What is coworking?

This article will answer the following questions:

• 01 |

What is coworking?

• 02 |

Why is coworking so popular?

• 03 |

What are the benefits of coworking?

• 04 |

What is the history of coworking?

An alternative to working from home or in a private office, coworking’s popularity is on the rise, with freelancers, solopreneurs and start-ups consistently choosing dedicated coworking office space over other workspace options.

But what is coworking, how might it benefit you, and how much will it cost?

Whether you’re serious about finding a coworking space or still undecided as to whether it’s right for you, read on to have all your questions answered…

What is coworking?

In a nutshell, coworking happens when a variety of individuals and businesses share the same workspace.

Often, a dedicated coworking space will consist of a large common area, filled with desks and seating, in which different people and businesses will all work on their own projects under the same roof.

Coworking spaces also typically provide shared amenities, such as meeting rooms and kitchen facilities. Some also offer private, enclosed office spaces that businesses can hire out solely for their own use.

Why is coworking so popular?

Among sole traders, entrepreneurs and start-ups, coworking has boomed for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it can be said that coworking is the natural next step after starting your business from home or working in a public space. It can offer benefits you wouldn’t get at home or in your local cafe or library. For example, you might decide you’d like:

• A business address and a professional setting in which to meet with clients and/or investors
• A designated place for your employees – whether you’re hiring now or plan to in the future – to work together
• More distance between your work life and your home life, meaning you can be more productive while at work and switch off when you leave
• More face-to-face contact with peers, and a sense of community with fellow entrepreneurs

But what makes coworking a better next step than, for example, getting your own office?

Well, coworking is cheaper – and much more flexible – than leasing your own private space, meaning that it provides an excellent alternative while you’re still establishing and growing your business.

As well as monthly payments to a coworking space typically costing less than rental payments for a private office, the terms in a coworking space contract are often much more flexible than those in a commercial lease.

While the latter will tend to lock you into a business premises for a minimum of five years, the former will usually ask for a minimum of just one month, and will only require a month’s notice if you decide to leave.

Not to mention that the advancement of modern technology has made coworking easy. With cloud-based software and portable smart devices, crucial tools such as files, programs, emails and calls can be accessed anywhere.

In practice, this means entrepreneurs no longer need to stay glued to their home computers, and businesses no longer need to run offices kitted out with dedicated equipment. Instead, employees can operate effectively using their own devices in any wifi-connected workspace.

As well as all of this, coworking also offers a range of benefits to members, which play a part in how popular it has become…

What are the benefits of coworking?

We’ve explored the key reasons that you might choose to cowork in the section above. However, alongside these driving factors, coworking spaces also offer a range of other perks and benefits designed to make the day-to-day running of your business easier. These include…

Access to business-crucial amenities

Coworking office spaces tend to provide everything you need to run a business smoothly, including:

• Speedy wifi
• Equipment such as printers and scanners
• Meeting compartments and conference rooms

The potential to save on daily costs

Many coworking spaces also offer amenities – such as kitchen facilities, hot drinks like tea and coffee, and snacks like fruit, bread and biscuits – for free, meaning you can save on the cost of buying them yourself.

Some coworking spaces also offer enticing perks, such as free breakfasts or lunches on certain days or free drinks on certain evenings.

Opportunities to network and collaborate

In a coworking space, you’ll likely be surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs who are starting, growing or running their own businesses. This means that opportunities to swap advice, share experiences and collaborate on projects – ultimately making valuable connections with peers – will be rife.

Many coworking spaces even encourage these relationships by putting on free networking events and workshops for members.

Modern and stimulating working environments

Unlike traditional office blocks, lots of coworking spaces put design and atmosphere at the forefront. Many house sleek, modern, colourful and quirky furnishings and decor, making for a more stimulating and enjoyable workspace environment.

Larger facilities also tend to house cafes or lounges in which you can work if sitting at a desk isn’t quite your thing.

What’s next?

If you’re considering coworking and would like to get an idea of which coworking spaces will best suit your needs – and how much it’ll cost you to work there – try filling in the form at the top of this page.

After you’ve filled in your answers, you’ll receive tailored quotes from the coworking office space providers that best match what you’re looking for.