providing amenities typically associated with sophisticated corporate headquarters. The available space types vary widely, encompassing private offices, communal workspaces, conference rooms, and expansive event venues.

Furthermore, some coworking spaces target specific interests and industries, facilitating opportunities for individuals to collaborate with potential mentors. These specialized spaces are designed for various groups, such as creative professionals, tech companies, women entrepreneurs, and more.

Should You Consider Renting a Coworking Space?

While the concept of coworking initially took root in San Francisco, it has transcended big cities and tech-focused companies. Indeed, this innovative approach has been adopted across a spectrum of professions and organizational structures, ranging from real estate brokerages to artist collectives.

Above all, coworking spaces aim to offer a secure and convenient operational hub, mitigating the challenges and distractions associated with working from home or a local coffee shop. They blend professional services and setups with unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, providing an optimal environment for diverse individuals and businesses.

Key Points on Types of Coworking Spaces:

Choosing the right coworking space involves considering various types tailored to different needs:

1. Conventional/Open:

Provides an open and collaborative environment.
Characterized by a casual and well-lit atmosphere, fostering networking and cooperation.
Attracts a broad spectrum of individuals and entities.

2. High-End/Full-Service:

Offers luxury amenities and additional membership benefits.
Often has a vibrant and open atmosphere similar to popular examples like WeWork.
Generally comes with higher price points, targeting those seeking a more upscale experience.

3. Corporate/Professional:

Geared towards a more corporate or professional clientele.
Budget-friendly with a focus on a quiet, private, and highly professional atmosphere.
Examples include Regus, catering to larger, established businesses.

4. Private Workspaces:

Tailored for companies or teams valuing privacy.
Features lockable doors, private branding, and exclusive facilities.
While more expensive, it provides flexibility and the privacy of a traditional office.

5. Minimal/Bare Bones:

Emphasizes affordability with minimal furniture and decor.
Typically offers basic amenities like Wi-Fi and limited extras.
Provides a quiet, casual environment with cost-effectiveness as a primary factor.

6. Shared Space/Subleased:

Involves using space chosen or designed by another entity.
Budget-friendly, but the environment varies based on the property's characteristics.

7. Lifestyle:

Encompasses diverse environments like coffee shops, gyms, or apartments.
Atmosphere is often well-lit, energetic, and casual.
Privacy is limited, and pricing varies based on the underlying business.

8. Industry-Specific/Specialized:

Tailored to specific industries such as healthcare, law, or creative sectors.
Offers more privacy and customization to meet the unique needs of particular professions.

9. Venture/Accelerated:

Attracts startups and accelerators seeking a collaborative and innovative environment.
Generally budget-friendly with a more relaxed and energetic atmosphere.

10. Meeting Space:

Allows companies to rent space for meetings without committing to a daily office.
Suitable for businesses adapting to post-pandemic work styles.

11. Virtual Offices:

Focuses on office management needs, providing a physical address and professional meeting space.
Monthly costs vary, offering small companies and solo entrepreneurs a professional office without significant rental expenses.

In conclusion, the extensive variety in coworking spaces caters to diverse preferences and requirements. Individuals and teams can find the most suitable option by conducting thorough research, understanding their specific needs, and, if necessary, seeking advice from coworking advisors.

Advantages of Coworking Spaces:

1. Collaboration: 

Coworking spaces facilitate regular face time, promoting collaboration for increased efficiency and effective communication within teams or companies.

2. Cooperation: 

Shared work environments enable better task delegation, workflow monitoring, and enhanced oversight on long-term projects, contributing to operational efficiency.

3. Mentoring: 

Opportunities for advanced training, workshops, and collaboration with leaders in the field create avenues for networking, mentorship, and long-term professional connections.

4. Affordability: 

Small teams and businesses benefit from cost-effective, flexible arrangements, avoiding the challenges of acquiring and maintaining commercial real estate. Short-term rentals for various needs are available.

5. Flexibility: 

Coworking spaces offer diverse options, from open-concept spaces to dedicated offices, allowing companies to tailor their workspace to unique specifications and work in various ways.

6. Accountability: 

Informal community connections in coworking spaces provide support, helping members stay on track with their goals and fostering accountability.

7. Networking: 

The workspace connections contribute to exponential growth in professional networks, offering opportunities for referrals, interactions with industry leaders, and staying informed about market trends.

8. Support: 

Many coworking spaces provide support services such as administrative assistance, mail delivery, event planning, and tech support, typically associated with larger companies.

9. Amenities: 

Luxury amenities like fitness studios, shower rooms, and relaxation spaces are available in many coworking spaces. Onsite dining and social spaces enhance the overall work experience.

10. Location: 

Coworking spaces are not limited to big cities; they are also available in suburban and exurban areas, offering convenience, time savings, and reduced commutes.

Impact of Coworking on Business Growth:

1. Adaptation to Remote Work : Companies, including major ones like LexisNexis, Boeing, and REI, have embraced remote work, divesting from corporate campuses. Coworking spaces provide dedicated offices and collaboration areas for teams transitioning to remote work.

2. Resilience During Economic Challenges : Despite a temporary dip in Q2 2020, coworking spaces rebounded in the second half of the year, aligning with current trends in commercial real estate, remote work policies, and geographic shifts. The decline in traditional commercial real estate is being replaced by the growth of coworking spaces.

3. Population Shift and Geographic Distribution : The shift from urban to suburban living contributes to the growth of coworking spaces in newly in-demand residential areas, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Future of Coworking:

1. Exponential Growth: Projections indicate significant growth in coworking, with estimates suggesting that 6% of all US business will be conducted in shared spaces by 2022. Global growth is expected to surpass that of North America.

2. Diverse Clientele: The rise of new enterprise and corporate clients, along with the popularity of private workspaces, signals substantial growth in the years ahead.

Considerations for Decision-Makers:

1. Office Purpose and Amenities: Decision-makers prioritize defining the purpose of office space and determining the necessary amenities for team members.

2. Company Culture and Collaboration: Coworking addresses the need for in-person collaborative workspaces, fostering company culture and teamwork.

3. Technical Infrastructure: Decision-makers consider the technical infrastructure and the need for ongoing upgrades in coworking environments.

4. Recruitment and Retention: Coworking spaces contribute to the recruitment and retention of employees, offering attractive workspaces.

5. Client Attraction and Retention: Coworking facilitates attracting and retaining clients through shared spaces and collaborative environments.

6. Return on Investment: Decision-makers evaluate the office return on investment and the visibility provided by coworking spaces.

7. Health and Safety: The private office environment in coworking spaces meets health and safety requirements, providing a secure workspace.

8. Cost and Space Flexibility: Coworking addresses the need for cost and space flexibility during periods of significant change or growth, offering scalable solutions.

Conclusion : 

In conclusion, ​coworking spaces emerge as key contributors to business growth, addressing various challenges faced by business owners and decision-makers in the evolving commercial landscape post-2020.